Agta Mythology in Brgy. Tabunan, Borongan City, Eastern Samar

With the advent of technology and shifting lifestyles, most scarcely documented folklore runs the risk of being lost; however, this study aimed to document one such undocumented folklore, namely, the Agta mythology of Barangay Tabunan, Borongan City, Eastern Samar. Using a qualitative design approach guided by the modified ADDE framework, data were collected through in-depth interviews with fifteen (15) elders of the community who possessed inherited and firsthand knowledge of Agta folklore. The findings revealed that the Agta is consistently described as a large, dark-furred, territorial creature with red glowing eyes, sharp claws, and a foul odor, and is generally associated with forested and mountainous areas. The Agta is seen as morally neutral, responding only when its territory is disturbed, and also as a social figure used by elders to instill caution and obedience among younger members. The documented findings formed the basis for the development of an illustrated storybook, which was evaluated by ten (10) high school teachers based on the modified Evaluation Rating Sheet for Storybooks and Big Books Department of Education, Region III, Nueva Ecija. The material received an Excellent rating, interpreted as highly acceptable and meeting all the required standards in the parameters of, visuals (4.5), story (4.4), and socio-cultural sensitivity (4.4), while the remaining parameters, including language (4.2), development aspect (4.1), plot/story line (4.1), characters (4.0), grammar (3.9), prints (3.8), book design and layout (3.6), and paper and binding (3.6), all received a rating of Very Satisfactory, collectively indicating that the material is an acceptable educational and cultural resource with only minimal revisions needed.

Agta, folklore, mythology, oral tradition, story book, cultural preservation, Eastern Samar

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