Authors: 1Nehimiah F. Marquez and 2Rosienie D. Gallardo
[1][2]Department of Peace and Development Studies, Mindanao State University- Buug, Buug, Zamboanga Sibugay, Philippines.
Email: nehimiahmarquezfarin@gmail.com
ABSTRACT
This study emphasizes the recognition of the collective customary belief system of the Subanen community. The Subanen people originally
inhabit the mountains of Zamboanga Peninsula. They are the people who believed in the undisturbed natural process happening in the universe and an environment rich in natural processes. The study was conducted in Lantawan, Buug, Zamboanga Sibugay. The study is purposive and intentional in that the data gathering procedure was done through a one-on-one in-depth oral interview with the key informant respondents through structured guided questions although most of the time unstructured questions relevant to the study followed naturally. The
interview used the Bisaya dialect to facilitate understanding between the researchers and the respondents. The researchers gathered data from
the input of 11 pure Subanens as key respondents. The study disclosed the following findings: their belief system is manifested in various
rituals and celebrations: Their belief in the Magbabaya and performing of “daga” reflects their harmony with God, their belief in deities that
is in trees, rivers, mountains, and well reflects their harmony with nature through offering animals depending on the ritual needed, their belief
of being peaceful with other individual and celebrating Buklog symbolizes their unity within the family and the community. It had made relevant with Spinoza’s Pantheism that they belong to the whole reality where respondents are conscious of their metaphysical communion with
nature which leads to peace, they place a high value on the existence of beings other than themselves, believing that the supernatural world
still exists within them. As a result, they have a strong desire to preserve their culture, as their unwavering belief in the supernatural will naturally be passed down from generation to generation through their language and traditions.
Keywords: Subanen, Belief-system, Pantheism, Harmony with God, Harmony with others, Harmony with all creation