Authors: Janice B. Manlangit1, Faina Abaya-Ulindang2
1College of Arts and Sciences, Mindanao State University-Buug, Buug, Zamboanga Sibugay,
2College of Social Sciences and Humanities, Mindanao State University-Marawi City
Email: 1balajula.janice2784@gmail.com , 2fca_ulindang@yahoo.com
ABSTRACT
This study presented a socio-historical analysis and ethnographic metanarratives on the life of the Lutaos in Southern Philippines. It also dwelt on the
current state of the life of the Lutaos in the postcolonial era as gleaned from their vibrant 17th century life in the Philippines. The transformation of their
significant life into vagrants and urban itinerants and the disparity of their life at present and their life around the 17th century caught the researchers’
curiosity to examine the state of viability of the Lutao culture based on the lens of Dramatic Social Change Theory. Few theories are employed to
understand the status of the Lutao culture at present vis-à-vis their culture in the past. Among them are the Evolutionary Theory of the Theory of Social
Change by Auguste Comte and The Rise and Fall of Civilization by Arnold Toynbee. But the most essential theory that served as the foundation of
this paper is the Dramatic Social Change Theory. This theory presented four criteria of social change which were integrated in the instrument. The
computer-generated Chi-Square Test Analysis authenticated the stand that the Criteria of Social Change has a highly significant impact as indicators
in assessing the status of the Lutao culture. The survey revealed that the four criteria of social change (Pace of Change, Rupture of Social Order,
Rupture of Normative Order and Threats of Lutao Identity) are indicators in measuring the status of the Lutao culture. This study is more on the
outsiders’ point of view of the status of Lutao culture based on the sociological criteria of the Dramatic Social Change Theory. Hence, it is highly
recommended that more in-depth study and immersion should be undertaken to get the Lutaos’ outlook on the status of their own culture in Sibugay.
Similarly, it is highly recommended that actions would be made to address the preservation and inclusivity of the Lutao culture in mainstream society.
Keywords: : Lutaos, Badjaos, Decadence, Orang Laut, Sibuguey, Metanarratives