Approval Letter

1 March 11, 2003 Prof. Ramon Tuazon Acting President, AIJC Annapolis, Greenhills CC: Ms. Belen Dayauon, Acting Dean Dear Sir: This is Jofti Villena, one of your students at AIJC. I would like to inform you that I am now in the process of preparing my thesis proposal for submission to the funding agency, particularly, to PSSC on March 17, 2003, Monday. Professor Cora Arboleda is my thesis adviser. With her are the chapters 1 and 2 of my project for her approval. I am also finished with my chapter 3. In the requirements of the PSSC Research Award Program (RAP), certification of approval from the graduate school screening committee apart from the approval of the thesis adviser is needed. Thus, the purpose of this letter is to get your approval for my project. I say project because I am planning to produce a full-length documentary on the Agusanon Manobo (1 1/2 hour). Also with the documentary is a profile book or manual on the existing communication systems of the Agusanon Manobo ethnic group. Working title of my project: An Inquiry to the Role of the Communication Systems of the Agusanon Manobos in their pursuit for Social Development Please find attached papers re the project for your perusal: Significance of the Study, Statement of the Problem and Time Table. I have already the letter that certifies your approval ready for signing in case you don’t have any questions. I am willing to drop by tomorrow to discuss with you the project if you have time. Am sorry if this may sound urgent. I am willing to make some changes along the way if you have recommendations. But the certification of approval is for the purpose of completing the requirements of the funding agency. I believe I did the proposal to the best of my ability and I can vouch for that. Thank you very much! In Christ,

2 Maria Fatima “Jofti” A. Villena Graduate Student, AIJC Working Title: An Inquiry to the Role of the Communication Systems of the Agusanon Manobos in their pursuit for Social Development

Statement of the Problem This project aims to understand the communication systems prevailing in the area and utilized by the Agusanon Manobos, both the traditional and current forms. Moreover, the project deems to identify the major social issues/ problems besetting the community and how they act on it. Further, how are these issues manifested in communication, will be discussed. Specifically, the study aims to answer the following questions: 1. What are the communication systems prevailing in the area, both traditional and current in forms? 2. How do these systems work? 3. What are the major social issues/problems confronting the Agusanon Manobo community? 4. How communication was used in the community to help them address these social issues? 5. How are these issues manifested in communication?

Significance of the Study Studying indigenous people is an interesting and significant endeavor because of the following concepts: 1. Many of the indigenous ethnic communities have preserved their colorful, elaborate and unique institutions and cultural practices. 2. Indigenous people are considered important links to the Philippine’s past. 3. Despite what has already been written about the different ethnic communities, very little research has actually been carried out among them by way of systematic field work. 18 The researcher’s interest to study the lives of ethnic groups exceeds from the need to identify and know their way of life. It is in relation with her deep concern for the plight of the ethnic communities in this age of globalization. Their constant struggles for self-determination moves her to somehow help them uplift themselves. It is also necessary to reiterate in this proposal the contribution of this endeavor to both industries – communication and anthropology. The researcher feels that both have their own share of misgivings

3 considering the fact that after conscientious effort of looking at related literatures and studies much are still left unexplored and the absence of significant data on the Agusanon Manobo reflect the s the gap. In the field of communication, very few invest on studying the communication systems, processes, structures, patterns and means of a specific ethnic group. More studies are focused on linguistics (language) but the communication systems are left untouched. Others limit themselves to describing rituals on birth, death, marriage and religion without really going deeper on discussing the symbols/codes evident on these rituals especially in dances. Non-verbal form of communication is entirely unexplored. Problems impeding the socio-economic growth of the communities and how communication is used in addressing these problems are not yet discussed. Though, the researcher is aware of the contributions of these studies but would it be more significant if these endeavors advocate social development. These kinds of research are the most appropriate forms of promoting social development since data are collected, organized and analyzed systematically through social science methods. Unless documented in a manner that is long term, there will be great difficulty to preserve and protect the interests of the indigenous people, especially those ethnic communities unknown to people. In totality, national development is at a greater risk since there is a possibility of eroding indigenous ethnic cultures as important links to the country’s past. The researcher then is conceptualizing the best means to document, to effectively inculcate appreciation and develop a sense of national history among possible readers/audience of this project. The methodologies to achieve these aims are explained further in chapter three. The findings of this project will benefit the following institutions: The academe of different communication institutions. This project will help in promoting ideas for further studies, which would open discussions on possible strategies and theory formulations. Theories, which would best apply to further understand the plight of grassroot people. Aside from this, the project offers awareness to the social problems plaguing ethnic groups and gives opportunity to conceptualize communication means of addressing issues through participation of the communities and complement other devices already present in the area. Academicians can do this through engaging themselves in projects requiring fieldwork. Then, they can handover this learning experience to their students and also let them engage in the same endeavor. Through these exercises, students will appreciate more the Philippine culture with the indigenous people as an integral part of it. The social scientists and anthropologists. This project, how small it may seem, will at least help in filling in the gap in studies regarding Philippine IP customs, traditions, beliefs and social life with emphasis given to one of the least explored area – communication. Upon looking at this project, possible researches will be on mind. Communication is a part of culture. It is a social process. Therefore, what is the best way to study communication patterns, systems, practices, structures and ways but through analysis of symbols, codes used in rituals and traditional ethnic practices or exploration of the non-verbal communication inherent in the culture or understanding how the flow of communication within this communities are done. One observation of the researcher is the little attention given to the nonverbal aspect of communication within the IP communities and how it has been utilized in their formation as one body and social development. Since this project will also discuss on the communication systems both traditional and current

4 and, which is focused more on the non-verbal expressions then it can provide ideas geared towards that direction. Future researchers. The study is helpful to future endeavors on this type of study particularly those who will focus on the communicative ways and means of ethnic groups. Bibliographical entries included in the study will be of great assistance in looking for references. The communication/media practitioners. The project will strive to be a good example in terms of standards in making a media artifact, which the media workers in the field may apply on their endeavors. Accuracy of data and implementation of correct ethical interviewing styles will be pushed for in making the project. Approaches on establishing good contact and rapport with IPs through their involvement in the said endeavor will be utilized and at the same time documented for the reference and application to reports and documentaries of reporters, directors, researchers and other practitioners. This is to make a statement that stories on ethnic communities not only their cultures but their plight as marginalized people is an interesting story and there is market for it. The viewers/readers are interested in knowing their lifestyles and conditions. This is, needless to say, that reports, articles on indigenous people are fluctuating in number over the years. News reports and feature articles on these communities must be a regular see at the “Nation” section of all newspapers or wherever they need be. Even be as a regular segment in the programs on radio and television. There must be a call to this attention. The Agusanon Manobos. The project will serve as good depository of information, profile of the Agusanon Manobos, their communicative systems, their situation and continuous struggle to development and preservation. Moreover, the project aims to “enable” them as a community; thus, they can have the capability to change and uplift their lives, on their own terms, and they will be able to transform themselves socially for their betterment as community. The Agusanon Manobos will have the chance to learn the “research” process through involvement since they have a big role to play in the project and eventually use it to their own benefit and be able to learn and operate communication equipment such as video.

Time Table

No. 1

Activity Researching for related literature, studies and theories responsible for the construction of the foundation of the project.


2

Have gathered enough related literature and theories. Related studies, despite the efforts, are a rarity. Thus, this project is considered one of the pioneering research with special focus to communication as an important factor to social development

Securing of permits to conduct a study within the area of Agusan Marsh Wildlife Sanctuary (AMWS).


Duration January – February 2003 (2 months)

The project was already approved in the area by the authorized body:

January 2003 (1 month)

5 Protected Area Management Bureau-Department of Environment and Natural Resources (PAMB-DENR) and Protected Area-Superintendent (PASU). The permit was already sent to the researcher/enabler. 3

Establishing contacts/network within the area.


The researcher/enabler has already form a network among the working institutions, government agencies and non-government organizations in the area. -


4

5

PAMB-DENR, PASU Save Mindanao Foundation, Inc. (SMFI) Karaga Biodiversity Linkages, Inc. (KABILIN) Agusan Marsh Wildlife Sanctuary (AMWS), Integrated Protected Area System-Conservation of Priority Protected Areas Project (IPAS-CPPAP)

Data were given in support of the project.

Preparation for Fieldwork


Prepare documents: outline of project, concept paper, permit and schedule of activities within the fieldwork proper and guide questions




Prepare things to be brought in the area: logistics, other contingencies and provisions for the community. Consultation with thesis adviser




January 2003 (1 month)

Fieldwork Proper




Introduction to the community




Sharing/Brainstorming/Dialogue Sessions




Mini-workshops and training sessions with core group

July-August 2003 (2 months)

August 24November 30, 2003 (3 months) August 25September 7 (2 weeks) September 819 (1 wk & 4 days) September 2030 (1 wk & 2 days)




Data collection and shooting October-

6 November 2003 (2 months) 6

Analysis and organization of data and shoots Approval of the initial material by the community and thesis adviser

December 2003 January 1-15, 2004 (1 mo. & 2 wks)

7

Final revisions on written material; consultation with thesis adviser Editing of video documentary

Jan 16 - Feb 5 Feb 10-15 (1 month)

8

Preparation for oral defense

9

Presentation to panel (oral defense)

10

Final Revisions as per the suggestion of the panel

March 6-15 (1 week)

11

Re-echoing to community results of the project and viewing of the documentary.

March 20-25 (5 days)

Feb 16-28 (2 weeks) March 5

7

March 2003

CERTIFICATION

OF

APPROVAL

This is to certify the approval of the project entitled: An Inquiry to the Role of the Communication Systems of the Agusanon Manobos in their pursuit for Social Development by Maria Fatima “Jofti” A. Villena MA in Journalism (Candidate), AIJC

RAMON TUAZON Acting President, AIJC

BELEN DAYAUON Acting Dean, AIJC

8

March 15, 2003 Screening Committee Philippine Social Science Council (PSSC) PSSCenter, Commonwealth Avenue Diliman, Quezon City To the Committee: Peace and Solidarity Greetings! I, Professor CORA ARBOLEDA of the Asian Institute of Journalism and Communication (AIJC) would like to recommend the approval of the project entitled:

AN INQUIRY ON THE COMMUNICATION SYSTEMS OF THE AGUSANON MANOBOS IN SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT Written by Maria Fatima “Jofti” A. Villena MA in Journalism (Candidate)

The project I say is an interesting and worthwhile endeavor to invest into since this is a ‘pioneering research on the Agusanon Manobos in Mindanao specifically on how do these communication systems within the community, indigenous or modern in form, are used to address social development. Moreover, the project is not just a typical written thesis but output will be a full-length video documentary of 1 ½ in length and a profile manual of the Agusanon Manobos and their communication systems. I hope the project would gain your interest and positive response. Thank you very much and more power!

9

Prof. CORA ARBOLEDA Thesis Adviser