The Customary Beliefs and Practices of the Gaddangs: Basis for the Contextualization and Indigenization of a Course Syllabus

Abstract

The study aimed to document and describes the customary beliefs and practices of the Gaddangs of Cauayan City, Isabela  on social gatherings and  life ceremonies. Ethnographic research method was  utilized in data gathering with the assistance of the NCIP in the conduct of conference, disclosure, and output validation. The study found out that Gaddang  cultural beliefs and practices are regularly observed  during  baptism, birthdays, fiestas, weddings, healing, death, burial and during social gatherings. Interestingly, cultural deterioration and modification were accepted due to acculturation, modernization, and even religious teachings.  However, contextualizing the curriculum is recommended as an avenue for the new generation of Gaddang  to be aware that they are the inheritors of a rich cultural heritage. Hence, Gaddang culture observance is more meaningful.