Culture of Hanunuo-Mangyans in Occidental Mindoro, Philippines as a means for communicating natural resources management

The study aimed to analyze how the various elements of communication embedded in the cultural practices of Hanunuo-Mangyans on natural resource management (NRM) function to conserve their natural resources. Data were gathered from groups of respected elders of Hanunuo-Mangyans in 10 sitios of Magsaysay and San Jose, Occidental Mindoro. Ten groups with at least 10 members each served as data sources. Collective responses to the key questions were sifted from the narratives, collated and then analyzed using thematic approach. Findings show that the Hanunuo-Mangyans' practices in managing their natural resources resources were governed by cultural beliefs and traditions that included offerings to spirits believed to be guardians of natural resources. Selected elders were considered as having the gift of being able to talk with spiritual guardians of natural resources. The modes of and materials or gadgets for offerings varied for natural bodies of water, lands, wild animals and forest. They also believed that the chirping of the birds and the sounds that lizards and geckos make at certain time of the day have meanings on whether good or bad luck is forthcoming. As a result of their cultural beliefs and traditions, their management practices were tied up to a sound principles. Such as use of stakes for demarcation; trying out a few seconds on a plot to check plant suitability and soil fertility before mass planting; use of fire breaks when clearing areas to prevent fires; planting of bamboos on eroded areas; no hunting during breeding season and protection of animal's habitat to sustain the existence of wild animals. Cultural practiced for natural resource management were sourced primarily from elders, with messages relayed symbolically through offering and observance of rituals as channels. The materials and gadgets used as well as the process of carrying out the offering conveyed the messages on how they regard and respect nature and its spiritual guardians. Through collective celebrations, they imbibed the lessons and actual practices they ought to share to other members of the community particularly to the second generation of elders who are expected to carry on the tradition. There was no direct verbal transfer of messages from the old to the younger generation. The elders were regarded as fountain heads of knowledge and thus, served as their credible and well respected source/model as well as interpersonal medium concerning sound natural resource management. Hanunuo-Mangyan culture as a means for communicating natural resource management practices has been considered as easy to follow because it is spontaneous; easy to implement as it unifies than divides and is based on respect for elders and not power-based authority. On the other hand, it is susceptible to influence of external forces such as government policies, introduction of new knowledge and religion.