Cultural and Spiritual Adaptations to Extreme Weather Events of Ethnic Farming Communities of the Three Watersheds Situated at Different Altitudinal Locations along Agno River Basin, Benguet and Pangasinan, Philippines

Abstract

Ethnic farming communities in Agno River Basin face climate stressors that threaten their agricultural production. This paper investigated and assessed the cultural/spiritual adaptations to climate variabilities and extremes of ethnic farming communities in Agno River Basin, Philippines. How the presence of these cultural/spiritual practices moderate or mitigate the effects of climate variabilities and extremes were likewise investigated.  The climate-related hazards considered in this study which are pronounced in the river basin are prolonged and extreme rainfall intensity, typhoons and extreme winds, drought, flood and occurrence of pests and diseases. These hazards are becoming more frequent and intense resulting to limited agricultural production. This paper considered only the sectors of agriculture/socioeconomic, water and health.  The descriptive method employed in this study was based on the works of Oppenheimer et al (2014); Saroar, Routray and Leal Filho (2015) and Brooks and Adgers(undated). The data-gathering activities were household survey using pre-tested questionnaires, focused group discussions and key informant interviews. The ethnic affiliations of the farming communities were I-Karao, Ibaloi, Kankanaey and Kalanguya tribes. Secondary data on changing rainfall and erratic temperature characteristics were consistent with the general perception of the ethnic farming communities.  Cultural/ spiritual traditions of Ethnic farming communities in the Agno River Basin form part of their adaptations to climate extremes and variabilities. The greatest number of rituals and activities (5) such as childless couples raising plant materials, burning of rice straws and Alay, Leppas, Maepdesan, and Ibkas or maboteng. are dedicated to ensuring a good harvest. Canyao, Libot, and Begnas are undertaken to prevent the occurrence of hazards. On the other hand, Ubob, Bayanihan, and Sakdo are adaptations to mitigate the impact of climate extremes and variabilities. Both Canyao and Leppas are also thanksgiving activities while Tagainep or dream interpretation serves as a coping mechanism.