Research Design

The study intends to investigate the perception of Hong Kong Shoppers regarding
the service and product satisfaction. Thus, this study will determine the complaint
behavior of Hong Kong shoppers. For this study, primary research and secondary
research will be used. Moreover, the descriptive research method will be utilized. In
this method, it is possible that the study would be cheap and quick. It could also
suggest unanticipated hypotheses. Nonetheless, it would be very hard to rule out
alternative explanations and especially infer causations. Thus, this study will use the
descriptive approach. This descriptive type of research utilizes observations in the
study. To illustrate the descriptive type of research, Creswell (1994) guided the
researcher when he stated: Descriptive method of research is to gather information
about the present existing condition. Primary research is conducted using
questionnaire surveys that are sent to the randomly selected Hong Kong shoppers.
Here, the questionnaires will be used to collect quantitative data and the interviews
will be used to provide qualitative insights into the data collected. Apparently,
secondary data are based from the recent literatures related to consumer/ costumer
and shoppers behavior.
As stated above, this research will partially base its findings through
bothquantitative research methods because this permits a flexible and iterative
approach. During data gathering the choice and design of methods are constantly
modified, based on ongoing analysis. This study will also employ qualitative
research method because it will try to find and build theories that will explain the
relationship of one variable with another variable through qualitative elements in
research. Through this method, qualitative elements that do not have standard
measures such as behavior, attitudes, opinions, and beliefs within the business
domain will be analyzed.

Hypotheses:
Null Hypothesis is proposed
There is no significant relationship between the attitudes and knowledge towards HIV screening
as perceived by respondents in terms of age, educational attainment, religion and civil status.
Scope and Delimitations
The study was conducted among 100 Filipino pregnant women in the Obstetrics and
Gynecology Outpatient Department of Region I Medical Center. The study period was
from November 9-21, 2009.
Methods
This study employed the descriptive method of research which involved a sample survey applied
with correlation techniques. The first part presents the socio-demographic profile of the

respondents then the level of perceptions on their attitudes and knowledge toward HIV
screening. Correlation analysis was used to determine relationship between their perceived
attitudes and knowledge. Moreover, a comparative analysis was used to compare differences on
the level of perceptions of their attitudes and knowledge across their profile variables such as age
and highest educational attainment.
Sampling and Data Gathering Procedure
The purposive and quota sampling procedure was applied as a sampling technique in this study.
This procedure identified only pregnant women as respondents and set a quota of 100 individuals
who happened to have their check-up at the Obstetrics and Gynecology Outpatient Department
during the conduct of the study.
A researcher-designed questionnaire was prepared as an instrument in gathering the data.
(available upon request) The first part of the questionnaire presented the profile of respondents.
The second part listed some indicators to answer the perceived attitudes of respondents towards
HIV screening and the last part were indicators to answer the level of perception on their
knowledge about HIV screening.
Statistical Treatment and Data Analysis (Statistical Package for Social Science, SPSS was used)
To describe the socio-demographic profile descriptive statistics was used- frequency counts and
percentages. To measure the level of perception on the attitudes of respondents toward HIV
screening, mean was drawn from each indicator through a 4-point Likert scale using the rating
and descriptive equivalent as follows:
To measure the level of perception on the knowledge of respondents toward HIV screening, the
mean was drawn from each indicator through a 4-point Likert scale using the rating and
descriptive equivalent as follows:

To determine the significant difference between perceived level of attitudes and

knowledge of respondents toward HIV screening, analysis of variance (ANOVA) was
utilized.
To determine the significant relationship on the perceived level of attitudes and
knowledge toward HIV screening across profile variables, Pearson Product Moment
Correlation analysis was used to compare three variables (e.g. age and highest
educational attainment).

Results And Discussion

The following are the findings of the study which are presented in tabular forms for easy
reference.
A. Profile of the Respondents
Table 1. Socio-Demographic Profile of Respondents

Table 1 presents the age distribution profile of respondents. Roughly 85 % of the respondents
belonged to ages 15- 35 years old, the most sexually productive years. Roman Catholics
comprise 90 % of the respondents. This religious group is what is being wooed by the Catholic
Church to decline the Reproductive Health Bill (RH) though it has just been passed as a law this
December 2012.
Interestingly, 67 % of the respondents are single. These are due to teen-age pregnancies, premarital pregnancies, or purposely becoming pregnant without a husband. The RH law may find
its relevance in here for unwanted pregnancies if only these women knew how to avoid it.
Majority of the respondents (45 %) have their highest educational attainment at being high
school graduate. This may be comparable to national figures.
B. Attitudes of Pregnant Women Toward HIV Screening
Table 2. Attitudes of Pregnant Women Toward HIV Screening

Table 2 presents the level of perception of the respondents on their attitudes toward HIV
screening. Pregnant women always want to know more about how HIV screening is
done, the benefits, and their free submission to undergo it. However, they often
perceived their fear of knowing the result of the test, their refusal due to lack of financial
resources and the lost of confidentiality of the result of the test. Moreover, sometimes
they dont have time to undergo HIV screening.
Overall, pregnant women perceived often in their attitudes toward HIV screening with
mean rating of 3.21.
B. Knowledge of Pregnant Women Toward HIV Screening
Table 3.1 Knowledge of Respondents on HIV Infection

Table 3.1 presents the knowledge of pregnant women to HIV as infectious disease. Respondents
are moderately knowledgeable on the effect of HIV infection to the fetus, to its prevention,
causes, mode of transmission, signs and symptoms. The only portion they are not knowledgeable
is on the diagnostic test for HIV infection. This pulled down the overall rating to slightly
knowledgeable in terms of HIV as infectious disease with mean rating of 2.44.

Table 3.2 Knowledge of Respondents on the Procedures of HIV Screening

In terms of the procedures in HIV screening, pregnant women are slightly knowledgeable
about counseling and blood test as basic procedures for HIV screening with mean rating of 2.35
(Table 3.2).
Table 3.3 Knowledge of the Respondents on the Benefits Derived from HIV Screening

Table 3.3 presents the knowledge of respondents about the benefits derived from HIV
screening. Pregnant women are moderately knowledgeable in all stated indicators such
as reduction of prenatal transmission, practice of universal precaution, increase of life
expectancy, early detection and treatment and care during and after pregnancy with
overall mean rating of 2.99.

C. Relationship Between Attitude and Knowledge Towards HIV Screening

Table 4. Correlation Analysis Between Attitude and Knowledge of Pregnant Women Toward HIV
Screening

* Correlation is significant at the 0.05 level (2-tailed test).

The relationship between the perceived levels of attitudes and knowledge among pregnant
women to HIV screening is significant at 0.05 level (Table 4). This is indicated by correlation
coefficient of -0.199 with significance of 0.048 less than the significance level of 0.05. The
correlation coefficient indicates that there is a high (good) attitude of pregnant women to
submit themselves for HIV screening even they have little knowledge about the disease, the
procedure and their expected benefits. Thus the null hypothesis of the study is rejected.
The findings implied that it would not be difficult for the hospital to adopt and
implement policies regarding the inclusion of HIV screening as a routine activity for
check-up because the pregnant patient have that positive attitude toward HIV screening.
D. Difference on the Attitude and Knowledge Across Significant Profile Variables
Among the profile variables considered in the study, it was age and highest educational
attainment of the respondents that were found significant in the evaluation on their level
of perception on their attitudes and knowledge toward HIV screening.
Table 5.1 ANOVA on Attitude and Knowledge Across Age of Respondents

Difference is highly significant at p < 0.01 level.ns not significant at 0.05 and 0.01 level
Table 5.1 showed the variance across age profile of respondents. In terms of their attitudes,
different age groups have different level of perception. Age group between 26-35 years old have
higher level of perception compared to age groups 36-45 years old and 15-25 years old who are
just comparable in their level of perception. The findings implied that at ages 26-35 which are
considered vulnerable and high risk pregnant women of this age group have showed their interest
for HIV screening.
However, it terms of their knowledge, different age group have the same level of
perception. (not significant differences at either p < 0.05 and 0.01 level.

Table 5.2 ANOVA on Attitude and Knowledge Across Highest Educational Attainment of
Respondents

Difference is highly significant at p < 0.01 level.

As shown in Table 5.2, highest educational attainment was found highly significant in both the
perception levels of attitudes and knowledge of respondents toward HIV screening.

In terms of attitudes, differences on the level of perception among respondents with elementary,
high school and college education were highly significant. Result of the study showed that
respondents with elementary education are more optimistic to the HIV screening than those with
high school and college education which have comparable attitudes.

In terms of their knowledge, differences on the level of perception among respondents with
elementary, high school and college education were likewise highly significant. Result of the
study showed that respondents with college education have higher level of perception on HIV
screening, followed by those with high school education and elementary education, respectively.
Conclusions and Recommendation:
Findings of the study showed that there were more single pregnant women and majority were
high school graduates with positive attitudes towards HIV screening. Although they were slightly
knowledgeable to HIV as infectious disease and HIV screening and moderately knowledgeable
to the benefits they derived from HIV screening, they were ready to undergo HIV screening in
their work-up. However, hesitance to comply with the test may be due to financial aspects.
Age and highest educational attainment were found significant variables in assessing the
level of perception of the respondents attitudes and knowledge toward HIV screening.
Age group between 26-35 years old and those with lower educational level were more
optimistic and have positive attitude to HIV screening. Moreover, those with higher level
of education have higher level of knowledge about HIV screening.

Adoption of HIV screening as routine work up for pregnant women is strongly

recommended to increase awareness of HIV so that prevention and timely treatment and
information about preventing HIV transmission can be given. However, policies for
implementation and adoption should be made giving emphasis to financial aspects. There
must be more information dissemination to be conducted to increase awareness about the
disease.
Corresponding author: Michelle Dominica V. Palma, MD
Email Address: dominic88@yahoo.com
Mobile No. 0917-8809216/0922-8842980

REFERENCES:
1. Piot, P. & Merson, M.H. (2000). Global perspectives on Human Immunodeficiency Virus
infection and Acquired immunodeficiency Syndrome. Mandell, Douglas, and Bennetts
Principles and Practice of Infectious Diseases. (Mandell, GL; Bennet, JE; and Dolin, R, Eds) 5th
Ed.Philadelphia,Pennsylvania: Churchill Livingstone, 1332-1340.
2. http://www.avert.org/worldstats.htm accessed July 2, 2012)
3. http://www.doh.gov.ph/content/233-new-hiv-aids-cases-recorded-april-doh accessed July 2,
2012
4. Sumpaico , et al: Infectious Diseases in Pregnancy (A Clinical Handbook).2003.
5. Williams Obstetrics, 23rd Edition, Chapter 59, Sexually Transmitted Diseases
6. HIV/AIDS Registry, National HIV Sentinel Surveillance System (NHSS), March 2008
7. Prevention of Mother-to-Child Transmission of HIV in Asia, Practical Guidance for
Programs, Academy for Educational Development (AED) and USAID, June 2002
8. Obstetrics, Gynecology & Infertility, 6th ed., John David Gordon, MD et.al.
9. Protocols for High-Risk Pregnancies, 4th ed., John T. Queenan, MD et al.
10.WHO/UNAIDS/UNICEF 2009, Towards Universal Access: Scaling Up Priority
HIV/AIDS interventions in the Health Sector
Balindong, Lanao del Sur

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Jump to: navigation, search

Map of Lanao del Sur showing the location of Balindong

Balindong (formerly Watu) is a 4th class municipality in the province of Lanao del Sur,
Philippines. According to the 2000 census, it has a population of 24,470 people in 3,220
households.
Profile of Balindong

Contents

1 Brief history
o 1.1 Political History
o 1.2 Traditional History

2 Geographical Location
o 2.1 Location
o 2.2 Topography
o 2.3 Climate

3 Land Area And Classification

o 3.1 Land Area and Land Use
o 3.2 Health And Sanitation
o 3.3 Housing

o 3.4 Education

4 Barangays

5 External links

Brief history
Political History
The Municipality of Balindong was known as Uato or Wato from 1918 to 1948. Wato, the lower
western portion of the present day municipality which is surprisingly rocky. In 1956 by virtue of
Republic Act 1419 dated June 10, 1956, Wato was renamed Balindong in honor of a great ruler
of the Pangampong fame who ruled the Pangampong of Masiu from Wato.
On April 29, 1963, Balindong was converted into a regular Municipality under Executive Order
no. 42. Balindong is comprised by 38 barangays. During the martial regime, there were 54
barangays in the municipality. When Corazon C. Aquino came into presidency, the number of
barangays was reduced to 38.

Traditional History
Maranao recalls the tradition of the fabled kingdom of Bumbaran as the origin of the people and
of the towns therein. Tradition claim that the Maranao descended from Bantugan of the fabled
kingdom of Bumbaran, some believed is the present day Lake Lanao, while a few scholars point
of Cabadbaran of Agusan based on geographical explanations provided in the Darangan,
Maranao epic.The myth around the destruction ofBumbaran remain shrouded, yet many believed
a great volcanic eruption completely erased the kingdom from the face of the earth and in placethe present Lake Lanao.
Tradition claims that at the time of the destruction, a brother of four were out on a hunting safari.
The brothers reached kamanga, a village at the edge of a forest in what is now Bubong. Learning
the event that befall the fabled Kingdom of Bumbaran, the brothers agreed to build their own
kingdoms on what is now the two Lanao provinces. Butuanun Kalinan, the eldest of the four
chose the largest area stretching from the municipality of Marantao on the northwest side of the
Lake to the northern part going to the east of the rimming mountain and towards the southeast.
This was the principality of Bayabao. The inggued or towns comprising Bayabao are the present
day municipalities of Marantao, Saguiaran, Baudi-Puso Buntong, Piagapo, Maguing, Bumbaran,
Wao, Lumbabayabao, Poonabayabao, Ditsaan-Ramain, Bubong and Marawi City. The second
brother, Dimaampao Kalinan, to take Principality of Onayan, now comprised by the
municipalities of Butig, Lumbayanague, Lumbatan, Bayang, Tubaran, Binidayan, Marogong,
Ganassi, Paulas, Madamba, Kalanogas, Sultan Gumander, Malabang, Balabagan, Kapatagan and
Karomatan.

The third brother, Batara Kilatun, chose the area around the southwest-southeaster side to the
northwest side across the lake. This is the Principality of Masiu composed of present-day
municipalities of Taraka, Molundo, Tamparan, Masiu, Madalum, Munai, Kalawi-Bacolod,
Tugaya and Balindong.
Amerogong Topa-an, the fourth brother took the northwest side across the Agus river down to
Iligan bay and called the Principality of Balo-I, now composed of the municipalities of
Pantar,Tagoloan, Balo-I, Matungao, Pantao-Ragat, Poona Piagapo, Tangcal, Magsaysay,
Lapayan, Kauswagan, Bacolod, Maigo, Kolambugan and Iligan City. The traditional principality
is now located mostly in Lanao del Norte.
The four principalities is to the Maranaos the Pat A Pangampong Ko Ranao, built on the Igma
Ago Taritib (Order and Consensus) among the founding fathers, this is the unwritten constitution
that binds the Maranao since then up to the present. To safeguard the agreement, the forefathers
instituted the Maratabat or Maranao psychology that is deeply ingrained in the cultural matrix.
The origin maybe mythical but the operation of the Pengampong and adherence to the consensus
remain alive and sustained. The coming of Islam to Lanao is contingent to the coming of Islam to
Sulu and Maguindanao during the 14th century. Sharif Kabungsuan who descended from a line
of missionaries tracing lineage to Prophet Mohammad, first reached Maguindanao and proceeded
to Lanao. The Salsila or genealogy is zealousy guarded recording line of descent from Prophet
Mohammad. The other Arab missionary, Sharif Alawi also came to Lanao by way of Tagoloan,
now the municipality of Tagoloan in the province of Misamis Oriental.
Thus, the coming of Islam to Lanao further sustained the already existing principalities thereby
further claiming affinity to the Muslim world. The ethno-linguistic matrix of the Maranao finds
strong affinity to that of the Maguindanao of the Cotabato provinces and the Ilanun, who settled
partly in Maguindanao and in Lanao. The Maranao claim that Ilannun group, from the Maranao
word Irana-on or from the Lake region, were actually Maranao who ventured to trade in the
flourishing Sulu-China trade route cutting across Malaysia and Indonesia. Recorded History cites
that the Sulu sultanate employed Illannun mariners in their trade. Many of the Illanuns who
reached Sabah and other areas in Borneo settled in these places. Hence, to this day there are
groups there who are still referred to as Illanun and traces descent to the Ilannun in both
Maguindanao and Lanao.

Geographical Location
Location
Balindong is one of thirty eight (38) municipalities comprising the Province of Lanao del Sur. It
lies on the western part of the province. It is bounded on the north by the Municipality of
Piagapo, on the south by Lake Lanao. On the east and western side, it is bounded by the
municipalities of Tugaya and Marantao, respectively.
The Municipality is only 16 kilometers from Marawi City, and 53 kilometers from the nearest
seaport of Iligan City.

Its geographical local plays a major role in the development of agro-industrial potential in the
province and region. Balindong contributes raw materials including forest products. While
cottage industry had been home-based for most part, it has high development potentials given
sufficient inputs including market access.

Topography
Climate
Balindong is gifted with good and cool climatic condition. Climate is classified as Type IV
characterized by the absence of distinct dry of wet season. Its coldest period is usually during
rainy days when temperature dips down to a low 15 degrees Celsius while the average
temperature rises to 27 degrees Celsius during dry season.

Land Area And Classification

Land Area and Land Use
The total land area of Balindong is approximately 28,650 hectares. Of this figure, only about
25% is plain or flat suitable for rice farming. By classification, some 37% of the total land area is
forest land.

Health And Sanitation

Balindong, other than having its own rural health unit, is a site of the District Hospital. Currently,
Balindongs Rural Health unit is manned by a physician, 1 public health nurse, 3 midwives, and
twelve Barangay Health Workers.
Health records indicate that leading causes of morbidity, especially among children, include
acute respiratory tract infection, influenza, acute gastroenteritis, hypertension, measles with
bronchopneumonia, severe dehydration, cancer, and diabetes mellitus. On the other hand, the
leading causes of mortality for both adults and children include cardiovascular diseases,
pulmonary tuberculosis, vehicular accidents, measles with bronchopneumonia, severe
dehydration, cancer and diabetes mellitus.

Housing
Data culled out from the 2000Census indicate that the history of Balindongs housing trend is
one of decreasing from 1960 at 2,236 units to as low as 1,332 dwelling units in 1980. In 1990,
Balindongs dwelling units numbered 1,807 and in 2000 the dwelling units increased to 2,145.
Ninety-seven percent of the dwelling units in Balindong are of single house type. The average
number of households occupying a single dwelling unit stands at 1.5 with an household
population of 11.41 persons per dwelling unit.

Education
Census data of 2000 reports that the literacy rate of Balindong stands at 86.02% while the
Province literacy rate was at 80.12%. There are seven (7) elementary schools and two (2)
secondary schools in Balindong which caters to the education needs of its population. Figure 4.
List of School and Location in Balindong
Name of School Location A. Elementary 1. Balindong Central Elementary School Brgy.
Salipongan 2. Lombayao Elementary School Brgy. Lombayao 3. Malaig Elementary School
Brgy. Malaig 4. Bubong Elementary School Brgy. Bubong 5. Raya Elementary School Brgy.
Raya 6. Lilod Elementary School Brgy. Lilod 7.Dilausan Elementary School Brgy. Dilausan B.
Secondary 1. MSU Balindong Comm. High School Brgy. Malaig 2. Balindong national High
School Brgy. Salipongan E. Employment
E.1 Labor Force Participation Of the 2000 population of 24,470, 51% of this (12,524) are in the
labor force, meaning those aged 14 to 64 years old which are classified as economically active
sector. However, viewed from the provincial labor force participation rate of 50%, it can be
deduced that Balindongs situation is not far from that reality.
E.2 Agriculture And Crop Production While total agricultural area in the municipality stands at
7,024 hectares, representing 24% of the total land area, only about 832 hectares or 12% is
effectively utilized for rice (203 has.) and corn (632 has.) farming. Rice farms are mainly rain fed
(153 has.) as there is absence of a developed irrigation system in the municipality.
E.2 1 Livestock and Poultry Production Due to existence of wide track of land for grazing and
pasture, Balindong is one of the Province source for cattle and carabao and other livestock
products. Inventory of livestock indicate that there exist (2002): cattle 145 heads, carabao
131 heads, goat 135, chicken 417, ducks 210. The data indicate a decreasing inventory of
animals, therefore, a need to replenish the stock.
E.2.2 Aqua Culture Production A survey of annual fish catch from the lake and in-land fishponds in the municipality from 1997 to 2002 indicate reduction of catch from 17% metric ton to
only 8.02 metric tons. Fish species in the lake include Tilapia, Mudfish, Sirung, Carp, Gaby, and
Catfish.
F. Income And Expenditure
The Municipality of Balindong is a 5th class in terms of income. Its revenue is derived mainly
from its share of Internal Revenue Allotment (IRA) from the national government. Currently, the
municipality receives an annual IRA of Php28,892,000. Of this revenue, some php5,784,000.00
or 20% of the revenue is earmarked for development activities.
G. Incidence of poverty
The 1995 survey of Family Income And Expenditures (FIES) indicate that an average
Balinndong household earns an annual income of P33,660.00 or P2,805.00 a month. In the same

period, Poverty Threshold Income (PTI) in the Province of Lanao del Sur was estimated at
P9,364 or a poverty incidence of about 52%. PTI implies that households earning below the rate
are considered poor or in the poverty group.

Barangays
Balindong is politically subdivided into 38 barangays.

Abaga (Mapantao)

Dado

Padila

Poblacion (Balindong)

Dibarusan

Pagayawan

Pantaragoo

Dilausan

Paigoay

Bantogan Wato

Dimarao

Raya

Barit

Ingud

Salipongan

Bubong

Lalabuan

Talub

Bubong Cadapaan

Lilod

Tomarompong

Borakis

Lumbayao

Tantua Raya

Bualan

Limbo

Tuka Bubong

Cadapaan

Lumbaca Lalan

Bolinsong

Cadayonan

Lumbac Wato

Lati

kaluntay

Magarang

Mala-ig

Dadayag

Nusa Lumba Ranao

Balindong, Lanao Del Sur

The municipality of Balindong is composed of 38 Barangays

(villages) with a population of 26,007 as of 2010 census. The main livelihood is farming in
both lowland and upland areas. Fishing is the livelihood of the people of Nusa Island and
some barangays around the lake.
Leadership Goals:

1. The following are the goals set by this writer upon assumption as mayor of the
municipality.

2. To possibly achieve and curve infant (child) and maternal mortality rate;
3. Lessen if not eradicate the prevalence of tuberculosis and other infectious diseases ;
4. Lower morbidity and mortality rate caused by infectious diseases.
5. Instill consciousness among the people in a clean and healthy environment;
6. Subsidize affordable medicines and other health services among the poor.

Click

here to see the Health Data of Balindong, Lanao del Sur.

Balindong Health Indicators

Year

Maternal Mortality Ratio

Infant Mortality Rate

2010

648

Malnutrition Rate

0.76

Percentage of Households with Access to Safe Drinking Water

7.79

Proportion of Births Delivered at Health Facilities

3.67

Proportion of Births Attended by Skilled Health Professional

Sources:
Field Health Service Information System and Local Government Units

Bacolod-Kalawi, Lanao del Sur

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Jump to: navigation, search

Map of Lanao del Sur showing the location of Bacolod Grande

69.98

Bacolod-Kalawi (formerly Bacolod Grande) is a 3rd class municipality in the province of Lanao
del Sur, Philippines. According to the 2000 census, it has a population of 17,761 people in 2,465
households.

Barangays
Bacolod-Grande is politically subdivided into 26 barangays.

Ampao

Liawao

Bagoaingud

Lumbaca-Ingud

Balut

Madanding

Barua

Orong

Buadiawani

Pindolonan

Bubong

Poblacion I

Dilabayan

Poblacion II

Dipatuan

Raya

Daramoyod

Rorowan

Gandamato

Sugod

Gurain

Tambo

Ilian

Tuka I

Lama

Tuka II

Tugaya, Lanao del Sur

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Jump to: navigation, search
This article includes a list of references, but its sources remain unclear because it has
insufficient inline citations. Please help to improve this article by introducing more
precise citations. (April 2009)

Map of Lanao del Sur showing the location of Tugaya

Tugaya (alternate spelling: Togaya) is a 4th class municipality in the province of Lanao del Sur,
Philippines. According to the 2000 census, it has a population of 20,139 people in 2,391
households.

Contents

1 Geography

2 Arts and Culture

3 Barangays

4 External links

Geography
Tugaya has a land area of 4028 hectares, equal to 40.28 square kilometers. Tugaya is located on
the shores of the largest lake on Mindanao Island: Lake Lanao.

Arts and Culture

Tugaya is unique in that the town is inhabited almost entirely by craftsmen and artisans of
various pursuits. Each household specializes in some form of art or craft that is part of traditional
Maranao culture: back-strap loom weaving, tapestry weaving, and other kinds of handmade
textile manufacture; foundry casting of various forms of brass or bronze vessels, instruments,
and decorative items; wood-carving and mother-of-pearl inlay work; metalwork and silver- and
gold-smithing -- all of which utilize the traditional Maranao form of decoration, okir. From this
community come the artisans called upon to decorate major forms of architecture in the
traditional manner, e.g., the Maranao "torogan" or royal houses. Performance arts are also unique
among the residents of Tugaya, where the penchant for the artistic spills out into everyday games
and mundane articles of domestic use.
Textile weaving in Tugaya includes traditional Southeast Asian back-strap loom weaving,
utilizing indigenous okir decorative motifs. Laborious, expert needle-weaving produces the
complex "langkit" panels which are incorporated into the traditional Maranao garment, the
"malong landap". Foundries employ the cire perdue or "lost wax" method to produce various
types of bronze or brass products which follow traditional forms, such as the "gador" (a pair of
ornate brass urns). Metal forging uses the traditional Southeast Asian double-bellows forge, and
employs traditional tools. Other forms of metalwork include hand shaping and pounding of metal
sheets, a laborious method which transforms flat metal sheets into sturdy, solid metal Maranao
kulintang ensemble gong instruments, including "gandingan" and "agong". Woodworking
includes manufacture of decorative objects, ornate furniture such as the traditional storage chest
"baul", musical instruments such as the large drum "dadabuan", and ceremonial 12-foot-tall
Maranao drums (such as were used for the adhan in the 1800s). Carved and painted wood
products also feature the distinctive okir decorative motifs.
Nearly every member of the community is engaged in one or more of these forms of traditional
arts and crafts, and many of their products are specially ordered on a regular basis by merchants
in Davao City, which is the largest city on Mindanao island, a full day's drive from Tugaya.
When displayed in the stores of Davao City, Tugaya's products are purchased by locals and

international visitors, and by professional buyers from the department stores and tourist shops of
MetroManila.
Thus, Tugaya supplies both inhabitants and visitors to Metro Manila with high quality,
traditional, handmade items which are identified to customers as simply being "from Mindanao".
Majority of items sold in Metro Manila as being "from Mindanao" are actually manufactured in
Indonesia or Thailand, but are represented as being from Mindanao because the items were
imported into Davao City by a middleman before being re-sold and transported to Metro Manila.

Barangays
Tugaya is politically subdivided into 23 barangays.

Bagoaingud

Mapantao

Bubong

Pagalamatan

Buadi Alawang

Pandiaranao

Buadi Dico

Pindolonan I

Campong Talao

Pindolonan II

Cayagan

Putad

Dandanun

Raya

Dilimbayan

Sugod I

Gurain

Sugod Mawatan

Poblacion (Ingud)

Sumbaga Rogong

Lumbac

Tangcal

Maidan

HOME OF the Sultanates, sarimanok, and Islam: Visiting Lanao del Sur province of the
Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) is like going back to centuries ago when
women walked around gracefully in their malongs (wrap-around clothing) and men who had
betel-stained golden teeth played chess all day. But although being transported to a place that
seems stuck in time could be soothing to a frazzled urbanite, the truth is Lanao del Sur is that

way largely because it is one of the poorest provinces in the country, while ARMM is the poorest
region in the Philippines in all indicators of human development.
In a little town called Tugaya, however, keeping alive the traditional arts and crafts of Lanao del
Surs predominant tribe has meant not only the preservation of a unique culture, but also having
reliable sources of income for many of its residents. And in the last few years, business has
become even better for Tugaya artisans and entrepreneurs, who have also increased in number.
To do this, the Tugaya municipal government headed by Mayor Alimatar Guroalim used as guide
the suggestions of the townspeople themselves on how to improve the local economy. The young
mayor also put in place a system that has helped reduce political conflicts in Tugaya, which has
at least nine major clans that used to find it difficult to see eye to eye.
It has been said that poverty in ARMM is a product of the sporadic wars caused mainly by local
resistance to outside forces. Tugaya also used to erupt in conflicts between clans that often turned
deadly, but now the sounds one hears in the town are usually the whiz, hiss, buzz, and bangs
created by artisans hard at work, and not gunshots or bloodcurdling screams. Turn a corner or
enter a home, and one is bound to find someone bent over a loom, pouring melted metal into
moulds, or putting the finishing touches on an intricately carved chest, wall dcor, or giant drum
(which is said to have been used in the past by the sultan to call his people to meetings).
Brassware trader and woodcraftsman Alamin says proudly that he has foreign customers always
in wait for his carved wooden boxes. He says he even has a catalogue of his designs, but he is
careful not to show it to just anyone since he has no desire to have copycats.
Many of Tugayas married women, meanwhile, are glad they now have a better chance of
becoming financially independent unlike those in other towns in ARMM who have little access
to employment. The municipal government had apparently listened when Tugayas women said
they needed help to get started in business; now there is a capital-assistance program just for
them. Says Ameena, a weaver: I am able to be a productive and independent motherEarning
is a means to empower ourselves.
Tugaya, of course, has long been known as the home of the arts and crafts of the Maranao tribe,
to which many people in Lanao del Sur belong. But it was not until last June, when it marked yet
another founding anniversary, that Tugaya dared call itself the Industrial Capital of Lanao del
Sur.
WITH A population of about 22,000, Tugaya has 23 barangays occupying some 4,028 hectares.
The townfolk also fish and do marginal farming, but the main source of livelihood in Tugaya
remains arts and crafts. Indeed, one can actually tell where he or she is in Tugaya just by looking
at what is being made in the area. The barangays of Lumbac, Bubong, and Pandiaranao for
instance are into brassware-making. Sugod - I, Ingud Poblacion, Dilimbayan, and Tangcal
specialize in woodcarving and making inlaid chests. Barangay Lumbac, meanwhile, is known for
its malong and langkit (trimmings with ethnic designs).

Last year, the National Commission for Culture and the Arts even nominated Tugaya as a World
Heritage Site because of the arts and crafts it produces. According to the Commission, the
Maranao arts and crafts coming out of Tugaya are intimately enmeshed with the cultural
structure and organization of the people such that it is highly distinguishable from all other
forms, although these would still belong to a pan-Southeast Asian culture.
Said to be one of the last bastions of Islamic civilization in Lanao del Sur, Tugaya also has
special place in Philippine history. After all, it was there that the flag of resistance, the Pandi-aranao, was planted by local hero Sheikh Saruang, who fought against the Spanish invaders.
By the time Alimatar Guroalim was elected mayor in 2004, however, much of the fighting in
Tugaya was being done by the towns clans among themselves. Unfortunately, their bickering
usually regarding politics or over who had the right to head the Sultanate -- was also affecting
everyone else. A law graduate from the University of the East in Manila, Guroalim had spent
much of the previous decade away from Tugaya, since he was based in Baguio, where he worked
at the Office on Muslim Affairs. His visits to his hometown, however, were enough to make him
realize the debilitating impact the local feuds were having on Tugayas growth.
Yet while bringing the clans together was certainly on his checklist of to-dos as a budding
politician, Guroalim says he entered politics with a platform of addressing development. If we
compare traditional leaders and the modern ones, we see that (there is a lack of emphasis on)
improvement with the former, he explains. Traditional leaders were only concerned with
pacifying conflicts but the development of the inged (community) is forgotten.
And so one of the first things Guroalim did after winning was to consult residents on how to
improve the economy in Tugaya. Taking the cue from them, the young first-time mayor then
passed laws to support micro-enterprise at the barangay level, particularly on upgrading the
cottage industry in Tugaya. He also passed a law to create a display center at the corner where
one turns to go into Tugaya from the national highway the better for the towns products to be
seen by more potential customers.
Womens groups in particular were provided with start-up capital, with many of them choosing
to go into embroidery work. According to the mayor, the women were very vocal at consultation
meetings regarding what they needed. We saw how the women were much more active in
accessing support and coordinating with us, he says. He adds that supporting them with training
has proved to be the right move, since many women have applied what they learned and earning
even as they continue to keep house.
THESE DAYS, mothers doubling as entrepreneurs are a common sight in Tugaya (unlike in
other parts of ARMM). Many women toil away not only over hot stoves preparing hot meals for
their families, but also over their sewing machines, making blankets and pillows. Many like
Ameena have also taken up weaving, which in Tugaya means the traditional backloom. Some
stitch sequin after sequin on meters of cloth to make wall hangings. In bright yellow, green, or
red the Maranao royal colors these wall hangings are staples in local feasts, such as weddings
and other festive celebrations.

Obviously, though, the municipal government had to find funding and training sources -- for the
women, as well as any other Tugayan interested in working or going into business. The
Department of Trade and Industry supported training workshops and capacity-building programs.
Nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) such as Muslim CARD and international funding
groups like the Canadian International Development Agency (through the Local Government
Support Program-ARMM or LGSPA) supported the logistical side of local cottage industry
needs. The LGSPA helped organize the Local Economic Development (LED) as a means to help
alleviate poverty by generating employment. The Mindanao State University in nearby Marawi
City extended technical assistance.
At the same time, the Guroalim administration worked on upgrading the educational system,
with focus on supporting both the English and Arabic schools. As the mayor sees it, education is
crucial to self-reliance and success. Again, the municipal government tapped NGOs and funding
agencies, mainly to help it build classrooms and school buildings, although some later opted to
sponsor livelihood programs for the childrens parents. The argument behind that was a higher
family income would mean more funds for the childrens school needs. The local government
also gave allowances to teachers in 20 Islamic schools in Tugaya.
As for the feuding clans, a program aimed at drawing their participation and encouraging
consensus was set up. Soon representatives of the major clans Maruhom Malimala, Maruhom
Amai Banto, Maruhom Sarip, Maruhom Taop, Maruhom Radiamoda, Maruhom Sabir, Maruhom
Naba, Maruhom Siddick, and Maruhom Jaman were signing a covenant of power-sharing.
Under the system they agreed on, each clan would take turns at having a member sit as the
sultan, much like how todays Malaysian sultans take turns at being king of that country.
Actually, Guroalim himself could be said to be a product of efforts to bring peace between two
former feuding families: the Pacalnas and the Pukunums. (His paternal grandmother is from the
Pacalna clan and his mother is a Pukunum.) Both families are prominent in local politics, as is
the Guroalim clan itself. He has at least one grandparent and several uncles who were at one time
or the chief executive of Tugaya.
SUCH A political lineage, however, may have meant little to the townfolk when the 30something Guroalim decided to run for mayor three years ago. Having lived far from Lanao for
so long, Guroalim wasnt that popular in his hometown. And unlike his relatives who had been
mayor, he was neither charismatic nor a fiery speaker. At the 2004 elections, he was up against a
set of relatives, too: former mayor Mangawan Balindong, Ayonan Pangcopa, and Sagosara
Pukunum. Yet when the dust at the polls finally settled, it was Guroalim who emerged as winner
by a slim margin of some 50 votes over his closest opponent.
Whatever it was that made Tugayans choose him, many of them are thankful for it now. Many of
the women, for instance, say this is the first time in Tugaya that there is livelihood support, and
especially for them. Tugayans also say they like how their mayor constantly comes up with
development programs.
Trade and industry department provincial representative Cabili Arobinto notes that Tugaya has
become more reliable in meeting orders. This is even as its customer base continues to widen. In

the last few years, Maranao arts and crafts most of them coming from Tugaya have become
more visible not only in Davao City, but also in Manila, where they can be seen in chic offices
and residences.
For sure that can be because Maranao traders have become more peripatetic. But it can also be
because, as several Tugayans believe, Tugaya has stepped up efforts to market its products. At
the very least, observers say, other municipalities in Lanao del Sur have yet to match the level
attained by the town in terms of product reach.
Tugayans, however, wish Guroalim were as successful in eliminating factions in their town.
While all seems quiet among the major clans, political factions persist. Vice Mayor Paisal Azis,
for instance, has made it clear Guroalim has yet to get on his good side. Azis has filed a case of
dismissal against the mayor, because of an alleged kidnapping case involving a relative of the
mayor.
Having a hostile second in command could be a major distraction. Guroalim, however, seems to
be determined to keep his eye on the prize which is not necessarily another shot at being
mayor, although he is certainly running again this May. The real prize is in keeping Maranao arts
and crafts alive, not only because they provide income for the artisans, but also because they help
maintain the memory and identity of the Maranao.
In Tugaya, Guroalim says, the older generation of craftsmen and artists is already passing on
their skills to youthful successors. But it would be better, he says, if that would be replicated
elsewhere in ARMM so that there would a greater chance the Maranao culture that has withstood
wars would live on.

External links

Muslim Mindanao site

Official city website

Tugaya on the UNESCO Tentative List as a World Heritage Centre

Philippine Standard Geographic Code

2000 Philippine Census Information

2007 Philippine Census Information

Local Governance Performance Management System