C. Changes in the Traditional Lifeway of the Tagbanua due to the Electrification Project. Their close relationships to environment and commitment to sustainability have defined the traditional way of life of Indigenous people. To choose between preserving their cultural history and embracing the changes brought on by technological development is a challenging decision for many Indigenous communities around the world when modernization sets in. Therefore, the electrification project is one such initiative that promises to bring electricity to remote areas but also poses significant changes as well as challenges for the Indigenous community's way of life. The use of electricity is associated with many dimensions of changes/development in the living condition of the Tagbanua, such as (a) Social Cohesion, (b) Cultural practices and (c) Electric consumption. C.1 Social Cohesion This section will illustrate that, in addition to fostering changes in living conditions, it also contributes to social cohesiveness and connectivity among Indigenous communities. As modern societies continuously to progress, we tend to assume that well-lit environment is a basic amenity that people should have. However, for deeply traditional communities, good lighting in public spaces may be perceived as a luxury. Therefore, by providing adequate lighting in public spaces, such as streets and parks, development organizations can demonstrate an understanding of the needs of Indigenous communities. In addition, the electrification project utilizes the sense of the community to have solidarity in surviving their daily life matters and in order to do that, they will interact with their colony that practices their same culture and beliefs that mostly a small circle population in remote areas characterized. While also showing that these communities belong to broader society. As well, adequate street lighting and proper implementation of the electrification project encourage the Tagbanua community to form social networks and build relationships. People are more likely to use public spaces that feel welcoming, safe, and secure which foster their social structure. C.1.a Fiesta Most of the participants claimed that the electrification project creates lights that will able them to revive their commonality which is celebrating their festival as one community. The Tagbanua community has a unique way to identify their culture and ethnicity. therefore, every kind of festival is an important part of their traditional lifeway because they celebrate their culture with great enthusiasm and vigor. Electricity has played significant role celebrating their festivals as it has enabled the Tagbanua community to bring a modern touch to their traditional practices. Participant 8 shared that their festival same as their foundation celebration every month of March. This gives them happiness and as well as bonding within their family. They usually come together to participate to celebrate their culture. He also said that they have called it “benefit dance” to represent the time for feasting, dancing, and honoring the good harvest and good life they have with the commander-in-chief who encourages them to involve in a significant connection between their nature and community. Because of the electrification project, they can now enjoy the event with different shows prepared for them in their plaza since they have streetlights and there is a light on the way to their houses. As per Participant 8 stated, “Mayroon kaming fiesta at foundation kung saan nagdiriwang kami ng pagkakatatag ng Barangay Baras ito ay tuwing buwan ng Marso. Dahil nagbibigay ng kasiyahan sa amin, parang bonding na rin namin pamilya yung panood at pakikiisa sa mga pagdiriwang tulad ng fiesta o kaya foundation ng Barangay Baras. May mga benefit dance pong ginagawa ang mga namumuno po rito. Dahil nga may kuryente na hindi na nakakatakot lumabas ng gabi kasi sa ngayon hanggang gabi na ang mga palabas sa plaza. May ilaw nadin sa daan papunta sa mga bahay namin.” Similarly, Participant 12 also added that the electrified community, these added a lot of sources of events that would add entertainment to their festivals. She even said they were enjoying it, particularly the adults and young ones that also joined their traditions. Their celebration last every 3 days because they are even a priority only for them as Tagbanua and also as a whole. The event also provides their source of entertainment which serves not just as enjoyment but also as vital lessons in teaching their children about their own history and social customs. Also, Participant 12, quoted, “Maraming mga palaro, kantahan at sayawan pag fiesta namin dito sa Baras. Natutuwa po ang lahat dito sa amin, mga bata at matatanda ay nakikiisa. Tatlong araw po tumatal ang mga palabas. Mayroon kasing gabi para sa aming mga tagbanua at meron ring pangkalahatan. Para magkaroon ng libangan yung mga tao po dito tsaka dahil may kuryente kaya masaya po na may mga inihandang mga palaro at pasawayan dito sa amin ang pamunuan po ng Baras. Yung mga palabas ma’am nagbibigay ng kasiyahan dito sa amin, halos lahat ng mga tao dito ay nanunuod at sumasali sa mga palabas po dito. Ang anak ko nga po ma’am ay sumasali sa pagkanta at pagsayaw sayang din kasi ang premyo.” Given the above statements, it is evident that the participant still preserved their customs over centuries. religion called the Tagbanua religion, which has its own set of beliefs and cultural practices. According to the study of Baconguis, & Valdez (2021), the Tagbanua community celebrates several festivals throughout the year, such as Pagdiwata, Pamilyok, Pagdayan, and Pagseraray. These festivals are characterized by traditional dancing, singing, and feasting. The festival has been characterized for centuries and has played a relevant role in preserving the community’s cultural practices. However, with the advent of electricity, these festivals have taken on a new dimension – electric lighting, PA systems, and even they can used fireworks display have been introduced to make the celebrations more engaging and exciting. The introduction of electricity has also made it possible for the Tagbanua community to celebrate these festivals on a larger scale than before. festivals, on the other hand, provide cultural continuity and a sense of community and social inclusion. cultural heritage is an essential component of their social development, and festivals and events have the potential to preserve and promote their culture. Additionally, this event can attract massive gatherings that simplify to advocate to the community the importance of celebrating not only their ethnicity but also their environmental implication. Therefore, the promotion of sustainable development and renewable energy can be integrated with festivals by introducing the use of solar power as source of energy. Through the application of electrification project in indigenous communities, festivals can be powered sustainably that could also foster environmental protection and promotes social development in order to work well the project in an indigenous community. C.2 Cultural Practices Culture has significant social and economic advantages. Culture improves the quality of life and boosts general well-being for both individuals and communities through promoting learning, health, and chances for social interaction. Which acts as the connecting agent that holds communities together, is facilitated by culture. Cultural events like festivals, fairs, or classes bring people together, maintaining social inclusion, community empowerment, capacity building, and boosting confidence, sense of community, and respect.
