Cultural Integration of Igorot Practices into Christian Rites and Its Implications for Social Science Education in the Eastern Kayapa District

Preserving indigenous heritage plays a crucial role in strengthening cultural identity and fostering responsive education amid social and religious changes. This study explored the integration of traditional Igorot practices into Christian rites and its implications for Social Science education in Eastern Kayapa, Nueva Vizcaya. Specifically, it described the profiles of respondents, determined the observance of Igorot rituals, assessed integration levels, examined community perceptions, identified educational implications, and tested differences in perceptions based on demographics. A quantitative descriptive-comparative design was employed, involving 30 purposively selected members of the Eastern Kayapa Igorot Organization. Data were collected through a validated questionnaire and analyzed using frequency, percentage, mean, standard deviation, t-test, and ANOVA. The findings revealed that Igorot practices were frequently observed, with mourning rituals being the most common. Integration into Christian rites was highly evident, particularly in marriage and mourning ceremonies. Respondents strongly agreed that such integration strengthens cultural identity, preserves heritage, promotes unity, and enriches community life. The study identified that integrating cultural traditions into Social Science instruction enhances contextualized learning, multicultural understanding, and preservation. Among demographic variables, only the length of residency showed significant differences in perceptions; age, sex, education, ethnicity, and religion did not. The findings underscore the importance of preserving indigenous traditions while promoting relevant and inclusive educational practices.