Kalinga beliefs and practices affecting the upland rice farming activities

The Kalingas from Northern Luzon, Philippines have adopted and followed common beliefs and practices which are either beneficial or detrimental to their way of life (Sugguiyao, 1990). Their beliefs and practices in their upland rice farming activities are preserved in their thoughts and acts which are passed from generation to generation. The study looked into the beliefs and practices affecting the upland rice farming activities in Pinukpuk, Kalinga. It was found that the upland rice farming activities are greatly influenced by their beliefs and practices and have contributed to their socio-economic development. Furthermore, the spirit of bayanihan (sense of volunteerism)among the people served as their natural defense to sustain stability of their source of living. It is therefore recommended to consider applying modern farming approach such as using pesticides in order to control the spread of pest, which destroys their plantation and using fertilizers for the improvement of their harvest, without eradicating their own beliefs and practices. In addition, Kaingin is detrimental to the environment and to the health of the people as well, the leaders, farmers, and elders might consider attending seminars that are conducted by the Department of Agriculture to provide additional knowledge and to the different programs on the modern farming approach.