Uyagdok: Ethnography on the Ritual of Permission of the Manobo Tribe in Pantukan, Carrascal, Surigao del Sur, Philippines

Abstract

Pantukan, Carrascal, Surigao del Sur is a mountainous area in Mindanao where the Manobo tribe dwells. The culture, traditional practices and rituals are still practiced up to the present. This study aims to document the Uyagdok (ritual) which is done prior to the immersion of visitors from the outside area. The study sought to find the materials used for the ritual and how it is performed through ethnographic, qualitative research method where the researcher conducted observations, interviews and focused group discussion. It was found out that Uyagdok consists of three ritual parts: Ugbok (pre-ritual), Uyagdok (ritual proper) and Hakyad (post-ritual). The pre-ritual starts with the finding of the right tree to be used in the binangko (platform), the preparation of Minhow (young coconut leaves) and the actual mounting of the platform with the food and wine on it with the Minhow tied on both sides of the platform. The Uyagdok proper involves the Baylan (Manobo healer) doing Tud-om (chant) invoking the Abyan (diety) so to ask permission for the outsiders to be with the tribe. The native pig is slaughtered and its blood is wiped on the platform. Hakyad then is performed when the right side of the slaughtered pig is grilled and be shared by all who is present with cooked rice. Documenting all the rituals of the tribe and legislations to preserve such cultural heritage are recommended.