Vol. 12 (2023)

Editorial:        

The bombing at the MSU Gymnasium during a Catholic mass in Marawi City in 2023 shocked the nation. The international and local communities condemned violence and reiterated their support for the peace process.  However, the bombing incident sparked anger and frustrations among groups, particularly within the Muslim and Christian communities, where cultural biases and historical tensions often exacerbate such incidents. To understand the varied response from the public, it is crucial that we revisit the force shaping Filipino identity and society. 

In this year’s edition of Langkit: Journal of Social Sciences and Humanities, we delve into the intricacies of Filipino society that continues to evolve. The articles presented here offer insights into various aspects of Filipino society - from historical influences to contemporary online interactions and governance. By examining these diverse perspectives, we gain a better and more nuanced understanding of a Filipino character.  

De los Santos and Jerusalem explained the pivotal role played by the Augustinian Recollects in the evangelization and colonization of the Philippines. In their paper “Missionary Work in the 18th-19th Century: History of the Augustinian Recollect Mission in Balingasag,” the authors conducted archival and historical research to reconstruct the missionary work and activities of the Recollects in the region. De los Santos and Jerusalem found that through the missionary efforts, the Recollects  facilitated the conversion of local inhabitants, establishment of new towns, and the integration of towns such as Balingasag, a vista of Cagayan, into the Spanish colonial system. The introduction of new languages, customs, and governance structures led to the establishment of new towns and the development of local governance structures which significantly shaped the lives of Filipinos. Building on the historical foundations laid by the Catholic Church, the next two articles examine the intricate relationship between language and culture, revealing how linguistic practices can reflect and reinforce societal norms and values. 

Regaro and Balgoa shared that Meranao swear words offer insights into the cultural and social values of the Meranao people. In their paper entitled  “Meranao Swear Words: Gender and Cultural Identity in Profanity,” Regaro and Balgoa conducted an ethnographic study that explores the use of swear words among Meranao men, women, and homosexuals in Marawi City. Using critical discourse analysis, the study reveals that swear words vary among Meranao men, women, and homosexuals, reflecting gender roles and expectations within Meranao society. Accordingly, men tend to use harsher curses that involve death, women's curses often target their chastity and femininity, while homosexuals are particularly sensitive to swear words that imply sinfulness or unacceptance. The study also highlights the use of euphemisms and slang as less offensive alternatives to swear words. It reveals how language can be used to marginalize and discriminate against minority groups. By examining the specific case of swear words in Marawi City, the article offers a glimpse into the cultural, social, and linguistic factors that shape the identities of Filipinos. This article looks into the microcosm of individual language use while the next article examines the broader cultural and social implications of online communication.

The initiation stage of online second-hand clothing trading in the Philippines, known as "ukay-ukay," is not merely a transactional process but a complex socio-cultural phenomenon that reflects and reinforces societal norms and power dynamics. The third article is by Actub-Parungao and Balgoa, entitled “ Initiation in the E-Negotiation of Facebook Ukay-Ukay Trading” explores the initiation stage of e-negotiations in the context of online second-hand clothing trading in the Philippines, known as "ukay-ukay". The study uses inductive categorization and multimodal critical discourse analysis to analyze the initiation practices of Facebook ukay-ukay traders. The researchers found that the use of polite language, indirect communication, and emotional expressions in the initiation process reflects the cultural values and norms of Filipino society. The study concludes that the initiation stage not only clarifies and intensifies colonial memories but also reconstructs the presentation, perception, pricing, target market, and threats associated with the ukay-ukay trade. By understanding the cultural and social dimensions of online 'ukay-ukay' trading, we can gain valuable insights into the changing nature of consumption and identity in the Philippines. Meanwhile, it is equally important to investigate the broader cultural and social implications of governance structures and decision-making processes during a crisis to appreciate how language shapes policy decisions, mobilizes resources, and influences public opinion.

Devolution, while potentially empowering local governments, requires adequate resources, capacity building, and flexible decision-making to effectively address crises, as demonstrated by the case of the Provincial Government of Misamis Occidental during the COVID-19 pandemic. The article written by Odchigue entitled “Devolution and Crisis Governance amid COVID-19 Pandemic: The Case of the Provincial Government of Misamis Occidental, Philippines” looks into the impact of devolution on the governance of the Provincial Government of Misamis Occidental (PGMO) during the COVID-19 pandemic. It focuses on three key aspects: the structure, responsibilities, and coordination of the COVID-19 response; the decision-making processes; and the implementation of initiatives. The study found that while the PGMO had a clear and well-defined structure for COVID-19 response, decision-making remained centralized, with limited involvement of local stakeholders. The authors contend that the centralized approach does not always work in times of crisis like the pandemic, instead, it may have hindered the development of effective localized strategies to address the specific needs of the province. The study concludes that devolution empowers LGUs when needs are met with adequate resources, demand-based capacity building, and flexibility in decision-making to effectively address crises. The paper implies the value of language in governance particularly when it reinforces hierarchical power structures. Local voices and concerns may be marginalized or silenced in favor of national directives. 

The articles in this edition of Langkit offer a glimpse into the multifaceted nature of Filipino society. They highlight the enduring influence of history, the power of language to shape identity and culture, and the complexities of navigating the digital age especially in times of crisis. As we continue to evolve as a nation, it is our hope that we will continue to take an active role in our communities and be part of social and political undertakings. In the process, let us reflect on how information is articulated, be critical of the biases and acknowledge our own predispositions prior to acting upon the information.  Let us cultivate a more discerning and informed public by examining diverse perspectives on the issue. May this edition of Langkit: Journal of Social Sciences and Humanities inspire critical thinking, foster empathy and ignite a passion for social justice. 

Hazel D. Jovita-Olvez, PhD

Editor-in-Chief