Taripato and Integral Ecology: Ecological Responsibility from an Ilocano Perspective

Ecological responsibility, as emphasized in Laudato Si’, is rooted in the understanding that an essential aspect of being human is the commitment to care for the environment. In the Ilocano language, this committed practice is expressed through the concept of “taripato,” which encompasses nurturing and protecting, depending on context usage. Drawing from the praxis of taripato, this paper attempts to contextualize Laudato Si’s teachings on ecological responsibility by interpreting it from an Ilocano perspective. This perspective characterizes environmental care as nurturing connections, recognizing our life source, and showing respect not only because we benefit from the environment but because it is integral to life. Following a lexical exploration of the meaning of taripato, the paper concludes by offering insights on ecological responsibility.