Rice Science ›› 2015, Vol. 22 ›› Issue (3): 138-146.DOI: 10.1016/S1672-6308(14)60290-0

• Orginal Article • Previous Articles    

Biocultural Diversity of Sarangani Province, Philippines: An Ethno-Ecological Analysis

Lasalita Zapico Florence1(), Hazel Aguilar Catherine2, Abistano Angelie1, Carino Turner Josephine3, Jacinto Reyes Lolymar4   

  1. 1Science Department, College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, Mindanao State University-Fatima, General Santos 9500, the Philippines
    2Graduate School, Crop Science Cluster, University of the Philippines Los Baños, College, Laguna 4031, the Philippines
    3Galing Foundation Incorporated, Dole Philippines Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries Cooperative Inc. Homes, General Santos 9500, the Philippines
    4Sociology Department, College of Social Sciences and Humanities, Mindanao State University-Fatima, General Santos 9500, the Philippines
  • Received:2014-06-08 Accepted:2014-10-24 Online:2015-05-28 Published:2015-03-27

Abstract:

This paper discussed effects of lowland-associated influences on upland ecology, food security and biocultural diversity in the Sarangani farming communities of the Philippines. In the uplands of Sarangani Province, the conservation of traditional rice varieties, the centrality of rice in tribal life, and the continued observance of planting rituals attest to its cultural significance and convey a common desire for cultural preservation and community solidarity. Economic and socio-political pressures had transformed tribal communities, although vestiges of traditional farming systems are still being practiced in remote sitios (villages). Changing land use patterns had also resulted in shrinking farm sizes and consequently in food insecurity in the Sarangani uplands. Extractive industries (i.e. logging, mining and charcoal making) and swidden farming were observed to cause widespread environmental degradation, while modern agriculture had undermined the capacity of indigenous peoples to survive because of their complete dependence on lands and resources. With the reality that cultural and biological diversities are inextricably linked, trans-disciplinary strategies coupling indigenous knowledge systems with scientific knowledge should, therefore, be instituted to save the Sarangani upland ecosystem, the indigenous peoples and their tribal resources.

Key words: indigenous knowledge system, rice, swidden farming, traditional agriculture