Research Article

Group Cohesion and Deepened Relationship Arising fromUnintended Interventions: Impact Assessment on LPU’s Partnership with the Dumagat of Cabog, Dingalan, Aurora Province

Angelita Damilig 1 * , Jennifer Juan 1, Hazam Bansa 1
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1 Research & Innovation Center, Lyceum of the Philippines University, 1002, Manila, Philippines* Corresponding Author
International Journal of Social Sciences and Artistic Innovations, 6(1), 2026, 1-15, https://doi.org/10.35745/ijssai2026v06.01.0001
Submitted: 24 May 2025, Published: 30 March 2026
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ABSTRACT

In the realm of community interventions and programs, outcomes can be intended but occasionally diverge from their intended goals. This study delves into the unanticipated consequences arising from an enduring ten-year partnership between the Lyceum of the Philippines University-Manila (LPU-MNL) and the indigenous Dumagat community of Cabog, Dingalan, Province of Aurora. Researchers conducted field visits in August 2022 and February 2023, employing interviews, narratives from indigenous community members, documents about the past interventions, and faculty and staff testimonies. Using a data triangulation, the results reveal a strengthened sense of community cohesion and strengthened relationships among the Dumagat people and with their academic partner institution (LPU-MNL). Notably, Jennylin, a Dumagat individual, ascended to the position of community Chieftain, officially recognized by the state. Additionally, a new-state-sanctioned organization, MAEDUP, was formed, dedicated to preserving indigenous knowledge, skills, and practices while fostering unity within the indigenous community. The intergenerational mapping exercise conducted during the study illuminated the aspirations of the younger generation and their inclination to emulate their predecessors and community members. Consequently, this led to a deeper understanding of community needs, inspiring the formation of a youth group committed to assisting and enhancing their community.
Keywords: Cultural renaissance, Decolonization, Indigenous community, Maedup, Trust-building activities

CITATION (APA)

Damilig, A., Juan, J., & Bansa, H. (2026). Group Cohesion and Deepened Relationship Arising fromUnintended Interventions: Impact Assessment on LPU’s Partnership with the Dumagat of Cabog, Dingalan, Aurora Province. International Journal of Social Sciences and Artistic Innovations, 6(1), 1-15. https://doi.org/10.35745/ijssai2026v06.01.0001

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