Animistic Customs and Practices, Attribution of Animistic Essence to Objects, and Environmentalism in an Informal Settler Riverside Community in Calamba City, Laguna, Philippines

This research explored the potential of animism as a framework for strengthening environmental initiatives. It examined the connection between animism and environmentalism in an informal settler riverside community in the Philippines. The findings revealed the presence of Filipino animistic customs and practices, the generally high attribution of animistic essence to natural objects, and the moderate attribution of animistic essence to manmade objects among respondents. Moreover, environmentalism and its dimensions were found to be remarkably high. The researchers also found significant relationships between some animistic customs and practices and environmentalism, as well as between attribution of animistic essence to some objects and environmentalism. While certain animistic customs and practices exhibited positive correlations with environmentalism, the strength of these relationships remained modest. The absence of significant relationship between some variables and a few negative correlations suggested that not the entirety of animism is beneficial to environmentalism. The researchers proposed for the development of a culture-based environmental program that may preserve significant animistic customs and practices and enhance the attribution of animistic essence to animals and plants to strengthen cultural identity and contribute significantly to the conservation and preservation of the natural environment.