SDG # 4, # 11.4, # 16 & #17
Dr. Genevieve B. Kupang’s Plenary Talk at the 5th IMRC, UP Diliman
Beyond Books Publication (BBP), a self-publishing company committed to academic excellence, invited Dr. Genevieve B. Kupang, Dean of the Graduate School at Baguio Central University (BCU), to deliver a plenary talk at the 5th International Multidisciplinary Research Conference (IMRC) at the University of the Philippines Diliman, the country’s premier institution. BCU’s Graduate School expressed gratitude to Dr. Leonilo Capulso, founder and CEO of BBP, for providing this platform for the Dean to share her research experiences and insights with a broader audience. Kupang explored the topic ‘The Cultural Landscape: Driving Richer Qualitative Research and Productivity.’
Unveiling the Hidden Stories: How Cultural Landscapes (CL) Shape Us
Kupang, an applied cosmic anthropologist with roots in Bila, Bauko, Mountain Province, emphasized the profound influence of cultural landscapes ((CL) on research and creative works. Her early upbringing where time-honored practices like agriculture, aquaculture, pottery, wine making, gong playing, dancing, weaving, chanting, among others continue to thrive, instilled in her a profound respect for land and traditions. This background fostered the core belief that “han daga et malpuan di kataguan” “the Land is Life,” forming the foundation for her academic exploration of CL.
Cultural Landscapes: Beyond the Physical
Kupang emphasized that cultural landscapes encompass more than just the physical environment. They are a tapestry woven from the values, beliefs, and practices that shape a culture. Understanding these layers is essential for conducting impactful research and creating evocative works. She linked this concept to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities, especially 11.4, the preservation of cultural heritage), Goal 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions), and Goal 17 (Partnerships for the Goals), underlining the importance of CL for progress.
A Personal Connection: Inspiration in Isolation
Breathtaking views like this one at Iyaman Farm in Bila spark creativity, as evidenced by Kupang’s poem “Iyaman Kabunian for Iyaman Farm,” recited by participants during her presentation.
Kupang’s personal experience exemplifies the powerful link between CL and creative expression. During the COVID-19 lockdown, she found refuge on the Balance family’s farm in Bila. The farm’s breathtaking mountaintop views and serene pool became a source of inspiration during a period of isolation. To illustrate this point, she let the participants recite a poem about the farm’s beauty, followed by an indigenous Kankanaey chant, showcasing how CL can spark creativity and emotional connection.
Understanding Cultural Landscapes: A Framework for Deeper Research
Lavender fields of Sénanque Abbey in Provence, France. In 2019, during a group pilgrimage, Kupang explored the connection between cultural landscapes and creative works. Awed by the fragrances of this purple paradise, she admired the centuries-old dedication of the Cistercian monks. This stunning landscape, a feast for the senses, has inspired countless artists and researchers. Would you lose yourself in this sea of purple serenity?
Following her personal anecdote, she delved into the explanation of CL. She explained that it encompasses both tangible and intangible heritage, encompassing biological and cultural diversity. It represents the fundamental links between people, their heritage, and the natural environment. Highlighting its dynamism, she explained that cultural landscapes are not static, but rather reflect the ever-evolving relationships between people, events, and places.
Context is Key: A World of Diverse Landscapes
To underscore the importance of cultural context in research, she presented a video showcasing a sample of cultural perspective from around the world. She prompted the audience to consider how these landscapes might influence the women reciting a poem about “Sisterhood.” This exercise emphasized how cultural background shapes understanding and expression, a crucial factor for researchers to consider.
A glimpse of cultural landscape in one of the barangays in Milagros. Here, the GKI cultural mapping team capture the daily commute of school children returning by boat to their island barangay. This seemingly ordinary scene reveals the unique character of the community. (Photo Credit: Katrina Bayaban, GKI).
She dedicated her presentation acknowledging her co-researchers, mentors, and the communities she has collaborated with. This highlighted the importance of building partnerships and fostering cultural sensitivity in data gathering. She addressed the devastating impact of war on CLs, emphasizing the interconnectedness of all people and the need for researchers to be mindful of cultural sensitivity.
The Cultural Iceberg: Unveiling Hidden Depths
She introduced the concept of the Cultural Iceberg, developed by Edward T. Hall. This metaphor illustrates the hidden aspects of culture, with the visible aspects representing readily observable elements like food and clothing. The submerged portion represents the underlying values and beliefs that truly shape a culture. Understanding these hidden aspects is crucial for effective cross-cultural communication and research.
Examples from Around the World: Stories Etched in the Land
Kupang presented a captivating array of CLs as examples, including the rice terraces of Southeast Asia, the haunting beauty of the Ajanta and Ellora Caves in India, the ethereal lavender fields of Sénanque Abbey in France, and the evocative sounds of the Sasando musical instrument of Indonesia, all places she visited in her research. These diverse examples demonstrated how CLs go beyond the physical to encompass stories, traditions, and relationship between humans and environment.
Cultural Sensitivity in Research: Ensuring Ethical Practices
To achieve richer qualitative research and creative works, Kupang stressed the importance of incorporating cultural sensitivity. She presented her ongoing research on the Buscalan Indigenous Art of Tattooing as an example. She emphasized that researchers must ensure their methods are culturally appropriate and consider collaborating with local experts, interpreters and authors in cross-cultural contexts. She concluded by highlighting the importance of self-reflection for researchers to acknowledge their own cultural biases, employing the concept of epoche from phenomenology. She also presented a framework for incorporating cultural sensitivity throughout the research process and introduced the six domains of cultural heritage as defined by UNESCO.
Preserving Traditions: Weaving a Future
Dreamweavers by the Sea: Kupang meets Badjao women in Zamboanga City, whose stunning mats, inspired by dreams and the ocean, embody the enduring link between culture and environment.
Kupang’s passion for CLs extended with her discussion of weaving communities in Asia. She described the Badjao women in Zamboanga, Philippines, who weave stories into their mats, using dreams as inspiration. Their artistry exemplifies the importance of preserving cultural heritage. These woven stories are not merely handicrafts, but testaments to a community’s traditions and identity, passed down through generations. Kupang’s message is clear: cultural landscapes are not relics of the past, but living expressions that continue to inspire and shape our present and future.
The final slides of her presentation addressed environmental issues. She used the case of the Marcopper mining disaster in Marinduque as a cautionary tale for communities considering mining. The irreversible devastation caused by the destructive industries underscore the need sustainable development and protect our cultural landscapes for future generations. She concluded by advocating for education for sustainable development and the importance of considering environmental impact when conducting research in conflict zones.
Kupang’s presentation offered a compelling argument for the importance of understanding and preserving cultural landscapes. These landscapes are not just backdrops for our lives; they are the wellspring of our stories, traditions, and identity. By appreciating their richness and complexity through research, the vital aspects of our heritage are not only celebrated but also safeguarded. Kupang concluded by thanking the audience and expressing her hope for a future that prioritizes peace, sustainability, and respect for the land, a future where cultural landscapes can continue to thrive.
Plenary speaker Genevieve B. Kupang at the 5th IMRC, School of Statistics, UP Diliman.
