Philippine E-Journals

Preliminary study on Panay Bukidnons' (of Central Philippines) astronomical views

Joji D. Linaugo | Aris C. Larroder | Clyde C. Larroder

Discipline: Research

 

Abstract:

There is a dearth of literature on cosmic views of Filipinos. Consequently, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) is asking the public to help it compile local legends about celestial objects for educational purposes. Early Filipinos have a rich knowledge of the heavens. Certain indigenous groups in the country, mostly their elders, retain the knowledge, which may be lost unless it is recorded or passed on to the next generation. This study is an attempt to document Panay-Bukidnons' astronomical lore and concepts. A semi-structured and focused-group interview was conducted with the Council of Elders of the Panay Bukidnon indigenous group. This was followed by an in-depth interview of the cosmic expert and other experts in related fields. Interviews were transcribed for text analysis using memory banking via the knowledge in astronomy of the indigenous people about the cosmos in general. It also substantiates the astronomical understanding through terminologies used by the Panay Bukidnons when referring to objects like the galaxies, sun, moon, stars (including constellations and/or asterisms), comets meteors, and astronomical phenomena. It also provides information how indigenous people perceive these astronomical objects and phenomena to their lives and culture.