A thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirement for the degree of Master of Science in Gender and Development Studies, School of Environment, Resources and Development

Thesis (M.Sc.) - Asian Institute of Technology, 2010

This study explores meaning and practices of pangalawat, Higaonon food sharing system, in upland community of Agtulawon {u2013} Mintapod in Northern Mindanao. It describes how this practice is primarily affected by commoditization of livelihoods with corresponding effect on gender relationships. Pangalawat was ordinarily understood as asking and giving food help. It had deeper meaning in Higaonon animistic spirituality as indigenous social structure for community strength and social cohesion. Allegedly altruistic food help in dire need, it was indigenous mechanism specifically supporting women{u2019}s traditional role as household food providers. Women and men equally contributed assistance from productive labors. But, women were burden with additional task of entertaining, obtaining and disbursing food assistance to beneficiaries, and most pangalawat decisions including asking food help in extreme need. The practice substantially reduces women{u2019}s and men{u2019}s income challenging gender specific livelihoods. It can slice production input, constrained economic initiatives, and curtailed welfare investments and wealth accumulation plans. Furthermore, unpredictable pangalawat slowly upsets women{u2019}s work incentives, interferes with livelihood priorities and creates occasional relationship tensions in household and community. Viewed in the light of sustaining gender specific livelihoods and women empowerment, modification of this system or total abandonment appears to offer better opportunities for local Higaonons.