Abstract
This qualitative study employed a phenomenological approach to explore the lived experiences of 14 indigenous people, particularly Ata Manobo tribal leaders in Talaingod, Davao del Norte. The 14 participants were selected based on the following criteria: they must be pure Ata Manobo, reside in Talaingod, hold the position of tribal leader, and be willing to share their experiences and insights. To achieve the study's intended result and answer the research questions, a phenomenological approach was employed. Seven Ata Manobo tribal leaders participated in an in-depth interview, and an additional seven Ata Manobo tribal leaders participated in a focus group discussion. From the experiences of the participants, it was revealed that they felt influenced by people who used other languages, felt ashamed of being discriminated against, and showed a lack of obedience due to technological advancements. Coping mechanisms varied, including reminding parents to teach their children through community gatherings, celebrating festivals to promote the Ata Manobo language, and encouraging children to embrace their identity. In addition, insights from Ata Manobo tribal leaders highlighted the importance of conducting training and seminars for the young generation, providing scholarships for Ata Manobo students, supplying books and other academic materials, and integrating the Ata Manobo language into the curriculum. This study suggests that indigenous language integration begins at home, where parents must strictly incorporate the use of the native language. Another is in school settings, even though students learn another language, they still preserve their native language, and it will not be eroded when the time comes.
