Name: Carbungco, Aliza J.

BA Political Science

Discussion Section Outline

Research Questions

1.​ What are the knowledge, systems, and practices of the Ibaloi community?
2.​ How do these Knowledge, Systems, and Practices (IKSPs) contribute to the
fulfillment of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)?
3.​ What challenges does the Ibaloi community face in achieving sustainable
development goals?

1. What are the knowledge, systems, and practices (IKSPs) of the Ibaloi community?

The Ibaloi community preserves a rich variety of Indigenous Knowledge, Systems, and
Practices (IKSPs) that are deeply connected to their daily lives and cultural identity. They
practice rituals such as Cañao, a community gathering involving feasting and spiritual
offerings, and Siling, a death ritual that honors their ancestors. They are skilled in traditional
crafts like Inabel weaving, where they create beautiful handwoven fabrics. Their traditional
conflict resolution system, called Mankujon, allows them to settle disputes peacefully within
the community. In agriculture, they are known for terrace farming and crop rotation,
showcasing their sustainable farming techniques. Spiritual traditions are also important, led
by the Mambunong (indigenous priest), and they preserve their ancestors through the
practice of creating Fire Mummies. Together, these practices reflect Ibaloi's strong respect
for nature, social harmony, and heritage.

2. How do these knowledge, systems, and practices contribute to the fulfillment of the
Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)?​
The IKSPs of the Ibaloi community naturally contribute to achieving various Sustainable
Development Goals (SDGs). Kinuday, their method of preserving meat, helps promote food
security, which supports SDG 2: Zero Hunger. Mankujon and Kaising (family mediation)
encourage peaceful and strong communities, aligning with SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and
Strong Institutions. Inabel weaving provides livelihood opportunities and promotes education,
contributing to SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth and SDG 4: Quality Education.
Meanwhile, their agricultural practices like terrace farming promote the responsible use of
land and resources, supporting SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production and
SDG 15: Life on Land. These examples show that indigenous knowledge systems can
achieve global goals naturally and sustainably.

3. What are the challenges faced by the Ibaloi community in achieving sustainable
development?​
Despite the strength of their traditions, the Ibaloi community faces several challenges in
achieving sustainable development. They struggle with resource scarcity, such as the rising
costs of livestock and raw materials needed for rituals and crafts. Environmental changes,
especially unpredictable weather due to climate change, are affecting their agricultural
practices and food preservation methods. Cultural shifts, influenced by Christianity and
modern lifestyles, are causing younger generations to lose interest in traditional practices.
Institutional conflicts also arise when government policies and formal laws limit indigenous
practices, especially concerning land ownership and dispute resolution. Furthermore, there
is a decreasing number of skilled practitioners, making it harder to pass down important
knowledge and cultural traditions to the next generation.

Implications of the Findings

The findings suggest that indigenous knowledge systems like those of the Ibaloi are critical
for achieving sustainable development at the community level. These IKSPs not only help
preserve cultural identity but also offer practical solutions for food security, conflict resolution,
environmental conservation, and social well-being. However, without targeted interventions
such as providing economic resources, strengthening traditional education, and legally
protecting indigenous practices there is a real danger that these valuable traditions could
disappear. Therefore, empowering indigenous communities is essential not only for their
survival but also for enriching wider society with sustainable and community-centered ways
of living.

Relation to Broader Literature and Research Context​

This study fits well within the global research that highlights the important role of indigenous
knowledge in promoting sustainable development. Studies from different parts of the world
show that indigenous agricultural practices, cultural systems, and conflict resolution models
offer sustainable and effective alternatives to modern approaches. The experience of the
Ibaloi mirrors global patterns where indigenous communities face cultural erosion due to
modernization. The decline in practices like Mankujon, for instance, reflects concerns raised
in global literature about the loss of valuable cultural systems when indigenous voices are
not prioritized. Moreover, this study reaffirms that indigenous traditions are not outdated but
are powerful tools for achieving progress when recognized and supported.

Relation to Broader Literature and Research Context

The findings of this study are consistent with global literature that emphasizes the role of
indigenous knowledge in achieving sustainable development. Previous research shows that
indigenous agricultural methods, conflict resolution practices, and cultural systems offer
sustainable models that complement modern approaches. Like many indigenous
communities around the world, the Ibaloi are experiencing tensions between tradition and
modernization. The decline in traditional practices, as seen in the Ibaloi experience, mirrors
patterns observed in other studies, which warn of cultural loss when indigenous voices are
not protected or prioritized in development efforts.

Moreover, the results affirm that traditional governance systems like Mankujon are effective,
community-centered methods of achieving justice and peace, aligning with SDG 16. They
also show that cultural practices are not relics of the past but dynamic tools that can drive
progress toward global goals when properly recognized and supported.

CONCLUSION

The Ibaloi community in the Cordillera region of the Philippines has a rich system of
Indigenous Knowledge, Systems, and Practices (IKSP) that shape their culture and
connection to their land. These include rituals like the Canao, sustainable practices such as
Kinuday for food preservation, and farming techniques like terrace farming. The Mankusjon
system is used for resolving conflicts peacefully, while the Mambunong provides spiritual
guidance. Other important traditions include Inabel weaving, Kalon marriage negotiations,
preserving fire mummies, and death rituals like Siling.
These practices contribute to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in various ways.
The Canao and Kalon traditions promote social harmony and well-being, while Mankusjon
helps foster peace and justice (SDG 16). Practices like terrace farming and crop rotation
support environmental sustainability (SDGs 12 and 15), and traditions like Inabel weaving
provide economic benefits (SDG 8). These IKSPs show that cultural heritage can contribute
to both social and environmental goals. However, the Ibaloi face challenges like resource
scarcity, environmental changes, and generational gaps that threaten their traditions.
Conflicts between indigenous practices and formal legal systems also create difficulties,
especially concerning land use. There is also a decline in skilled practitioners, which puts
cultural knowledge at risk.

The research highlights the importance of recognizing and supporting the Ibaloi's IKSPs for
sustainable development. Future research should focus on the impact of these practices on
the environment and economy, as well as exploring ways to preserve and integrate these
traditions into broader development efforts. In conclusion, the Ibaloi IKSPs align with the
SDGs, supporting the well-being of people, the environment, and the economy. Their
community-based practices show a deep commitment to sustainability, peace, and social
cohesion. It's essential for institutions to acknowledge and support Indigenous knowledge for
more inclusive and sustainable development.