Intergenerational Dwindling of Indigenous Astronomical Knowledge in Coastal Communities: Inputs for Curriculum Integration

Abstract

This study aimed to determine the intergenerational decay of indigenous astronomical knowledge in coastal communities of a Visayan Province. The baseline data was collected through an in-depth interview of 10 fishermen aged 60 and above. The researchers compiled a glossary of indigenous terminologies shared by the informants. Hiligaynon terminologies were provided with English equivalent words and meanings. To gather information from the three generations with the age range of fifteen (15) years, an objective test was developed to assess their indigenous astronomical knowledge. The baseline information is considered 1.00, meaning that the resource generation possesses 100% of this knowledge. The average retention rate and annual rate of change of this knowledge were computed. Notably, the finding reveals a decreasing trend in the annual rate of change (1.81% or approximately 27.15% for every generation) of indigenous astronomical knowledge over successive generations. This finding is quite alarming. The younger generations will continue to thrive in a community where fishing is the primary source of livelihood. They must master indigenous astronomical knowledge as they navigate towards and from the fishing zones. It is recommended that DepEd must consider contextualizing science lessons, especially those related to astronomy. Local Government Units (LGUs) must support DepEd’s initiative to retool teachers in integrating indigenous astronomical knowledge into the curriculum. Likewise, the glossary on astronomical knowledge must be utilized as a resource material for teachers in island communities. Efforts must be initiated to unite indigenous and scientific astronomical understanding.