COMMUNITY PANTRY: A FRAMEWORK FOR (Re) INTERPRETING IBANAG YOUTH’S CONCEPT ON KAPWA AND PAKIKIPAGKAPWA

Abstract

This study unraveled the modern interpretation of the Ibanag Youth’s concept on kapwa and pakikipagkapwa through the formation of the community pantry. Specifically, it explored the Ibanag Youth’s experiences, views, and values using the community pantry as a framework. Descriptive Phenomenological Analysis research design was used. Nine Ibanag youths who have been involved in the conduct of the community pantry were interviewed. Thematic analysis was employed which include steps such as familiarization, coding, generating themes, reviewing themes, defining themes, defining and naming themes, and writing up. The results uncovered the Ibanag concepts of kasittolay and makikasittolay. The kasittolay has an unknown identity while makikasittolay is the act of partaking into the lives of others in a positive light. The underlying motives of the Ibanag youths in establishing the community pantries were both intrinsic and extrinsic and these have led to the promotion of pammacappianan na magaru (common good). The community pantries played a significant role in promoting and developing the Ibanag concepts and values (pabboluntaryu, minagiyawa, mapammakatalakkan, vuka ta ngamin, mappanono ta adalam, and makidaddam), which were unveiled to be inward or outward-looking. The study affirmed that the Ibanag concepts and values were consistent with the mainstream Filipino values. Thus, the community pantry is a good framework in interpreting the Ibanag concepts of kapwa and pakikipagkapwa. The community pantry served as a good paradigm in unraveling and defining the Ibanag concepts of kapwa and pakikipagkapwa.  It is a fertile ground to nourish the Ibanags’ concepts of kapwa and pakikipagkapwa allowing the inward and outward-looking values to flourish. The indigenous values of the Ibanags were proven to be consistent with the existing Filipino values and concepts of kapwa and pakikipagkapwa. Hence, the Ibanags’ age-old culture and values still live on in the 21st century as the Ibanag youths have used the community pantry as a modern way to preserve and aggrandize them for the next generations. In light of the findings, it is recommended that the community pantry shall be continued in different localities as it is a powerful catalyst not only for socio-economic purposes but also for cultural preservation. It is also recommended that the LGUs, NGOs, and private organizations should collaborate to support existing community pantries. More Ibanag youths should also be encouraged to participate in socio-civic activities through existing school and civic organizations. The findings of this study may be incorporated in subjects such as Edukasyon sa Pagpapakatao, Araling Panlipunan, and Understanding the Self to delve deeper into the Ibanag mind and soul.