SU faculty wins best presenter in int’l confab

Dr. Primo B. Aranas Jr., a faculty member of Silliman University (SU) Junior High School and coordinator of the graduate program of the SU Department of Filipino and Foreign Languages, bagged the Best Presentation Award at the International Scientific Research Conference (ISRC) held in Bangkok, Thailand on March 30-31, 2024.

Aranas presented his research entitled, “21st Century Philippines Last Indigenous People’s Cultural Preservation and Economic Management: Revisiting Survival Skills.”

In this qualitative research, he explored the Ata-Negritos’ experiences of cultural preservation and economic management. The Ata-Negrito is considered to be the last indigenous people of Negros Island.

Aranas interviewed the tribal leaders of the group, particularly situated in the Municipality of Mabinay in Negros Oriental, and found out the group’s strong desire to preserve their indigenous culture.

“…the Ata-Negrito indigenous people longed to have their traditional culture, beliefs, traditions, and ancestral domain permanently protected. All of them aspired to have their traditional culture…preserved with the support from various sectors and be taught to younger generation,” Aranas wrote.

The group wished that their culture and traditions be integrated in the school curriculum.

“They fear that their cultural practices and traditions will be totally lost if no stronger policies and regulations are made,” he added.

With these, Aranas recommended the creation of holistic approaches in the protection, development, and management of indigenous communities.

ISRC was organized by the Research Culture Society, a government registered International Scientific Research organization that periodically conducts conferences, symposia, workshops, etc., providing a platform for academics and researchers for intellectual discourse.