Rice Farming Practices Among Agsurnon Farmers: A Reflection Of Filipino Cultural Values

This study explored the farming practices and Filipino values embedded in the rice farming activities of local Agsurnon farmers addressing a gap in understanding the cultural dimensions of agricultural practices. The study contributed to the discourse on Filipino values and their role in sustaining traditional farming practices amidst modern agricultural challenges. Fourteen rice farmers from Barangay San Isidro, Bayugan City in CARAGA region belonging to two organizations and with at least ten years of experience in rice farming were purposively selected. The sample size was sufficient to ensure data saturation. Data were collected through a semi-structured in-person interview with questions divided mainly into three sections: (1) the profile and an overview of the participants regarding how they learn farming, (2) the farming practices in the five stages, and (3) the Filipino values reflected in these practices. A qualitative descriptive research design was used to determine their practices and values in rice farming. The qualitative data were analyzed through thematic analysis with predetermined categories or themes: farming practices, farming terms, and Filipino values embedded in the practices. Results revealed farming terms like pamilapil, daro, and turtol during the pre-planting stage; tanum and sabwag during planting; ispray during post-planting; garab, bulhot, and giok during harvesting; and hagdaw and bulad during post-harvesting. Filipino values such as the bayanihan spirit, faith and gratefulness, strong family ties, generosity, industriousness, positivity, resourcefulness, and commitment were all reflected in the five stages of farming practices. The study highlighted the significance of Filipino values in preserving traditional farming practices. With this, future studies may either explore other types of farming or develop pedagogical materials based on the farming terms and values to promote both agricultural and cultural preservation.