Abstract
Tourism development is seen as the lens of a growing economy having its greatest influence to the community. However, particularly in the Philippines, tourism potential in Basey, Samar, is affecting people’s livelihood, especially the marginalized sector, which includes the Mamanwa Tribe. This paper delves into the influence of tourism on the livelihood of the Mamanwa Tribe in Basey, Samar, with a special focus on the partnership between the LGU and the tribe to improve tourism livelihood programs. Adopting a critical research approach, the study utilized open-ended questions to collect qualitative data on the effect of tourism on the Mamanwa's livelihood, involving six representatives from the LGU and six Mamanwa Tribe members. Findings reveal four interrelated themes: inclusive but unequal, inclusion without empowerment, disjointed support, and Indigenous resilience, as well as structured cooperation through tribal leadership and inclusive participation. Key challenges include insufficient capacity-building initiatives, weak integration into tourism planning, unresolved ancestral land concerns, and gaps in the delivery of rights and services guaranteed under NCIP principles. It concludes that tourism currently provides only supplementary livelihood benefits to the Mamanwa, rather than sustainable economic advancement. Strengthened collaboration among the LGU,NCIP, and the community is necessary to embed equity,cultural integrity, and indigenous knowledge into tourism governance. Aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals, effective public administration is essential in addressing structural inequalities and improving livelihoods through inclusive and justice-oriented tourism that center Indigenous agency, accountability, fairness, participation, dignity, and sustainability.
Keywords: Tourism development, Livelihood, Mamanwa Tribe, local government unit
https://doi.org/10.65494/pinagpalapublishing.219
