Lunam et Stellas: The Ethnoastronomical Study on Agri-fisheries in Tagkawayan, Quezon

• Main Authors: Ilao, Andrea Marie L., Reyes, John Vincent G.
• Format: text
• Published: Animo Repository 2022
• Subjects: Agri-fisheries; ethnoastronomical; full moon; ‘patunaw’; ‘Subasko’; Social and Behavioral Sciences
• Online Access: https://animorepository.dlsu.edu.ph/conf_shsrescon/2022/paper_lcs/6; https://animorepository.dlsu.edu.ph/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1076&context=conf_shsrescon
• Institution: De La Salle University

The study focused on the ethnoastronomical beliefs of the farmers and fisherfolks in Tagkawayan, Quezon. Moreover, it aimed to explore different ethnoastronomical beliefs that helped fishermen and fisherfolks to improve their harvest. The researchers used the qualitative method of ethnographic research and utilized interviews and participant observation. In-depth interviews were elicited to obtain the informants' experiences, feelings, and perspectives. The researchers utilized purposive sampling and selected informants from the population who were especially knowledgeable and experienced in their field. The informants of the study were composed of five farmers and five fisherfolks who identified themselves as belonging to the Agri-fisheries enterprise. The study was conducted in Barangay Payapa, Barangay Bamban, Barangay Aldavoc and Barangay Magsaysay in Tagkawayan, Quezon. The findings revealed that both farmers and fisherfolks are neutral on the effectiveness of these ethnoastronomical beliefs. Challenges are inevitable and can greatly affect their harvest but they still want to pass on these ethnoastronomical beliefs to the next generation. It can be concluded that in farming and fishing, they use the phases of the moon and stars for their ethnoastronomical beliefs. They have also encountered challenges where they cannot perform their ethnoastronomical beliefs. Moreover, it was discovered that holding to their beliefs can boost the confidence of the farmers and fisherfolks in having a prosperous harvest. They are preserving their beliefs by teaching and showing their children how to follow and use astronomical objects like the moon and stars.