Profiling Indigenous Cultural Preservation Efforts of the Blaan Tribe in Kiblawan, Philippines

This study investigates the indigenous cultural preservation efforts of the Blaan tribe in Kiblawan, Davao del Sur, Philippines, highlighting their practices, challenges, and strategies for safeguarding their cultural heritage. Employing a qualitative approach, the research involves in-depth interviews, focus group discussions, and participatory observations with tribal elders, cultural practitioners, and community leaders. Key findings reveal that the Blaan tribe actively preserves their traditions through oral storytelling, ritual ceremonies, traditional crafts, and indigenous knowledge systems. Despite these efforts, challenges such as modernization, land disputes, and limited government support pose threats to their cultural identity. The study underscores the significance of community-driven initiatives, external support from stakeholders, and policy interventions to ensure the sustainability of Blaan cultural heritage. By documenting these practices, this research contributes to a deeper understanding of indigenous cultural preservation and provides actionable insights for fostering cultural resilience in the face of contemporary challenges.