Exploring Rituals as Integral Non- Material Culture of Subanens in the Zamboanga Peninsula

Subanens occupy a vast territorial domain, constituting seven major sub-groups in specific localities in the Zamboanga Peninsula, Philippines. These Indigenous people perform rituals throughout the different stages of their lives. This study was conducted in Lakewood and San Miguel municipalities in Zamboanga del Sur, while in Katipunan and Mutia in Zamboanga del Norte. The research highlighted the indispensability of rituals among Subanens in the peninsula. Folk narratives were gathered orally and directly from the Subanen tribal leaders and elders as the informants of the study. Among the narratives gathered, six exemplify the conduct of rituals as a core non-material culture of Subanens. The analysis made on the narratives disclosed that rituals serve several functions aside from these Indigenous peoples’ act of reverence to God as the Supreme Being. Thus, amid the passing of time, they remain steadfast to the ritual practice as a mark of their cultural identity. More importantly, rituals are indispensable for them to perform as a means of precaution and to ensure sound well-being in their lifetime.