The Perspectives on Inayan in the Kankana-Ey Community of Sagpat, Kibungan, Benguet

Abstract

Culture is said to be dynamic, as it is passed down from one generation to another, its meaning and construct is reshaped and redefined. In the Cordilleras, inayan is a central cultural value. In recent articles, its nature and practice has been well-documented but few discussions were made on how it is transmitted across generations. Hence, the central question that this study aims to address is on how the process of transmission is done and whether there is contestation and or reinterpretation of the value. The study was conducted in the Kankana-ey community of Sagpat, Kibungan, Benguet”. It utilized a phenomenological approach to gather pertinent data set. Three families consisting of three generations (grandparent, parent, child) were interviewed about their definition, practice, and practice in the didactic process of inayan. Results reveal that elders perceive inayan as 1) a moral compass, 2) associated to spiritual sanctions and fear, and 3) likened to Christian teachings. On the other hand, the middle generation (parents) have mentioned three factors that influence the manner in how they adapt and redefine inayan; these are--- a) negotiating tradition and modernity; b) parenting styles and discipline; and, c) social and practical conditions. The third generation (child) have mentioned three aspects that affects the manner in how they perceive, negotiate, and or resist inayan as a moral value. The aspects mentioned are: a) dilution and use of humor; b) competing influences of various societal aspects; and, c) selective adherence. Based on the data, it was deduced that the process of transmission is influenced by shifting pedagogies between the three generations; and in the process of transmission, the institutions like the family, school, church, and social media were identified as pertinent mediums. Nonetheless, the contestation (keep/ discard) and reinterpretation (superstitions vs. moral values, family and personal negotiations) is much evident in the discourse.