Menuvu Tribe’s Knowledge, Belief Systems and Practices (KSP): A Study of Cultural Heritage Variability

The survival and cultural identity of Filipino Indigenous Cultural Communities, particularly the Menuvu Tribe in Pangantucan, Bukidnon, revolve principally around the indigenous knowledge systems and practices (IKSP). Both the international and national mandates amid the threat of marginalization and loss of cultural identity summons the need for protection and promotion. This prompted the researchers to determine the level of Indigenous knowledge, belief systems, and practices, and the significant difference of the cultural heritage among the Menuvu mamamunguhed (youth and adults) and magureng (elders). The study utilized a descriptive design, and the survey questionnaire was validated and translated into Menenuvu. The result shows a high level of Indigenous knowledge, belief systems, and practices yet recognizing the global and local trend of declining cultural identity of Indigenous community, and it displays strong significant difference in age as to knowledge and belief systems and in socio-ethnic status as to knowledge, belief systems and practices, while prioritizing Elder’s wisdom and empowering youth and adults’ role in the Menuvu community. The life of the Menuvu tribe, which remarkably centers on spirituality, biodiversity, and community, necessitates recommendations for community sustainable development.