ABSTRACT

This study examined the relationship between cultural views and nature relatedness among Indigenous Peoples

in Polillo, Quezon. Using a quantitative descriptive-correlational design, data were gathered from 40

respondents. Results revealed that participants strongly upheld positive cultural values and ecological awareness,

reflecting a deep sense of cultural identity. However, regression analysis showed that only age and sex

Culture influences an individual's identity, conduct, and perspective. Cultural ideas, values, conventions, and

traditions are intricately woven into the way of life of Indigenous Peoples (IPs), encompassing their relationship

with the natural world. Toigo et al. (2022b) asserts that culture influences individuals' values, behaviors, and

interpretations of their surroundings. The Commission on Higher Education (CHED), via CMO No. 2, s. 2019,

acknowledged this cultural significance by incorporating Indigenous Peoples’ Studies into higher education

curricula to enhance cultural identity, ancestral domain rights, and self- governance, as highlighted in RA 8371

or the Indigenous Peoples Rights Act. Initial interviews done by the researchers indicate a significant decrease

in the engagement of Indigenous Peoples in cultural events and traditional practices in Barangay Taluong,

Polillo, Quezon. Sumitro et al. (2024) emphasized the vital role of Indigenous Peoples as cultural makers in

Indigenous traditions and environmental practices are interconnected through rituals, rites, and oral narratives,

which cultivate reverence for nature. Lugo-Espinosa et al. (2024) noted that globalization, migration, and

insufficient land rights have led to the deterioration of cultural practices. This signifies a necessity for specialized

research to investigate the persistence and practice of these links in tiny, rural communities. The deficiency in

community-specific knowledge hinders a comprehensive understanding of the impact of Indigenous cultural

identity on contemporary environmental stewardship.

This study is essential for comprehending the contemporary cultural perspectives and environmental

relationships of Indigenous Peoples in Barangay Taluong, Polillo, Quezon. The objectives are to: (1) evaluate

the degree of cultural attitude regarding recognition of cultural values, linkages, preservation of traditions and

customs, and cultural Loss; (2) assess the extent of nature relatedness; (3) analyze the correlation between

in Polillo, Quezon. This initiative seeks to bolster the preservation of Indigenous knowledge and traditions by

exploring the intricacies of their cultural identity and environmental values. The results can inform culturally

responsive educational initiatives— such as those endorsed by CHED (2019)—and foster cultural contemplation

and continuity among the youth.

The identity of indigenous communities is shaped not only by their lived experiences and indigenous narratives

but also by external forces such as national policies and societal norms. As Luza (2023) explains, internal factors

emerge from the indigenous peoples’ own worldview, rooted in organic culture and traditional knowledge, while

external factors include state policies such as the Indigenous Peoples Rights Act of 1997 (IPRA), which

livelihoods and elders lose their connection to the land. The authors also noted that displacement and relocation

weaken people's sense of place, while even those who remain experience solastalgia—a profound grief caused

by drastic environmental changes, threatening their sense of belonging and stability.

Achieving civilizational exchange in international communication requires recognizing shared values—

particularly universal human happiness—as the “greatest common divisor” of understanding between different

cultures (Dehong, 2024). Similarly, Schultz et al. (2022) highlight that cultural values are essential to community

engagement and the long-term success of ecological restoration efforts.

Despite these challenges, cultural values remain essential, not only for preserving indigenous heritage but also

in influencing contemporary behaviors, such as promoting environmental stewardship and sustainable

consumption, as shown in the work of Chakraborty and Sadachar (2022). Furthermore, the cultural practices of

treating nature as a living, integral part of life rather than an object of exploitation (Pudjiastuti et al., 2021).

In the Philippine context, indigenous communities such as the Blaan regard natural phenomena as manifestations

of ancestral spirits, indicating a spiritual ecology where nature is deeply embedded in cultural traditions and

belief systems (Franca & Lumogdang, 2022). In the

Cordillera highlands, the valuation of ecosystem services extends beyond subsistence, encompassing cultural

and regulatory functions, with perceptions differing according to age, gender, and livelihood, thereby revealing

the complexity of indigenous ecological knowledge (Paing et al., 2022). Huynh et al. (2022) explain that cultural

Current findings further emphasize the importance of conservation strategies that incorporate cultural heritage,

especially in indigenous territories where biodiversity and tradition intersect (Tanalgo et al., 2025). Similarly,

Indigenous worldviews such as that of the Māori illustrate how cultural identity enhances ecological

consciousness and environmental attitudes, reinforcing the idea that nature relatedness is a deeply internalized

and culturally informed disposition (Tassell-Matamua et al., 2020).

During data collection, participants were selected using simple random sampling and were asked to complete

the survey only after signing an informed consent form that explained the study’s purpose, confidentiality

measures, and their right to withdraw at any time. The researchers personally administered the questionnaires to

ensure comprehension and accuracy of responses.

All data were treated with strict confidentiality, and participants’ identities were kept anonymous. The collected

responses were organized and analyzed using descriptive statistics such as frequency, mean, and percentage to

address the research objectives.

This subsection explored the level of the respondents’ cultural attitude and nature relatedness.

Table 1 Mean, Standard Deviation, Scaled Response, and Verbal Interpretation

Table 2 Relationship Between Key Variables in Terms of the Demographic Factors

Nedashkivska et al. (2024) and Canaza-Choque (2022) emphasize that globalization, migration, and digital

media are transforming traditional cultural identities, often leading to fragmented or hybrid forms that may dilute

the coherence of cultural values, including those linked to environmental worldviews. Kerubo (2024) also notes

that the homogenizing effects of globalization can erode localized cultural practices, weakening the assumed

link between Indigenous cultural attitudes and ecological connection.

Furthermore, while cultural frameworks may conceptually support pro-environmental behavior, Mavisakalyan

et al. (2023) found that individualistic cultural values can lead to greater environmental action but are not

necessarily tied to deeper emotional or subjective well- being derived from nature. This supports the idea that

behavior and emotional nature- relatedness may not always align. Toigo et al. (2022) further argue that personal

and contextual factors, rather than broad cultural or transcendental values, more directly shape ecological

the community; yet, statistical analysis indicated that cultural attitude did not significantly predict nature

relatedness, with age and gender proving to be more influential determinants. The results indicate that while

inclination that persists among the respondents regardless of demographic and cultural differences.

2. Implement gender-sensitive strategies, as gender affects natural connectivity, and customize programs to

3. Incorporate culture into environmental education by strengthening cultural identity through nature-based

4. Incorporate culture into environmental education by strengthening cultural identity through nature-based

5. Incorporate culture into environmental education by enhancing cultural identity through nature-based

6. Formulate Culturally-Informed Policies with Local Government Units (LGUs) to facilitate the preservation

for the research. All remaining tasks— including conceptualization, methodology, investigation, data analysis,

and interpretation of results—were collaboratively undertaken by all authors. All authors have read and approved

the final version of the manuscript.

The researchers would like to express their sincere gratitude to Southern Luzon State University; Office of

Research and Services; Dr. Rosdy N. Lazaro; Karizza May J. Mercado; Ronald T. Umali; and Denise Kristine

S. Ong for their support and encouragement in participating in this endeavor, and for helping us recognize the

opportunity to present on an international stage. Their invaluable guidance and support greatly contributed to

the completion of this study.