Harmonized Perspectives - CDKN Global

Indigenous Skills and the mysticism of theexpulsion of lava from Mayon VolcanoBarangay Matanag, Legazpi, Albay,Philippines 188 .revive the BDCC and increase their resources.Officials often have trouble persuading the villagers to cleardanger zones despite natural disasters andvulnerabilities. Instead of listening to officials, geologists andvolcanologists, people rely on spiritual beliefs and advisers forguidance. The failure to evacuate people when there in avolcanic eruption in some cases could amount to an absurdity.However, not all cultures view volcanic eruptions asdestructive. Instead, many who live near Mayon, eruptions areseen as a benefit event for the creation and evolution. Beingnear a volcano does not mean that people cannot thrive in itsenvironment. Local people know that volcanoes do not eruptfor any reason. Volcanoes are often regarded as importantinstitutions that reflect the vengeance and fairness in the world,doing justice to the life and crimes of its inhabitants.The different views about volcanic eruptions produce adisconnection between scientists and people who are affecteddirectly. Such views confuse the scientific community, butcannot be discarded immediately. Indeed, indigenousknowledge has been passed down from generation togeneration, helps to minimize risk, cope with natural hazardsand to learn to survive. The level of risk people are willing totake because of their indigenous knowledge can beunreliable. However, these stories and irrational rituals alsohelp these people deal with disasters. Social scientists note thatthere are not more naive views of nature. Superstitions andmyths are still part of fundamental beliefs of the people. Thesebeliefs make them optimistic in order to confront the danger.Scientists using the latest technology can construct a bridgebetween people who benefit from their work. However, weshould not underestimate the capacity of indigenous peoplewho own and must understand how their work will be received188 Indigenous Know-How on Mayon Volcano’s Lava-Spittle Mysticism, Gerardine Cerdena. En: Ibid. Pag 55 – 58.55