Module 2: Lesson 1-Assignment #1

1. Essay: In relation to indigenous science and nation-building, specify a Philippine tribal group (Igorot,
Lumad, Aeta, Dumagat, Mangyan, etc) that has exerted efforts to apply indigenous knowledge (ancestral
remedies, indigenous plant medicines, etc) in the prevention, management, and cure of COVID-19. How
successful are they in their goals? Should you support these traditional medicines/indigenous knowledge-
based products to curb the pandemic?

- “Our culture and traditions existed long before hospitals were put up in communities and they are critical
key to why have survived this far,” Governor Lacwasan says. Penelope Domogo, a longtime rural physician
who champions indigenous health care systems in Mountain province. Domogo says elders invoke the inayan
to prevent the use of soap at water sources to not dry them up.
“This is not superstition. It is a rule crafted by the wisdom of our ancestors meant for our survival [because]
clean water is survival,” she says. “Now, we see the rationale and value of these traditions, so common sense
dictates we continue these rituals. These are not superstitious beliefs … they are mechanisms for survival,
peace, and order.”
In many areas in the countryside, indigenous tribes treat illnesses with herbal medicines found in their
ancestral lands.
“These are found to be very effective and safe,” Ms. Tajon said. “Aside from using herbal medicines, they are
seldom exposed to COVID-19 cases because they usually spend their days on the farm. It was only when
outsiders and returning residents came that cases escalated.”
Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Secretary Fortunato dela Peña said Thursday.
"There are existing formulations using tawa-tawa for dengue, and lagundi for cough. Now we have
researchers who created a formulation, which they think can be used against Covid-19," he told the Philippine
News Agency.

2. Dress Up: Wear any costume that represents a Filipino Indigenous group. Recycle
the available materials in order for you to provide an IP costume. Take a photo of
yourself wearing the IP costume. In the photo discuss the historical profile of a
specific member of the IP group and how they have contributed to positive Filipino
identity and nation-building.

- The Igorot peoples are Austronesians. They were known in earlier days for their wars and practice of
headhunting. The Spaniards forcibly partially subdued them during the colonial occupation of the Philippines,
that process being completed during the period of U.S. hegemony. The Igorots may be roughly divided into
two general subgroups: the larger group lives in the south, central and western areas, and is very adept at rice-
terrace farming; the smaller group lives in the east and north. These ethnic groups keep or have kept until
recently their traditional religion and way of life. Some live in the tropical forests of the foothills, but most live
in rugged grassland and pine forest zones higher up. The Ifugao Rice Terraces are the priceless contribution
of Philippine ancestors to humanity. Built 2000 years ago and passed on from generation to generation, the
Ifugao Rice Terraces represent an enduring illustration of an ancient civilization that surpassed various
challenges and setbacks posed by modernization.