Traditional governance and protection of rights and well-being of the tribal communities in the upland municipalities of Ilocos Sur

Abstract

Viewed to be significant to the tribal people of Bagos. Kankanaeys and Tingguians in the municipalities of Sigay, Gregorio del Pilar, Galimuyod and Cervantes, llocos Sur, the correspondingly provides these tribes an insight and evaluation of the extent of observance of their traditional governance and the level of awareness of their protection of rights and well-being. The respondents are in their middle age, relative to the tribal council members who are in their late adulthood. The key positions in administering the barangay affairs are ruled by males and most are married, high school graduates, and Catholics, Farming is the main source of income in the upland municipalities and the traditional governance is actively observed by the tribal communities. This is a manifestation that the government recognizes the customs of the tribal communities as part of the legal system in the Philippines. The tribal communities in the selected municipalities of Ilocos Sur are "very much aware" of the protection of their rights and well-being. They are also "very much aware" of their right to freely pursue economic, social and cultural development and "very much aware" of their right to determine priorities for development affecting lives, beliefs, institutions, and spiritual well-being.