Panel Session 1
Institute of Philippine Culture
Engaged Anthropology and the Future of Inquiry: Democracy and Conflict Resolution in the Philippines
Moderator
Dr. Enrique Niño P. Leviste
Director, Institute of Philippine Culture
Chair, Department of Sociology and Anthropology
April 22, 2026 (Wednesday)
1:15 PM – 2:15 PM
Panel Description
Relational Repair: Philippine Values and the Everyday Work of Conflict Resolution in Communities
Jessica Sandra R.
Claudio, MA
Institute of Philippine Culture
Department of Development Studies
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Enrique Niño P.
Leviste, PhD
Institute of Philippine Culture
Department of Sociology and Anthropology
In the Philippines, conflicts within and among communities are often addressed not through formal legal systems, but through deeply embedded social practices rooted in relational values. This paper examines how conflict resolution is enacted in everyday life through the mobilization of values such as pakikitungo, pakikibagay, pakikipagusap or pakikiusap, pagpipigil, pag-iwas or pagpapahupa, among others. Drawing on focus group discussions (FGDs) of four main groups (men, women, community leaders, and youth) in select urban and rural communities in the Philippines, the paper explores how these values inform the logic and process of local mediation, the roles assumed by elders and community leaders, and the affective labor involved in restoring social harmony. Rather than seeing these values as static cultural norms, the paper argues that they function as dynamic moral resources that communities draw upon to navigate tensions, preserve relationships, and maintain cohesion. At the same time, the paper critically engages with the limits of these practices particularly when they silence dissent, mask power asymmetries, or inhibit structural redress. By highlighting the relational and affective dimensions of conflict resolution, the paper offers a grounded lens for understanding peace-building as a form of everyday political labor. It also reflects on the role of engaged anthropology in supporting community-led processes of justice and reconciliation, while grappling with the ethical tensions of intervention. Ultimately, it calls for a deeper appreciation of vernacular approaches to conflict and repair especially in contexts where state mechanisms are absent, distrusted, or insufficient.
Ang “Kuliglig” ay Demokrasya? Towards A More Grounded Understanding of Democracy in the Philippines
Beatriz C. Beato, MA
Institute of Philippine Culture
Department of Political Science
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Gino Antonio P.
Trinidad, MA
Institute of Philippine Culture
Department of Political Science
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Contemporary discourses on democracy in the Philippines have highlighted autocratic hardening or institutional backsliding, (Miranda 2016, Webb 2022). These are anchored on understanding democracy as static and characterized by the persistent existence and dominance of the elite. However, understanding Philippine democracy also requires navigating the experiences and perceptions of those on the ground. Concepts and theories of democracy could be grounded in lived experiences and values.​​
This paper aims to expound on the question of how Filipinos define democracy as it relates to specific events, behaviors, and its relevance in their everyday lives. It asserts that definitions of democracy are situated in the context of individual and collective values such as pakikipagkapwa, paggalang, and pagpapaubaya. Discussing democracy through the lens of values surfaces structural and cultural context that has been overlooked in mainstream democracy discourse. Gleaning from the Institute of Philippine Culture’s research on Philippine values, the paper presents salient findings from 16 focus group discussions conducted among men, women, youth, and community leaders in selected urban and rural areas in Metro Manila, Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao. The paper delves into participants’ understanding of “democracy” (demokrasya) and “freedom” (kalayaan).
Initial findings point to human rights and freedom as central values to a democracy, but also emphasize more grounded realities that associate democracy with balancing between individual and community responsibilities, the non-violation of the will of others, and as part community life overall. The paper hopes to comment on dis/continuities of democracy research, and emphasize perspectives on the ground.
Traditional Justice Systems: Conflict Mediation in Mt. Province and Zamboanga
Patria Luwalhati D.
Garcia, MS
Institute of Philippine Culture​
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Haraya Marikit C. Mendoza
Institute of Philippine Culture
This paper examines the enduring role of traditional justice systems and conflict mediation practices of local communities in maintaining social order and locally resolving disputes. It focuses on the involvement of community elders in conflict resolution in Bontoc and the rido practices among Zamboangueños and how these complement, or even substitute, formal criminal justice mechanisms available. Such local customary systems are argued to rely on shared values and community trust. Rather than punitive measures, they employ more culturally-grounded sanctions that seek restoration of relationships and upholding of community harmony in spite of more culturally diverse contexts of members at present.
Drawing from focus group discussions (FGDs) with communities in the municipality of Bontoc and Zamboanga City, the paper highlights how these local justice systems prioritise social cohesion and accountability through more culturally embedded sanctions and settlements. It also explores the significance of third party mediators such as elders and other respected or prominent community members in ensuring fairness in the process, enforcing the community’s social norms, and encouraging the preservation of social relations.
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In examining these local customary practices, the paper invites more dialogue on how the State may better acknowledge or engage traditional justice models, particularly how law enforcement agencies can work together with these customary systems in maintaining to uphold human rights. It underscores the critical role of localised and culturally-grounded conflict resolution processes in fostering grassroots peace and justice.
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