Abstract:
Over the years, the indigenous peoples have been considered as
minority groups in the fast-paced Philippine society. With the globalization
and other process of culture change, these groups fell behind the locus of the
macro progression. Subsequently, it is important to note the personal
consequences of these events to the indigenous peoples as well as the future
implications of these events to their group. The focus of this study is the Remontado group in Canumay, Antipolo,
Rizal. This study primarily describes the ethnicity or the ethnic identification
of the members to the group, specifically the grade six children. Their
perceived distinctive group characteristic is explored to see whether their
group identity is a salient part of their “self’ despite the growing number of
exogamous influences. Furthermore, the probable factors that may affect their
ethnic construction are also identified. To go around with the objectives of this
research, 7 children of remontado descent were asked to draw their self
portrait and portrait of the out-group. A separate interview with them and their
parents are utilized to further delve into their cultural ways and how they
impart it to the children. The results show that their perceived group
characteristics that make them different from the lowlanders are physical
attributes, speech intonation, economic activities and personal values.
However, the study showed that their ethnic classifications are blurry due to
the peaceful interaction between them and the lowland migrants. Therefore,
their culture and identification to the group becomes vague and even
imperceptible to some of the respondents.
