THE ECONOMIC LIFE OF THE NEGRITOS OF LUNA, APAYAO

This study was conducted to document the economic activities of the Negritos of Lower Apayao. Specifically, it is intended to determine the economic activities of the Negritos of Lower Apayao; and determine coping strategies of the negritos for survival. The descriptive method of research was used with interview and observation as main data-gathering tools. Respondents of were 24 Negrito families however, key informants were also identified for the purpose of validating data generated from observations and interviews. Results showed that the economic activities done by the negritos are: foraging, hunting, fishing, paid labor, backyard hog and poultry raising, basket weaving, and upland farming. Their income derived from their daily economic activities is just sufficient for their daily existence. In order to survive, they have varied coping strategies which include caroling, mixing rice with cassava/ other rootcrops, simple living, bartering, engaging in other livelihood activities and getting acquaintance with other cultural groups to work with them in their farms.

Keywords: THE ECONOMIC LIFE OF THE NEGRITOS OF LUNA, APAYAO