While deliberately formulated initiatives on achieving peace in Mindanao are recognized, there may also be latent, unintentional mechanisms that could be derived from mundane, casual social relations. Thus, this study explored the experiences of M?ranao women traders in relating with… More

While deliberately formulated initiatives on achieving peace in Mindanao are recognized, there may also be latent, unintentional mechanisms that could be derived from mundane, casual social relations. Thus, this study explored the experiences of M?ranao women traders in relating with their non-Muslim clients in two selected non-Muslim cities in Bukidnon. As an exploratory study, it employed In-depth Interviews among selected M?ranao women traders. Their diaspora in these communities are brought about by economic, socio-political, and climatic factors. They both have negative and positive experiences in relating to their non-Muslim clients. They may have negative responses to the unpleasant treatment by some non-Muslims, but generally, their responses demonstrate both a potential for a multicultural ethnic relation and a sense of agency despite their subordinated position as women, small-scale traders, and ethnic minority. There is also a need for their host communities to raise their level of cultural sensitivity to eliminate prejudices towards Muslims. The study recommends for the LGUs concerned to conduct socio-cultural activities bringing Muslims and non-Muslims together, and ask the big companies to consider advertisement that promote cultural understanding, and to sponsor IECs fostering multi-culturalism. Likewise, curricular program planners are encouraged to embed cultural senstitivity in the curriculum. Less

Grandparenting is a phenomenon in the Philippines. Grandparents attending to their grandchildren in schools and at home is a common scenario. They serve as caregivers or child-minders, extending financial, physical, moral, and spiritual support. Hence, the study was conducted to… More

Grandparenting is a phenomenon in the Philippines. Grandparents attending to their grandchildren in schools and at home is a common scenario. They serve as caregivers or child-minders, extending financial, physical, moral, and spiritual support. Hence, the study was conducted to analyze the issues concerning grandparenting and care-giving. The study was conducted in Bukidnon. A survey was conducted to 120 respondents, and a Key Informant Interview was facilitated to the Senior Citizen Organization officers. Most grandparents are in an abject situation. They are poor whose health is fragile and delicate but are still compelled to work to support themselves and their grandchildren. The factors behind grand-parenting include financial instability of parents, broken relationships, financial dreams, personal choice, and compulsion. The role of caregivers over grandchildren is overwhelming, but most elderly perceive grand-parenting positively. For them, it is a part of life, a stage to welcome. Grandparents are happy because they are blessed with grandchildren, but they are financially hard-up, struggling to survive with their grandchildren. Though burdened, their perceptions on grand-parenting and the meanings they attach to it, give them the spirit to perform their tasks. Their situations and experiences put into context the principles of Activity Theory. Less

Sound practices should have to be observed as humanity relates to their environment. Thus, this study on fishing as a livelihood and initiatives of conservation among the fishing communities of Pulangi Lake was conducted. It used a triangulation method of… More

Sound practices should have to be observed as humanity relates to their environment. Thus, this study on fishing as a livelihood and initiatives of conservation among the fishing communities of Pulangi Lake was conducted. It used a triangulation method of Survey, Focus Group Discussion, and Key Informant Interview. The study revealed that the fisher-folks of Pulangi are very dependent on the lake. They believe they co-exist with the river, and they know it is their obligation to care and protect it from destruction. Their low education compels them to engage in fishing. Fisherfolks observe legal fishing technologies, but some fishermen coming from other places are using poisons like Tubli, Malathion or Thiodan, and electro-fishing. Women are seen to tend to exercise restraint from exploiting the lake compared to men who are more aggressive to fish and exploit the lake when necessary. The community wants to conserve the lake; hence initiatives are undertaken like the tree growing, clean-up drive, brick-making, fingerlings dispersal, and provision of alternative livelihood. Likewise, there is a need to address the issues on siltation, pollution, garbage, use of exploitative fishing technology, family size, and dwindling of fish supply. Fishing as a livelihood has remained challenged by a myriad of issues caused by natural phenomenon and anthropogenic activities. Strengthening of fisherman’s organizations, employment of sound fishing technology, the conduct of consciousness-raising campaigns, provision of alternative livelihood, and engagement of NGAs, LGUs and industries are recommended to conserve the Pulangi Lake effectively. Less