“Sapit”, Peace Accord of The Bago Tribe

Culture is a basic determinant of personality because man is very part of the environment he creates as he conforms to his culture. It is through culture that men discern values and makes choices as he seeks untiringly for new meaning through which he transcends his limitations. The peace accord of indigenous people is considered part of their non material culture of which they adhere to.

This study aimed to find out and describes the strength and uniqueness of the “Sapit” as a peace accord of the Bago tribe. The researchers were guided by the following 1. The processes in the practice of “Sapit”. 2. The Christian and social tenets revealed in the practice of “Sapit”. 3. The “Sapit” in the psychosocial life and development of the Bagos.

This qualitative study made used of phenomenological method, focus group discussion, immersion, interview, photo documentation and unstructured questionnaires were used to collect necessary information for the presentation of the processes involved in the “Sapit”.

The “Sapit” is an alternative peace accord, an intelligent way of settling any differences, conflicts, disputes and irrational actions among the “Bagos” which is anchored in the tenets of Christianity and social life. It is highly recognized, appreciated and being manifested by the “Bagos” as a legal justice system of their tribe.

Bagos become aware as they realize and discern about their actions which does not conform to their culture and may affect or severe their association with their co-Bagos. During the process of Sapit one realizes who he is, describing his total personality as a Bago who manifest a docile peace loving personality as he gives importance to others in his daily life.