FROM IDENTITY ASSERTION TO A PARTICIPATIVE POLITICAL CULTURE: INDIGENIZING PHILOSOPHY IN THE BIKOL REGION OF THE PHILIPPINES

The attempt to develop an indigenizing philosophy in the Bikol region of the Philippines can be seen as an attempt to aid the creation of a collective identity for the purpose of addressing local socio-political concerns. The task of philosophy is directed to the empowerment of people by allowing them to engage in philosophical thought in their native language and cultural context. Philosophy also becomes directed towards social critique and the goals of justice, recognition and emancipation. Using Axel Honneth’s critical theory, indigenous philosophizing is here presented as internal critique of culture-specific values in order to develop a more engaged and participative political culture that can be carried out in academic institutions and operate as a social precondition of democracy.