Development of a Localized Resource Material on the Beliefs and Practices of the Isnegs of Dumalneg

The study aimed to develop a localized resource material to improve the teaching of local history and raise awareness about indigenous cultures, with a specific focus on the Isnegs of Dumalneg, Ilocos Norte. Utilizing a research and development approach within a descriptive framework, the study followed three key stages: planning, development, and validation. The need for this localized resource material emerged from the challenges’ teachers face in motivating students to engage in social studies due to lack of relevant, culturally appropriate materials on indigenous peoples. To address this gap, Isnegs were interviewed, and data were analyzed thematically. It was noted that certain beliefs and practices were no longer observed as a result of societal change, but this did not affect or change the tribe's cultural identity. The resulting localized resource material covered five cultural themes: Birth, Marriage, Death, Livelihood, and Leadership. It underwent rigorous validation by a panel of experts, who rated it for its content, instructional, and technical quality. The overall validation score was 4.91 out of 5, indicating that the material is highly effective and relevant. Therefore, the Department of Education must provide teachers with the skills needed for developing similar material. This study not only addresses the scarcity of culturally focused educational content but also provides a model for developing similar resources that can be used to enhance learners' understanding of their cultural identity.