40th Day after Death: An Analysis on ‘Katuwa’ Tradition of Katribo (Agta) in Tagkawayan, Quezon

Katuwa is a tradition of Agta in Sitio Mapatong to express their gratitude and sympathy for their katribo’s 40th day after death, as well as to commemorate the tribe’s last memory. Moreover, it also symbolizes as the soul that will leave them forever after 40th day. The study used descriptive type of research in a qualitative approach. The interview protocol and participation in the community was utilized to gather information about their traditions. The study was conducted in Sitio Mapatong Barangay Sto. Tomas Tagkawayan Quezon. The community was in isolated area where the researchers walked for almost three hours. The study used purposive sampling in selecting the participants. It composed of two chieftains and three oldest Agta. They perform ‘lidong’ by holding men’s hands while dancing around. The motive in performing ‘lidong’ is to honor the 40th death of their katribo. They used ‘amplifier’ (used to amplify musical instrument) for their music and ‘combo’ (a bamboo drum-shape beaten by hand). The Agta were entertained by the Filipino pop music. It shows that the Agta are also open to accept changes that may affect their way of life. They believe that they must avoid sap vegetables ‘madagta’ such as ‘namit’, ‘puso ng saging’, ‘gabi’, and eggplant. All the foods that they did not eat during the celebration can be eaten again after nine days unfollowing their beliefs may cause disease. Katuwa also symbolizes as ending ‘katapusan’. Encouraging the Agta children to attend in their ‘Katuwa’ practices is their way to preserve their culture