Quality and Sustainable Education (SGD4): ‘Libad and Panatad’ Celebration: Sustaining Faith Tourism and Local Culture

Objective: This study aimed to explore the sustainenance of faith tourism as ”Libad and Panatad” for rituals and festival celebrations. Specific objectives include profile of the devotees as well as their expectations and intentions on the rituals and festives specipically “Libad and Panatad” and thier observance of the celebration in promoting faith tourim. Differentiated views of the youngs and the olds of their intentions in participating in “Libad and Panatad” and how such festive would help promote faith tourism and local culture. Theoretical Framework: This research examined cultural heritage preservation, inter-generational knowledge transfer, and the potential of tourism industry in the place. This study investigated cultural sustainability frameworks to highlight community roles to accord cultural knowledge and practices emphasizing collective participation in spiritual customs. Ritual theory explained how practices like ‘Libad and Panatad’ not only had preserved traditions but also strengthened social bonds, tourism highlighting the importance of cultural sustainability. Method: The study utilized ethnographic research approach, archival investigation, focus-group discussion, survey through questionnaire and face-to-face interview to obtain the holistic outcome of the inquiry. The study included 201 devotees as respondents. Results and Discussion: The result revealed Libad and Panatad celebration’s strong cultural and religious influence over the study participants evident with the increaing number of devotees, to include foreign participants attending pilgrims and paying visits to sacred spaces dedicated to Saint Peter, the Apostle also known as ‘Apung Iru’. Research Implications: The study highlighted the importance of community-led initiatives, inter-generational knowledge transfer, and ethical tourism practices in preserving and promoting faith tourism. The research illustrated the need for documentation and educational programs necessary to ensure the sustainable continuation of Libad and Panatad for future generations. Originality/Value: The study on Libad and Panatad was valuable for understanding the significance of this practice especially for the young generations. The festival shed light on the historical and cultural aspect of such tradition to benefit students interested in religious history. Devotees had deepened their faith by providing insights into the origin and the true relevance of their devotion. Clarity for other’s misconceptions on the celebration was also discussed in this study.