Ethnocultural Analysis on Different Practices of the Bihog Tribe (Agta) on Childbearing

• Main Authors: Estrope, Khriselle, Moreno, Nathan Abram Faith
• Format: text
• Published: Animo Repository 2021
• Subjects: Aeta; Bihog tribe; childbearing; prenatal; labor; postpartum
• Online Access: https://animorepository.dlsu.edu.ph/conf_shsrescon/2021/paper_lcs/3; https://animorepository.dlsu.edu.ph/context/conf_shsrescon/article/1693/viewcontent/Estrope_and_Moreno.pdf
• Institution: De La Salle University

Bihog Tribe (Agta) has different beliefs and cultural practices in childbearing. They have their traditional medicines, ceremonies, coping mechanisms, and food eaten during the pregnancy period, labor, and postpartum. The study used an ethnographic type of research in qualitative approach. Interview protocol was utilized to gather information about their culture and beliefs. The subjects consisted of three mothers and a midwife, with a total of four that were purposively selected. The study was conducted in Sitio Mapatong, Brgy. Sto. Tomas, Tagkawayan, Quezon. The answers from the interviews and discussions proved that their culture and traditions were effective enough to allow childbearing to happen without medical interventions. Moreover, they used medicinal herbs such as ‘lagundi’, ginger, and ‘paminat’ (a phytomedicine in the form of rind used to avoid relapsing). ‘Pasuob’ or smoke ritual was also done to drive ‘Danyar’ (evil spirits) away. It is also taboo to walk around the tribe for it might attract Danyar and to let pregnant women eat bread because the fetus might grow larger inside the womb that could cause difficulty in labor. On the other hand, the Local Government Unit (LGU) provided help and support to the tribe, including prenatal care, medical supplies, and free check-ups without disturbing the tribe’s traditions.