Punongan: Indigenous Measurement and Estimation Systems in Bangus Growth at Barangay Guintas Barotac Nuevo, Iloilo Philippines

This study examines the Punongan system indigenous measurement and estimation practices used by Bangus (milkfish) farmers in Barangay Guintas, Barotac Nuevo, Iloilo, Philippines through an ethnomathematical lens. Although the Philippines officially uses the metric system, farmers blend metric and English units alongside embodied, body-based measures to quantify pond size, stocking densities, and fish growth. Data were gathered via semi structured interviews in Hiligaynon. Following Braun and Clarke’s thematic analysis framework, two major themes emerged: the seamless integration of formal and vernacular measurement systems and the use of body based units like finger-widths (dangkal) as reliable mnemonic tools for sizing fingerlings and estimating quantities.Farmers described how surveyors’ boundary markers and gridlines in hectares create mental maps that guide decisions on stocking and harvesting. Simultaneously, caretakers rely on their own finger spans to identify when fingerlings reach ideal sizes, ensuring consistent stocking densities without rulers or tapes. These embodied practices simplify daily routines in muddy, fast-paced environments and foster shared standards across workers. By blending formal metrics with local ecological knowledge, farmers improve planning accuracy, reduce errors, and communicate clearly with government agencies, while keeping cultural traditions intact.Documenting the Punongan system highlights how hybrid measurement practices support sustainable aquaculture. This research underscores the cultural significance of vernacular measures and suggests that integrating local knowledge into fisheries management can empower communities, especially in data-poor contexts. Recognizing these practices bridges formal science and traditional know-how, offering practical insights for inclusive, contextually grounded fish farm.