Descriptive Analysis of Folk Narratives of the Kamayo in Surigao Del Sur, Philippines

Abstract

The Philippines is known for its rich cultural heritage and oral literature, handed down from one generation to the next. According to Mata and Rufino (2011), the Philippines is rich in different literary pieces, which are both written and orally handed down from one generation to the next, and these literary works are considered the intangible heritage of humanity. The study focuses on the collection of oral literature to: (1) determine the themes of the folk narratives; (2) examine the symbols and beliefs of the Kamayo people found in folk narratives; and (3) dig out their cultural practices and their relationship to power based on the stories presented. The study is a qualitative type of research. An indigenous method was used in the study based on the scale of the researcher and participants, which involved gathering information on Filipino culture, appropriate to the behavior and daily life of Filipinos, according to Santiago and Enriquez, as cited by Santos and Magracia (2010).
The study is anchored on Fisher’s Narrative Paradigm theory. The data was analyzed based on the framework of cultural studies by Hoggart et al. (2018). Purposive sampling was employed in selecting the participants with the inclusion criteria. Descriptive analysis was used to analyze the narrative folktale based on the narrative paradigm and archetypal approach. A thematic approach has been used in analyzing the themes in the story. The study focuses on the collection and analysis of folktales in the municipality of Lianga, Surigao del Sur, Philippines.