“Paminug Tu: Oral Literature from the Voices of the Agusanon Manobo”

This study demonstrates, and describes the spoken literature of the Manobo people of Agusan del Sur, showing its relevance in maintaining their culture and identity in the face of globalization and modernization. The qualitative ethnographic method was utilized in conducting the fieldwork in selected Manobo villages in Trento, Agusan del Sur. Through purposive sampling, the “hawudon” elders or “manigaon” were chosen as the main participants. Data collection was done through interviews, observations, documentation, recording, and translation. The results indicate the existence of literature such as legends, fables, poems, and bulong like “San Isidro”, “Manat Ya an!”, “Sikan mgo Suba”, “Sinapai”, “Hipanuw”, and “Pasak”. The literature represents Manobo way of life, beliefs, politics, thoughts on nature, and traditions. A significant presence of moralistic, cultural, and feminist perspectives is present in the analysis of the studied literature.