UNIVERSITY OF EASTERN PHILIPPINES
University Town, Northern Samar
Website: uep.edu.ph Email:
[email protected] COLLEGE OF ARTS AND COMMUNICATION
Final Paper in
DVC 213– Communication,Culture,and Society
1ST Semester, SY 2024-2025
Name:CYRUS KEN LEGION Year and Section :BS DEVCOM 2
Course Professor:VIRGINIA GIRAY BALANON
A MINI STUDY ON COMMUNICATION AND CULTURE:A CASE FROM
NORTHERN SAMAR
CULTURAL AWARENESS,MOTIVATION
AND SATISFACTION OF BELIEFS
PRACTICES IN BRGY DALAKIT CATARMAN
NORTHERN SAMAR
I – Background of Topic
Background of the Topic: Cultural Awareness, Motivation, and Satisfaction of
Beliefs in Barangay Dalakit, Catarman, Northern Samar
Cultural practices and traditions in Barangay Dalakit,Catarman, Northern Samar, play a
significant role in shaping the identity, values, and social cohesion of the community.
These traditions often revolve around deeply rooted beliefs and rituals passed down
through generations. However, the modern era brings challenges such as declining
participation, generational gaps, and external influences that threaten these practices.
Cultural Practice or Trait and the Problem Arising From It
One notable cultural practice in Barangay Dalakit ,Catarman Northern Samar is the
"Pagpasyon" (chanting of the Passion of Christ) during the Lenten season. This
religious ritual demonstrates the community's devotion and faith, fostering spiritual
motivation and unity. However, challenges arise due to:
1. Generational Gaps: Younger generations often lack interest or awareness of the
significance of these practices, leading to diminishing participation.
2. Economic Pressures: Many residents prioritize livelihood activities over cultural
engagements, affecting the community's ability to sustain these traditions.
3. Modernization: Influence from digital technology and external cultures reduces
interest in traditional practices, causing a shift in values.
Profile of Barangay Dalakit and Its People
Barangay Dalakit is a small rural community in Catarman, Northern Samar, primarily
composed of farming and fishing households. The population is known for its close-knit
relationships, deeply religious outlook, and resilience despite economic challenges.
Economic Activities: Agriculture and fishing are the primary sources of income,
and root crops as major produce.
Cultural Traits: The residents are highly religious, with strong Catholic
influences evident in their festivals, processions, and rituals.
Demographics: The population includes a mix of older individuals who are
custodians of traditions and younger residents exposed to modern lifestyles
through media and education.
Strengthening cultural awareness and motivation is essential to sustaining the
satisfaction of beliefs in Barangay Dalakit. Collaborative efforts among local leaders,
educators, and elders can help bridge generational gaps, ensuring the preservation of
traditions while adapting to modern contexts.
This paper is relevant because it explores how communication within the community
shapes the preservation of cultural practices. It examines the motivations behind
participation and the satisfaction derived from these traditions, highlighting the role of
intergenerational dialogue in sustaining cultural heritage. Understanding the interplay of
traditional beliefs and modern influences can offer valuable insights for fostering cultural
preservation in similar rural settings.
II – Discussion about the cultural practices
Discussion About the Cultural Practice
Introduction
Cultural practices are essential elements of identity in communities like Barangay
Dalakit,Catarman, Northern Samar. These traditions shape the way residents perceive
their roles, values, and relationships. In this barangay, cultural awareness, motivation,
and satisfaction of beliefs are evident in their strong attachment to religious and
communal activities, particularly the patronal fiestas and other religious rituals. These
practices reflect the interplay between faith, culture, and social cohesion, serving as a
cornerstone of their way of life.
The discussion focuses on the characteristics of these traditions, their developmental or
anti-developmental nature, and the communication dynamics that sustain or challenge
them in a modernizing society.
Tradition and Characteristics
Key Traditions Observed in Barangay Dalakit:
1. Patronal Fiestas:
Annual celebrations in honor of patron saints, involving processions, communal
prayers, and festive gatherings.
2. Harvest Thanksgiving Rituals:
A mix of Catholic and indigenous rituals, showing gratitude for blessings such as
abundant harvests.
3. Shared Feasting and Bayanihan Spirit:
Residents pool resources and labor, emphasizing unity and mutual support.
Characteristics:
Religious Foundation: Strong influence of Catholicism integrated with local
indigenous practices.
Community-Centered: Participation by all members, regardless of economic
status, fosters inclusivity.
Symbolism: Use of altars, processional banners, and traditional music as
cultural symbols.
Intergenerational: Knowledge and participation are passed down through
families and elders.
Developmental vs. Anti-Developmental Aspects
Developmental Characteristics:
Economic Opportunities: These events attract visitors, leading to increased
income for local vendors and small businesses.
Social Cohesion: Collective participation strengthens relationships and
reinforces a sense of belonging.
Cultural Preservation: Rituals and fiestas provide a platform for sustaining
unique cultural identities.
Anti-Developmental Characteristics:
Economic Strain: Families often spend beyond their means to host guests and
participate in grand festivities, leading to financial stress.
Generational Shift: Younger residents exposed to urban lifestyles may perceive
these traditions as outdated, reducing participation and risking cultural erosion.
Environmental Concerns: Resource-intensive practices, such as large feasts
and decorations, may contribute to waste and environmental degradation.
Development Issue:
The challenge lies in balancing cultural preservation with economic and social
sustainability. The rising costs of participation and modern influences threaten the long-
term viability of these practices.
Communication Component in the Practice
1. Interpersonal Communication:
Elders communicate the value and meaning of traditions through stories,
mentoring, and direct participation in rituals.
Family interactions reinforce individual responsibilities and expectations in these
cultural practices.
2. Communal Communication:
Church announcements and community meetings are used to organize and plan
events.
Rituals and fiestas themselves serve as a medium for reinforcing shared beliefs
and values.
3. Emerging Communication Tools:
Social media and mobile messaging are increasingly used by younger
generations to coordinate events, document activities, and promote the
traditions.
4. Communication, Culture, and Society Framework:
The cultural practices of Barangay Dalakit can be analyzed through Stuart Hall’s
Encoding/Decoding Model, where rituals act as encoded cultural texts. The
community decodes these texts by engaging in activities that align with their beliefs,
fostering motivation and satisfaction.
Additionally, Cultivation Theory highlights how continuous participation in these
practices reinforces cultural values, creating a shared reality that connects individuals to
their heritage.
Conclusion
The cultural practices in Barangay Dalakit reflect the deep-seated traditions of faith,
unity, and gratitude. While they offer developmental opportunities by strengthening
community ties and preserving cultural heritage, challenges such as financial burdens
and generational shifts require thoughtful management. Communication plays a vital
role in sustaining these traditions by fostering intergenerational understanding,
promoting inclusivity, and adapting to modern tools to ensure their relevance in a rapidly
changing society. The cultural practices in Barangay Dalakit, Catarman, Northern
Samar, serve as a vital link to the community’s heritage, reinforcing cultural awareness,
motivation, and satisfaction of beliefs. These traditions, rooted in shared faith and
collective identity, are both a source of pride and a reflection of the values that bind the
community together. However, like any dynamic cultural phenomenon, they come with
their strengths and challenges.
Strengths or Positive Points
1. Cultural Preservation:
o The continuation of patronal fiestas and communal rituals fosters a strong
sense of identity and ensures that traditions are passed down to younger
generations.
2. Social Cohesion:
o These practices emphasize unity, cooperation, and the spirit of bayanihan,
strengthening interpersonal and community relationships.
3. Economic Benefits:
o Festivals and rituals attract visitors, creating opportunities for local
businesses, artisans, and vendors to thrive.
4. Spiritual Fulfillment:
o Religious and cultural events provide residents with a sense of purpose,
gratitude, and spiritual satisfaction, contributing to emotional well-being.
Weaknesses or Negative Points
1. Economic Burden:
o The high costs associated with hosting lavish festivities can strain family
finances, especially for low-income households.
2. Generational Gaps:
o Younger members of the community, influenced by modern lifestyles and
priorities, may view these practices as outdated, leading to declining
participation.
3. Sustainability Issues:
o Resource-intensive practices, such as large feasts and elaborate
decorations, can have negative environmental impacts and are not always
sustainable.
4. Cultural Erosion Risks:
o With the growing influence of globalization and urbanization, traditional
practices face the risk of being diluted or lost over time.
Role of Communication in Transmitting Cultural Practices
Communication is central to sustaining and evolving the cultural practices of Barangay
Dalakit,Catarman,Northern Samar.
1. Intergenerational Transmission:
o Elders play a crucial role in teaching the meaning and value of traditions
through storytelling, direct involvement, and mentoring.
2. Community Coordination:
o Local leaders, through meetings and announcements, ensure the smooth
organization of events, fostering collective participation.
3. Modern Communication Tools:
o Social media and mobile messaging are increasingly being used to adapt
traditions to contemporary times, allowing for broader participation and
cultural promotion.
4. Preservation of Meaning:
o Rituals, symbols, and communal gatherings serve as communicative acts
that reinforce shared values and beliefs, ensuring that the cultural essence
is preserved.
Conclusion Summary
While the cultural practices of Barangay Dalakit offer numerous benefits, such as
strengthening community ties and preserving heritage, they also face challenges related
to economic strain, sustainability, and generational shifts. Communication plays a
transformative role in bridging these gaps by ensuring the transmission of traditions,
adapting practices to modern contexts, and fostering a shared understanding of their
significance. Through effective communication, these practices can remain a vibrant
part of the community’s identity while addressing developmental challenges.
Recommendations
1. Promote Cultural Education:
o Implement programs in schools and community workshops to teach the
history, significance, and values behind local traditions to younger
generations.
2. Encourage Intergenerational Dialogue:
o Facilitate storytelling sessions and mentorship programs where elders can
share their knowledge and experiences with the youth.
3. Leverage Modern Communication Tools:
o Use social media and digital platforms to document, promote, and engage
the community in preserving their cultural practices.
4. Support Sustainable Practices:
o Encourage eco-friendly and cost-effective approaches to festivals and
rituals, reducing financial and environmental strain.
5. Foster Community Participation:
o Strengthen the sense of unity by involving all sectors of the community in
planning and executing cultural events.
6. Provide Economic Assistance:
o Establish funding or subsidies to support families and organizations in
hosting traditional events without undue financial burden.
7. Celebrate Cultural Pride:
o Organize exhibitions, contests, or cultural fairs to highlight the richness of
local traditions and motivate residents to actively participate.
These topics and mini research can help sustain cultural awareness, boost motivation,
and enhance satisfaction with beliefs while addressing modern challenges in Brgy
Dalakit,Catarman, Northern Samar.
Reference:
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/
373476794_CULTURAL_AWARENESS_MOTIVATION_AND_SATISFACTION_OF_PU
TO_LATIK_FESTIVAL_TO_BINAN_CITY_RESIDENTS_LAGUNA#:~:text=Analyzing
%20381%20responses%20in%20total,motivation%2C%20satisfaction%20and
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