Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Instructor:
Sir Eric Manlapig
College of Business Education
JANUARY 2023
APPROVAL SHEET
This Ethnographic study entitled “The Folklore Derived From The First Dapa Municipality
Residents’ Oral Histories: The Legend of Enchanted Ilihan City at Siargao Island,
Surigao Del Norte ” Macalinao, Nove Jenine, Sambajon, Ghany, Espinile,Roselyn,e,
Solloso,Patrcia,Naldoza,Kezia Joy, Conte,Nadine,Domagtoy,Virna and Estoque,Sheila Jean in
partial fulfilment of the requirements for the subject of Life and Works of Rizal and Readings
in Philippine History has been examined and is recommended for acceptance and approval.
Eric Manlapig
Subject Instructor
VP-Academic Affairs
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ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
Blessed to have given instructor to whom we owe our knowledge and skills…
Blessed the people who are willing to get interviewed to complete our study…
Mostly, we are blessed to study in a respected institution Siargao Island Institute of
Technology…
Thank you!
KEY THEMES
This study is an ethnographic research that aims to unravel the mysteries and
cultural significance of the enchanted Ilihan City located at Barangay Union, Dapa, Surigao Del
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Norte. The Barangay Union known for enchanting and ethereal atmosphere has long captivated
the imagination of local and visitors alike. However, limited research has conducted to
understand the origin legend and societal implication associated with this location. This key
theme of the study utilizes many techniques including ethnographic diaries and recording using
topographic and geographic profiling, it involves investigating the enchanted Ilihan City from
various perspectives including cultural, historical and anthropological by employing qualitative
research and methods such as interviews, participants, observation and document analysis. The
research aims to shed light on the Barangay Union mythical narratives, folklore and traditional
beliefs. Additional, the study will explore the rule of enchanted Ilihan City within the local
community and its impact on its cultural practices tourism and sustainable development.
The story of enchanted Ilihan City, is popular folktale at the Barangay Union, Siargao Island,
SDN, Philippines, the folktale of the hidden city that can only be seen by those people who live
in the area. And the old inhabitants believes that when you die in this mortal world, your spirit
will enter the enchanted Ilihan City.The mangroves on the city was stated as their port where
they used to park their ship, even though there is no visible ships around the area, the sound of
the horns was heard from afar within the whole area of Barangay Union. They also stated that
the big hole at the tip of the mountain was used as the entrance point of the city and up until
now, there is no clear assurance on how deep is the hole is. The city is said inhabited by beautiful
creatures who are alluring but dangerous to human who enter the realms, they said that they also
communicate and socialize to us in a form of human without realizing that they were different
creatures and there were also a bridge that connects from secret beach (malinao) to union that
was left undone because they said that it is non- creature’s way and it was stated that everyone
who tries to construct the bridge will be cursed to death by them.
ASSERTION
Folktales are an important part of Philippine culture and are used to pass down stories,beliefs
and lessons from one generation to another. These stories contains important messages about
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culture values, social norms and beliefs. The folktale of enchanted Ilihan City was popular story
at the Barangay Union, Siargao Island, SDN,Philippines. This highlights the importance of
understanding the culture,beliefs and practices associated with the folktale of the enchanted
Ilihan City, an ethnographic research study could provide valuable insight into the ways in which
this folktale is interpreted and understood by individuals within the Philippine culture and how it
reflects border cultural beliefs and practices. This knowledge could be useful in promoting
intercultural understanding and preserving cultural heritage.
INTRODUCTION
Siargao Island is located in the province of Surigao Del Norte, which is situated in the
Northeastern part of Mindanao, the southern most major Island in the Philippines. It is positioned
approximately 800 kilometers southeast of Manila, the capital city of the Philippines.Siargao
Island is part of the larger group of Islands called the Philippine archipelago. It is situated in the
Philippine sea, facing the pacific ocean to the east. The Island itself has a land area of
approximately 437 square kilometers. These included the nine towns of Dapa, General Luna, Del
Carmen, San Isidro, Pilar, Burgos, and Sta. Monica, San Benito, and Socorro. It is a part of the
Surigao del Norte Province, in Caraga Region XIII.
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Historical Background
The Baraangay of Union is a part of the Municipality of Dapa, the original name of the
barangay was named “Dolores”. Back the time when colonizers tries to invade the barangay,
they fought their rights and stands to keep their home community, and after a long time the
barangay’s name was changed from Dolores to Union because of their own resiliency and
Unity.
Geography
Barangay Union is a barangay located in the municipality of Dapa, in the province of
Surigao Del Norte, Philippines. It is situated on the eastern coast of Siargao Island , which is
part of the larger group of island called the Philippine archipelago. The coordinates of
Barangay Union are approximately 97862 degrees N, 126.0933 E. It is bordered with the
following barangays;
Barangay Union has a total land area of approximately 4.19 square kilometers. The terrain in
the barangay is generally flat, with a few small hills and elevated areas. The area is primarily
used for agriculture, with coconut and rice as the main crops. There are also several small
businesses in the barangay, Including Sari-Sari stores and small eateries. The barangay is
accessible by road with the main thoroughfare being the Siargao circumferential road. It is
approximately seven kilometers from the main town of Dapa where the municipal hall and other
Topography
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Barangay Union in Siargao Island has a generally flat to rolling topography with some
small hills and elevated areas. The highest point in the barangay is about 45 meters above sea
level, the area is located on the eastern coast of Siargao Island,facing the Philippine sea. The
shoreline is characterized by a mix of rocky and sandy beaches, with several small coves and
inlets.
There are also several water ways that ran through the barangay, including the Union creek
and several small streams. This waterways are primarily used for irrigation and as a source of
freshwater for agriculture. The land in barangay Union is primarily used for agriculture, with
coconut and rice as the main crops, There are also some small areas of forested land, which
are primarily located in the hills and elevated areas of the barangay. Overall, the topography of
barangay Union is typical of the low lying coastal areas of Siargao Island,with a mixed of flat
and gently sloping terrain.
Barangay Union offers various facilities to cater to the needs of the residents and
visitors.Some of the facilities you can find the area include:
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Barangay Union has a Secondary education including Junior and Senior High school.
CONVENTION
A place where it is open to community events, gatherings and celebrations.
Tourists attraction
Brgy. Union in Siargao Island is known for its natural beauty, and there are several tourist
attractions in the barangay and its surrounding areas.
Canijugan peak: was one of the highlights attraction in Union where you can see the bright
taking view of hundred of palm trees
Plantation: brgy. Union is home to several coconut plantation, and visitors can take a tour to
learn about the production of coconut product such as copra and coconut oil.
Island hoping: Visitors can take boat tour to explore the nearby Island and visit attractions such
as Guyam Island, Daku Island, and Naked Island.
Nightlife brgy. Union: has lively night seen, with several restaurant offering live music, karaoke,
and other entertainment.
This are jus a few of the many tourist attractions in barangay Union and the surrounding areas.
The barangay and Siargao Island as whole are known for their natural beauty friendly locals, and
laid-back Island vibe, making it a popular destination for tourist from all over the world.
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Religion
Brgy. Union, in Siargao Island, like rest of Philippines, is Predominantly christian. The majority
of the population in the barangay are Roman Catholic, with some protestant denominations also
present.
Catholicism was introduce to the Philippines by the Spanish colonizers in the 60 th century, and it
remains the dominant religion in the country to this day. Protestantism,on the other hand, has
gained significant popularity in recent decades, with various denominations present throughout
the country.
In addition to Christianity, There are also some minority religious group in the Philippines,
including Islam and various indigenous religions.
However, these groups are not present in significant numbers in barangay Union and are more
commonly found in other parts of the country.
Transportation
Brgy. Union is a relatively small barangay with limited public transportation
options
Motorbikes, renting a motorbike is a popular way to explore Siargao Island, including Brgy.
Union
Tricycles are a common form of transportation in the Philippines, and they are also available in
Brgy. Union. Visitors can hire a tricycle driver to take them to nearby destinations or to explore
the barangay.
Van and jeepneys are larger form of public transportation that operate on set route throughout
Siargao Island. They are generally more affordable than taxis, and visitors can ask locals to their
accommodition providers for information on schedules and routes.
Many accommodation providers and tour operators offer private transportation services. It is
important to note that the roads in barangay Union and throughout Siargao Island can be mugh
and unpaved in some areas, so visitors should exercise cautions when driving or riding on
motorbikes or other vehicles.
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Government
Brgy, Union is a barangay (Village) located in the municipality of the Dapa in the
province of Surigao Del Norte, Philippines. As a barangay, it has it’s own local government
headed by a barangay captain for barangay chairperson who is elected by the residents
The barangay council is composed of barangay kagawads (councilors) who are elected by the
residents of the barangay. They are responsible for creating policies, programs, and ordinances
that address the needs of the community.
The barangay captain and councilors also work closely with the municipal government of dapa to
ensure that the needs of the barangay are addressed. The municipal government, headed by the
mayor and vice-mayor, is responsible for providing basic services to the residents of dapa,
including healthcare, education, infrastructure, and public safety.
It’s important to note that the barangay Union, being part of larger municipal and provincial
government, operates within the context of this larger government structures, and their policies
and decisions are subject to the oversight of the higher-level government bodies.
Philippines is known for possessing variety of folklores from different places across the country.
It gives Filipinos a glimpse of the lifestyle, history, cultural values, and traditions of their
ancestors. It has three largest islands which are Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao that proves that it
possesses a variety of folklores from different municipalities. Mindanao is the largest island in
the Philippines. Each municipalities holds an incredible story, culture, beliefs and traditions
behind it that makes people wonder. But each municipality has its own unique information that
researchers need to determine. There were some guide questions that were used by researchers to
gather a certain data related to their Ethnographic study.
Guide Questions
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2. What were the first earliest established by Union?
Research Objectives
1. To identify the folklore, beliefs, culture, traditions, and important past events in Municipality
of Union.
2. To determine if the data about Municipality of Union on the internet are real or not.
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PERSONAL INTERVIEW FROM THE LOCALS
The aim of this research is to identify, comprehend, and collect information on the beliefs
and norms about “The Legends of Ilihan City”. The goal of this study was to identify the
elements that may have influenced local individuals’ current behaviors.
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Individuals, Sample, and Environment
Research Design
This study is a qualitative study that gathered data through different methods.
Interviewing is the primary mode of data collection. Additionally, researchers employed a
variety of techniques, including diary studies, direct observation, video recordings, geographic
and Topography profiling
Diary studies
In their ethnographic study, researchers used diary studies to document the events and
data collected during the on-site visit. They covered the period before, during, and following the
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researchers' on-site visit at Barangay Union. The preparation and narrative of the researchers
were also featured.
Geographical and Topographical Profiling
The researchers used these methods to identify and determine the most
likely location of interviewee available. Also, to identify if the place is safe and possible to
visit. Here is the geographical profiling of Barangay Union, Dapa, Surigao Del Norte.
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Transcripts of video arrangements
In their research, the researchers also used video recordings as a strategy. They utilized it
as visual proof for their research. This technique captures the conversation or event precisely.
This enables the researchers to confirm their findings by examining the captured footage again.
Due to the raw or unedited contextual data, it is also useful method of data collection.
Additionally, a transcript of the recorded video was used to find or pick out the crucial
information required for the study.
DIRECT OBSERVATION
The researchers also used the method of direct observation to have a face-to-face survey
or study of the Barangay. Through direct observation, they can easily identify and gather data in
their environment. In addition, it helps the researcher gather and record data of the interactions,
processes and behaviors of the locals by watching or listening around them.
CONCLUSION
The Barangay of Union, clique lots of Folklore from oral accounts of seniors from
barangays. These are shared to direct, educate people and protect the cultures in every society.
The researchers conducted this study to gather vivid information about the folklore of the
barangay for the ethnographic research. By using the different method such as photograpy,
vidoegrapy, recording, interview and listing down important details as the tourism will
understand “The Legends of Ilihan City”.
Locals provide an indepth information about the Folktale, as the researcher gather some
information in the residents, each of them gives different description but they all said that Ilihan
City was led by the creature named “ Buntaw” . Residents of the barangay firmly believes in
The Legends of Ilihan City. Even the present residents believe on it.
In conclusion, populace from the Barangay, Union should respect the oral accounts
touching down the Folktales of it. As the time goes by government should create an account or a
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written form that will prove the folktales of Ilihan City at the Barangay Union. This will serve as
benefit for the new generations and in tourism and help this local be known.
APPENDICES
(00:28-00:55)
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Interview: Tay, uno ang history about sa Ilihan city?
Ans. Jaon ilihan city jaoy mga pader na mga bato, jaon nangahuyog na mga bato singud sa ako
nahibawan sa mga katiguyangan, jaon mga dako na mga bato tag dapog ng mga morus na amoy
huy’anan ng mga tawo sauna (si kung singud sa ato) Ang ako na hibawan inin si anhin tay
Pasong itun tag bayajan ni Glen sauna may lubi dinha na gamay, nakakita gajud adto ako na
panhitabua, si anhin tay Pasong imo popo iban namo si tay pasong nakakita kami ng dako na
tawo nag ingkod nulaga ija baba inday uno adto na mananapa ila tag ngayanan ni tay pasung na
“buntaw”. Si tay Pasung sija gajud adto nag pangayan ng buntaw.
(1:05-2:26)
Interview: Uno man sab tay na natawag man ini sija nan ilihan city?
Ans. Kay ang singud rasab sa ako nahibawan, daghan gajud jaon nakita andtong mga grade 3
pagani kami, dinha sa basketball’an naka kita kami nagi parade ba, na nakita namo na may mga
flag sa ibabaw, Grade 3 namn adto ako jaoy nay ako buot.
Age:63,67,61,53years old
Ans. An ila hahibawan, an pijapi sa ubos dili kuno mo salingsing. Sa una grabi kuno didon na
kipat mag bawogbawog ang mga kipat
(3:01-4:00)
Ans. May na maligya nan cacao sa maynila nag padaya nan suyat para didon sa ilihan city. Uno
may hanapon sa ilihan city na bukid ramn tun, jadto c kuan Donny Decatoria bata nanlaba nag
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bujong sa cge palo, gipuko napangag diri “ ngipon” pati c nanay nanlaba itun gani c popo pasung
Subayno, laong cja “bata pauli” kay natuyog c buntaw.
Interview: Uno man tagbaylohan man ang dolores na ngayan nan Union na ngayan?
(4:30-6:03)
Ans. Ang ngayan gajud sa una na union didto na partida dolores, kay sa una di man kibale
importatnte ang pag pronounce unlike nan una dili importante ang prronounciation pero today
importante na gajud. Kung imo basahon ang Unyon ay Union kay an sa una ay united sila.
(6:04-6:53)
Ans. Natural ang roamn catholic, an ama sa amo lola ay isa sa nag lig-on na mapatuod ang
katoliko. Maygani jaon sija mga larawan, mga hinimo nija na mga rebulto. Ang ngayan adto ay
atoy pero ang tinuod jaod na ngayan ay Egnacio.
Interview: Naka-witness ba kaw o naka experience nan mga kababalaghan diri sa Union
(6:54:7:30)
Ans. Ang ako lamang tagkakuanan kay adtong si Lucena Decatoria, nangaligo didto sa giwanon
arang man pangabujong (kay mga bata man lagi) susmatay paka ra lagi! Tagpuko! Sus tagsingud
singod bantilis man pangag gani nija ini (ngipon). Tagkuha nija sa ija kamut atong pagkapangag
nija adtong nakahatag nan sakit gajud. So ang pangutanan diin man itun bantilis
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Interview: Unoy pamahiin diri sa Union?
(7:36-8:36)
Ans: Jaon man di man jaon makalikajan na waya, mga superstitious beliefs sa una itun eclipse
gani arang kabujong gajud inin union basta jaoy eclipse labi na tun solar biskan lunar
magbinagbagay jaun nan kaldero, kay gumikan kuno ang buyan tagtukob nan bakunawa. Na
grabi jaun nila kabujong! Mga kaldero, sin, kay gmikan lagi ang suga tagkaon nan bakunawa.
(09:10-00:11:18)
Ans. Ang ilihan city sauna na bantog na tawhan, matud pa sa ako lolo si lolo pasong ang hari
didon si haring buntaw amo bitaw jaoy mga sakit gumikan sa ilihan pasangil nila, jaon ilihan
tawhan jaoy dili singud sa ato
ETHNOGRAPHIC DIARY
“Oldest residents and Barangay stories and myths about Barangay Union”
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Where they meet, the instructor’s brief the group, and materials for the documentary are brought.
Camera/ Cellphone
Paper/Notebook
Umbrella, pen
Power bank
Money
Bags
Finalization of group briefing, readiness of all the groups, knowledge off destination and
readiness of all the supplies bought.
Day 1:
At 11:45am we started to go at Brgy. Union. We headed to the baranggay hall and look at the
brgy captain to get our letter stamp received, requesting a permission to conduct interviews and
present stories on each purok. After a short while, the baranggay captainsigned the letter, we
started conducting interviews on each purok and look for residents who were 60 years of age or
older, in order througoutly document or wrote about our ethnographic research study.
And when we went around, then finally found an old resident named Frederico Villaflor a 73
year old at purok 2 , we asked for his permission first and already began with our objectives
within that day, we asked questions and he started telling stories about the folktale. At that point,
each of us sets about own tasks as the writer, recorder,film maker and interviewer.
After we interviewed Frederico Villaflor, we went around and found a group of all inhabitants at
purok 2 as well. We did the same objectives and they started telling stories about their histories
and experiences, reminiscing the stories about the folktale and how was it like before.
After we interviewed that group of people, they mentioned to go to old inhabitants that knows
more about the story, we found 90 and 96 years of age residents, unfortunately, the 96 year old
man wasn’t able to get interviewed because he’s no longer able to communicate well, the 90 year
old lady looks for his son to represent the stories about the folktale, we did the same objectives,
and everything just went well as it supposed to be.
In Conclusion, after our interview, the experience gave us the valuable insight and the
importance of story telling of the community and we look forward to explore further in our
Ethnographic Research
Roselyn M. Espinile
Virna D. Domagtoy
Ghany A. Sambajon
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