SEASONAL CALENDARS OF IDENTIFIED BARANGAYS CULTIVATING TRADITIONAL UPLAND RICE VARIETIES (TURVS) IN THE SELECTED MUNICIPALITIES OF THE THIRD DISTRICT OF ILOILO CITY, PHILIPPINES

Abstract

This study examined the seasonal calendars of identified upland barangays cultivating Traditional Upland Rice Varieties (TURVs) in the selected municipalities of the 3rd District of Iloilo City, Philippines. TURVs are not only repositories of genetic diversity but also hold the cultural symbols interwoven with indigenous farming knowledge and practices. Seasonal calendars, unlike standardized civil calendars, rely on ecological cues such as rainfall, plant flowering, animal behavior, and lunar cycles to synchronize farming activities. Using the Participatory Rapid Appraisal (PRA) tool of the FAO, structured focus group discussions were conducted across municipalities to document seed systems, land preparation, sowing, crop management, harvesting, and post-harvest practices. Results revealed shared temporal patterns across barangays, with seed activities during the dry season (January–April), land preparation and sowing aligned with the onset of rains (March–June), and harvesting/post-harvest extending to November. However, variations emerged due to microclimatic conditions, elevation, and local resource availability. In municipalities such as Calinog, certain barangays displayed surplus-oriented production with limited market engagement, while others remained largely subsistence-based. The findings highlight the adaptive capacity of upland communities, the centrality of seasonal calendars in ecological and cultural sustainability, and the importance of integrating indigenous knowledge into agricultural policy and rural development strategies.