The Plight of the Indigenous Peoples on the Impact of Development of a Tourist Site: A Phenomenology

Abstract

Tourism development poses paramount threats to the Indigenous People’s way of life. It undeniably affects the preservation of their culture and environment. Hence, the purpose of this phenomenological study is to describe and understand the plight of Indigenous Peoples relative to the development of tourism sites in their locality.  The study covered 17 purposively chosen participants living near Lake Agco, in Ilomavis, Kidapawan City. Nine were interviewed, while eight participated in the focus group discussion. The information drawn from the participants was analyzed thematically. The lived experiences encompass the economic well-being, women empowerment, natural resources, and ancestral abasement, safety and security peril, and cultural assimilation. They revealed that they cope with the challenges caused by development projects through tribe and culture preservation, territorial protection, tribal vigilance and persistence, and self-determination. Moreover, their insights about their plight revolved on self-worth, preservation of ancestral domain, and cultural rights. The findings connote the need for an intervention from the local government and the National Commission Indigenous Peoples.   Also, mention the assistance of the adviser to supplement the limitations of the researcher.