ILOCANO CONCEPT OF THE SELF

The Philippines is made up of thousands of islands with many distinct

cultures. Philippines is consisting of different small groups. The third largest Filipino
ethnolinguistic group are the Ilocanos, found within the Ilocos Region in the
northwestern seaboard of Luzon, Philippines.

Perhaps, more than any of the Philippine ethno-cultural groups, the

Ilocanos have never failed to elicit a healthy curiosity, admiration and respect
from their fellow Filipinos. At acquaintance level, an Ilocano to his non-Ilocano
neighbor, is unreasonably conservative, an individualist who would rather be
together with his fellow Ilocanos. But if friendship blooms, the non-Ilocano will later
find out that an Ilocano is such, because he is circumspect in his ways: he does
not act impulsively. It is reason – more than his feelings – that guides his every step.
Consequently, he is wise (nalaing) and clever (nasirib), and it is impossible not to
respect him, because due to this proverbial prudence, he has a deep sense of
God (adda buteng na ken Apo Dios), a virtue that tells him to be humble
(napakumbaba), noble-minded (natakneng), hardworking and persevering
(nagaget), and parsimonious (natiped) – he is careful with resources (nainot).

Four major Ilocano values were deemed evident and highly associated
with the indigenous construction material known as sablot. They are prudence
(kinamanagsakbay), self-reliance (panagwayas), caring (panangilala), and
ingenuity (kinawido).

INDIVIDUALISM COLLECTIVISM
  Self-reliance (panagwayas)  Caring (panangilala)
 Frugal / Ingenuity (kinawido)  Sharing (panagpadigo)
 Parsimonious (natiped)  Cooperation( panagtagnawa
 Prudence (kinamanagsakbay) or panag-amoyo)

INDIVIDUALISTIC TRAIT (Impressive Frugality)

Ingenuity (kinawido)
Being inventive known to be frugal and tight-fisted as they are that they
practice it in Ilocano kitchen where nothing goes to waste. They make use of
everything that can be eaten, perhaps due to the harsh climate and limited
resources. They nevertheless are squeamish about getting only the freshest
ingredients. E.g. Another source for the bitter taste comes from the papait or apdo
(bile) of the cow, carabao, or goat. The papait, while a waste product for most,is
an indispensable ingredient for dishes like pinapaitan, imbaliktad and sinanglaw
that give it a definitive Ilocano character.

Prudence (kinamanagsakbay)
Prudent in saving their money by keeping their coins in their piggy banks
and eating cheap yet nutritious meals. Also, being wise in handling their money
(Parsimonious natiped)

COLLECTIVISTIC TRAIT

Caring (panangilala)
The sitio serves as the core of an individual’s network of social obligations
and interaction related to his family and neighbors. This is manifested by simple
acts like being fair with one’s playmates, complaint to parents, faithful to friends
and the like. Personal problems are shared and without being asked, neighbors
come and help. With this, the Ilocanos found strength in confronting difficulties in
life. They see the beauty of living with others and they understand well the wisdom
of living for others.

Sharing (panagpadigo)
Padigo or the exchange of foods is one. Food items like vegetables, fruits
or meat are being shared to the neighbors. This is not just a simple sharing of food.
It is something that gives a profound meaning to the community life. This food
exchange fortifies the relations between neighbors and no one, as much as
possible, should be denied of an access to the neighbor’s resources. Padigo
actualizes the desirable quality of sensitivity to the welfare of others which is
quintessential ingredient in the development of the solid relationship among the
Ilokano folks.

Cooperation (panagtagnawa or panag-amoyo)

Taganawa is ammuyo, it requires supplementary effort that is limited
generally to agricultural work like plowing, harrowing, and harvesting crops,
neighbors, kinsmen and friends are requested to join in an ammuyo for a number
of hours or even days. Rafael (1986) attests to this cultural practice of the Iloanos
as he observes how the people work hand in hand in finishing their task in farm.

References:

 http://vigancity.gov.ph
 Esguerra, N. A. (2018). Sablot (Litsea glutinosa), Lour Rob., A Symbol of
Ilocano Ingenuity in Construction. UNP Research Journal, 22, 128-145.
 Rudveceportfolio.weebly.com