Locals Beliefs on Aswang Shapeshifter in Barangay Hindang, Borongan City, Eastern Samar

This study explores the transformations of the creature called Aswang in Hindang, Borongan city, Eastern Samar, that shadowed over the local community at night. This paper analyzes the depiction of supernatural beings in oral traditions. The creature is said to have various forms, particularly a Pig, Dog, Bird, and an Elderly person. This local myth is studied widely by many mythological researchers. However, despite these existing studies, aswang remains lacking in systematic and cultural grounds. The aim of this study was to document Aswang narratives and lived experiences of selected community members in Barangay Hindang, Borongan City, Eastern Samar in a culturally sensitive and ethical manner. Using the qualitative research methodology that is supported by the modified ADDIE instructional framework focusing on Analysis, Design, Development, and Evaluation. The researchers gathered data through semi-structured face-to-face, and online interviews using the adapted Research Questionnaire for Eastern Samar Myths: A Research-Based Digital Storytelling Project. The narratives were documented and analyzed for preservation and accessibility for cultural and academic purposes. The researchers utilized the modified DepEd Region III Nueva Ecija Evaluation rating sheet of Storybooks and Big Books to evaluate the material developed from this study. Factor 1 focusing on the content of the story about the Aswang mythology, resulted with a grand mean of 4.2 which is interpreted as acceptable with minimal revisions. Factor 2 focusing on format and technical aspects resulted with a grand mean of 3.9 which is also interpreted as acceptable with minimal revisions. Both factors of the material developed from the data gathered from this qualitative research study are considered acceptable for academic purposes and basis for mythological studies, and for the preservation of the oral traditions, culture, beliefs and to add new cultural knowledge.

Aswang, multimedia, myths, beliefs, tradition, practices, preservation.

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