Southeastern Philippines Journal of Research and Development

Editorial Preface

Sajed Ingilan — 2025-03-25

University of Southeastern Philippines — 2025-03-25

Folklore, Identity, and Tourism among Thai Muslims in Koh Yao, Andaman Sea, Thailand

Rungrat Thongsakul — 2025-03-25

The Muslim community in Koh Yao in the Andaman Sea, Thailand, values their beliefs and practices, which align with transmitting cultural values and the importance of interdependence between humans and nature through different folklore. They inherited folklore from their ancestors, which has been preserved and sustained as their identity and treated as a tourism product that can promote Koh Yao as an interesting tourist destination. Through a qualitative research approach, the data was collected through fieldwork by employing participant and non-participant observation, in-depth interviews, and focus group discussions. The findings reveal that the region holds historical significance as it has been settled by various immigrant groups, contributing to forming a distinct Thai Muslim ethnic identity. The available resources produce cultural landscapes that have become a tourism area. Second, the Thai Muslims of Koh Yao exhibit a strong commitment to preserving their ethnic identity through four forms of folklore: first, oral literature, conveying information through spoken words; second, material culture, representing their physical way of life and adapting to various circumstances; third, folk traditions, emphasizing collective interactions over individual expressions or skills; and fourth, folk performing arts, exuberant performances expressing the joy ingrained in the traditions of Thai Muslims in Koh Yao. This study suggests that their unique folklore portrays social phenomena and human relationships, offering captivating representations of Muslim identity. Their folklore practices could be enhanced and promoted as tourism activities by fostering collaboration across sectors while safeguarding their rich cultural heritage.

Unveiling Structural Poverty in Muslim Mindanao: Focus on Power Dynamics and Economic Injustice

Christopher Ryan Maboloc — 2025-03-25

The study examines structural poverty in Muslim Mindanao from the perspectives of Thomas Pogge and Iris Marion Young. It attempts to explain the critical aspect of the region’s economic injustice and power dynamics in terms of how the same has contributed to the deprivation of its people. Three Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) were conducted to help explicate the structural nature of the problem of poverty. The study used primary data from the FGD and secondary data from texts for its analysis. The study explains the influence and impact of the shadow or underground economy in the Bangsamoro. Its predatory character defines the political economy of Muslim Mindanao. The influence of political clans and the lack of people empowerment have subjected the Muslim minority in the Philippines to an exploitative type of economic system that has made the region one of the poorest in the country. The paper argues for structural reforms beyond state-centric measures to sustain peace and development in Muslim Mindanao. Changing the power dynamics in the Bangsamoro is necessary if people are to benefit from authentic autonomy.

The Unspoken Turmoil of the Siege: Unraveling the Lived Experiences of the Bereaved Mothers of Child Soldiers in Lanao del Sur, Philippines

Mohammad Ammar Mangondato — 2025-03-25

The occurrence of the Marawi Siege on the 23rd of May 2017 caused a variety of negative implications among the residents of Lanao del Sur, Philippines, both from their psychological and physical aspects. Recruitment of child soldiers, as part of the extremist groups’ military forces, is one of the highly concerning issues during the siege. Existing accounts, including anecdotal evidence, consistently revealed that a number of those recruited child soldiers died during the siege. Significantly, literature suggests that losing a child has a detrimental impact on the psychological and physical well-being of the mother. Henceforth, this study aimed to explore the lived experiences, precisely the psychological challenges and coping mechanisms of the bereaved mothers of child soldiers recruited by extremist groups who died during the Marawi Siege. This study used interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA) and employed semi-structured interviews among three (3) participants selected through the purposive sampling method. After rigorous thematic analysis, the researchers identified three (3) major themes: ‘Onset of Mental Turmoil,’ ‘Grief’s Emotional Landscape,’ and ‘Threads of Healing.’ The results indicate that participants encountered profound emotional distress, behavioral and cognitive difficulties, and few social impairments since the time that their children were recruited and their deaths were reported. Apart from that, the participants had trouble managing these psychological challenges despite their loss-oriented and emotion-focused coping mechanisms. Lastly, the participants were still grieving and had not categorically accepted their children’s deaths in the present.

Understanding the Social Cognitive Motivations for Jihad among Muslim Millennials in Southern Philippines: A Psychological Perspective

Mark Aljen Binocal — 2025-03-25

Jihad is a complex social phenomenon that profoundly impacts the personal and academic growth of Muslim millennials. However, it is often misrepresented in popular media and public discourse, leading to a negative perception. Therefore, this study focuses on jihad al-nafs (struggle against the self) and jihad fi-sabilillah (struggle in the way of God) as personal and academic struggles. It investigates the social cognitive motivations of Muslim millennials (self-efficacy, outcome expectancy, and media influence) in undertaking jihad as self- control, striving for improvement, and acquiring knowledge. A descriptive-correlational design was used to analyze responses from 385 Muslim millennials aged 18-38, who were selected through simple random sampling from a higher education institution in Davao Oriental, Southern Philippines. Data was collected using a modified survey questionnaire and analyzed using Spearman Rho. The findings indicate that female Muslim millennials demonstrate a higher socio-cognitive motivation to engage in jihad. Additionally, the results show that respondents were highly motivated to perform jihad regarding self-efficacy and outcome expectancy but were less influenced by the media. Muslim millennials exhibit high self-control, a strong desire for improvement, and a commitment to knowledge acquisition. A narrative inquiry may explore Muslim millennials’ experiences and challenges in explaining jihad to others.

Figures of Speech in the Hadith of Prophet Muhammad: An Analysis of Tashbīh, Isti’ārah, and Kināyah

Mohamad Hussin — 2025-03-25

Prophet Muhammad’s use of rhetorical devices in the Hadith played a crucial role in effectively communicating Islamic teachings over a span of 23 years. The study delves into the specific linguistic techniques employed, such as tashbīh (simile), isti’ārah (metaphor), and kināyah (indirect expression), to convey complex ideas in a clear and impactful manner. The use of figurative language in the Hadith not only facilitated the transmission of Islamic teachings but also enhanced their memorability and emotional impact. Similes and metaphors, for instance, allowed Prophet Muhammad to draw parallels between abstract religious concepts and familiar everyday objects or experiences, making them more relatable and easier to grasp. Similarly, (kināyah) enabled the Prophet to address delicate subjects in a tactful manner, preserving cultural sensitivities while still conveying important messages. This strategic use of language demonstrates the Prophet’s deep understanding of effective communication and his ability to adapt his teachings to the cultural and linguistic context of his audience, contributing significantly to the spread and acceptance of Islam during its formative years. By examining selected Hadiths with common themes, the research illuminates how these rhetorical strategies made abstract concepts more accessible and comprehensible to a diverse audience. The findings underscore the significance of these linguistic tools in disseminating the message of Islam and addressing sensitive topics with respect and efficacy.

The State of Blaan and Tboli Linguistics

Rudelyn Bantilan — 2025-03-25

The Philippines, a diverse archipelagic country with over 7,000 islands, is home to 184 living established languages, 175 of which are indigenous. Lying within the prolific landscapes of Mindanao are the Blaan and Tboli indigenous communities, who have cultivated unique linguistic traditions that form the foundation of their cultural heritage. Although research on the different linguistic domains of the Blaan and Tboli languages has been conducted, most are outdated, and few explicitly discuss the current situation of Blaan and Tboli linguistics. This paper attempts to fill the gap by focusing on the developments of Blaan and Tboli linguistics. This paper uses archival research to review what has been accomplished in the development of Blaan and Tboli linguistics in the areas of lexicography, phonology, morphology and syntax, discourse, and literacy materials. The concluding section assesses the implications of these studies for the field and offers suggestions for future work.

Surviving the Edges: Multidimensional Poverty among Indigenous Women Community in Remote Rural Areas in Indonesia

Nikodemus Niko — 2025-03-25

Sustainable development should promote equality benefits for Indigenous people communities. This study examines the chronic multidimensional poverty experienced by the indigenous women of Dayak Benawan in West Kalimantan, Indonesia. This study employs an ethnographic methodology, utilizing in-depth interviews and participatory observation to explore the multidimensional nature of poverty within the Benawan Dayak community. Data collection involves direct engagement with Dayak Benawan women, community members, and indigenous leaders (Pesirah Dayak Benawan) to capture diverse perspectives and lived experiences. The fieldwork period spanned from January 2020 to July 2022. A thematic analysis is conducted to identify key dimensions of Dayak Benawan women’s experience of poverty, including their access to sustainable livelihoods, education, healthcare services, and land ownership. This aligns with Sen’s theory on poverty among women, which argues that female poverty emerges and worsens due to gender inequality. The classifications of this inequality include gender-based mortality rates, access to basic facilities, ownership rights, employment opportunities, and education. The findings of this study reveal that poverty among Dayak Benawan women is not merely an economic issue but is deeply rooted in a complex interplay of social, cultural, and environmental factors. Key contributing dimensions include limited access to education, healthcare, land ownership, and sustainable livelihoods, exacerbated by geographic isolation and sociopolitical marginalization. This research advocates for targeted policies to promote social equity for Indigenous communities in Indonesia, including guarantees for healthcare, education, and the sustainability of livelihoods within their ancestral lands.

Nature-based Solutions for Agricultural Drought Adaptation Strategies in the Karst Area of Gunungkidul Regency, Indonesia

Akhmad Zamroni — 2025-03-25

Drought significantly impacts agriculture and economies, particularly in karst regions like Gunungkidul Regency, Yogyakarta, Indonesia. This study proposes nature-based solutions (NBS) to address drought challenges, focusing on increasing water retention capacity as the most effective strategy. Identified through the Climate-ADAPT platform and evaluated using multi-criteria analysis (MCA), this strategy scored highest in vulnerability reduction, ecological enhancement, and employment generation. Artificial reservoirs, locally known as “Embung,” are recommended for capturing rainfall and runoff in water-scarce areas. These reservoirs provide reliable water sources for agricultural activities during dry seasons, ensuring consistent productivity and reducing the risks of crop failure. Beyond agricultural benefits, reservoirs serve as multifunctional spaces, potentially enhancing local economies through tourism, recreation, and aquaculture. Effective implementation requires tailoring designs to the karst landscape, addressing the unique hydrogeological conditions of the region. Collaboration among stakeholders— including local governments, community groups, and agricultural practitioners— is essential to ensure sustainability and long-term impact. The study emphasizes the importance of integrating stakeholder input in planning and maintenance, fostering a sense of ownership and commitment to these projects. By leveraging nature-based solutions, Gunungkidul Regency can build resilience to climate change, enhance agricultural productivity, and create new socio-economic opportunities. This approach offers a scalable model for other drought-prone regions, highlighting the potential of sustainable, community-centered strategies in addressing complex environmental challenges while achieving broader development goals.

Choice of Agri-credit Source Among Cavendish Banana Farmers: Evidence from Southern Philippines

Melissa Loquias — 2025-03-25

The Cavendish banana industry presents various opportunities for the Philippine agricultural sector; however, the threats of high development, production, and maintenance costs and the persisting Fusarium Wilt issue impede farmers from harnessing these opportunities. With the high production cost, agricultural credit becomes the fastest solution to sustain production. This study examines the factors affecting the choice of agri-credit source of smallholder Cavendish banana farmers in the Philippines. Using a multinomial regression model, survey data from 187 Cavendish banana farmers in Davao del Norte, Philippines, were analyzed to determine the factors influencing the choice of credit source. The credit sources were classified as categorical variables with ‘no credit’ as the base outcome. Results showed that factors such as education, contract arrangement, and level of barangay infrastructure significantly affected the choice of credit source of the farmers. Key findings also show that farmers who loaned from formal sources had higher output and farm incomes than those who had no credit and those who loaned from informal credit. The results can potentially aid the government in crafting policies and interventions relating to improved access to formal credit. Very few studies have explored the credit choice of farmers in the context of an important export commodity such as the Cavendish banana industry. As such, this study can add to the body of knowledge on agricultural finance, especially in the context of an export industry.