“From Utility to Ethnic Symbol: Exploring the Evolution of the Tamaraw FX as A Symbol of Igorot”

This study examines the enduring popularity of the Tamaraw FX in Benguet, northern Philippines, through Cultural Ecology and Symbolic Interactionism. Using autoethnography, the research reveals that its appeal stems from its adaptability to Benguet’s agricultural lifestyle and rugged terrain. Owners modify the vehicle to enhance engine power, increase ground clearance, and install carriers for transporting highland vegetables. Aesthetic modifications, such as Igorot symbols and taglines on stickers and mudguards, further reinforce cultural identity. Cultural Ecology, as proposed by Julian Steward, explains how societies adapt to their environment. In Benguet, modifications to the Tamaraw FX respond to both ecological demands and cultural expression. Meanwhile, Symbolic Interactionism, as articulated by Herbert Blumer, highlights how the Tamaraw FX gains symbolic meaning through social interaction. Over time, shared meanings transform it from a tool of practicality into an emblem. By integrating ecological adaptation and social meaning, this study underscores how the Tamaraw FX has evolved beyond function, becoming a cultural marker deeply embedded in Benguet people’s identity.

Tamaraw FX, Cultural Ecology, Symbolic Interactionism, Igorot Identity

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