Rapid Rural Appraisal of Indigenous Cultural Community in Pangasinan: Basis for Extension Project of Public Administration Department and Lingayen Campus

Abstract

Rapid Rural Appraisal has been widely recognized as a methodological response to the limitations of conventional rural surveys, offering an efficient, multidisciplinary, and participatory approach to generating contextual knowledge for planning and decision-making. This study applied in RRA in an upland Indigenous Cultural Community known for both its rich cultural identity and socioeconomic challenges. Data were gathered from key informant interviews with tribal leaders, teachers, health workers, and community members, triangulated through validation with local officials and academic partners. Findings revealed pressing needs across four domains. For education and human resource, the challenges are inadequate infrastructure, lack of electricity and internet connectivity, and limited access to scholarships. Challenges related to livelihood are dependence on bamboo plantations and rice farming with minimal postharvest facilities, alongside emerging opportunities in agri-tourism and value-added food processing. For governance, these are unregistered associations that limit access to funding and formal recognition, alongside gaps in organizational systems and documentation. On health, challenges are restricted access to primary care facilities, malnutrition among children, water quality concerns, and lack of sanitary toilets for several households. The study demonstrates that RRA, when grounded in participatory and ethical principles, is an effective tool for diagnosing multidimensional issues in indigenous communities such as Mapita. The outputs provide actionable inputs for academic institutions, local government units, and non-government organizations in crafting responsive programs aligned with community priorities. More importantly, the process underscores the value of culturally sensitive participatory appraisal in supporting indigenous peoples’ agency in shaping their own development pathways.