Indigenous Practices of Maternal and Child Health Care Among the ManoboMatigsalug Tribe in Sitio Simsimon, Barangay Kalagangan, Valencia , Bukidnon

Abstract

The study was conducted to document the native knowledge, beliefs and practices on maternal and child health care along the areas of pregnancy, dietary systems, birthing, feeding, baptismal riluals, illnesses and discipline among the Manobo-Maligsalug Tribe in Sitio Sill/simon, Barangay Kalagangan, Valencia, Bukidnon. A few scholars have done studies obout the tribe but no one has thoroughly conducted a thorough one along these issues. This study is ethnographic in design. The manner of presentation is descriptive and narrative. The gathering and interpretations of the data were obtained Fom actual fieldv"ork. Key informant and in depth interview, participant observation and photography were triangulated in this research. Participants were the traditional healers, tribal leaders, mothers and children. A total of seven months was allocated in the conduct of this endeavor. The Manobo-Matigsa/ug pregnant women observe several taboos in order to protect the infants' lives and health. They have the Babaylan, their birth attendant who also serves as their consultant. The children 's health in the womb depends on how the mothers take care of themselves, hence, they must be free from worries and slres.!J/u/ activities. To he assured of the babies' good health, the choice of food is a very important factor to be observed. When a mother finally gives birth, the whole community knows. The relatives waif outside in order to see and welcome the newly born baby who is considered as 'he center of care and affection. The Manobo-Matigsalug mothers need adequate knowledge in hygiene and nutrition to improve their maternal and child health care. The local government should support the tribe in developing the uses of herbal plants in their area. The tribe needs information on the results of this sllldy and be guided in the improvement of their traditional life. Further studies about other tribal groups in Mindanao are also encouraged

 

Keywords: Indigenous practices; maternal and child health care; Manobo-Matigsalug