Author Information
Hannee Badilles, Mindanao State University, PhilippinesLudivena Lagrio, Mindanao State University, Philippines
Kenneth Jhon Estaño, Mindanao State University, Philippines
Ivy Masque, Mindanao State University, Philippines
Raiza Moriel Rivera, Mindanao State University, Philippines
Raniel Cuñado, Mindanao State University, Philippines
Abstract
This study investigates the origins, distribution, and cultural significance of ethnonyms embedded within the official naming conventions of the 26 barangays (districts/villages) of General Santos City (GSC), Philippines. GSC, a designated "highly urbanized city" and major economic hub in SOCCSKSARGEN, is characterized by a complex history of indigenous settlement (predominantly Blaan and Maguindanao) and successive waves of migration, particularly from the Visayas and Luzon. This research employs a mixed-methods approach, integrating historical-documentary analysis with qualitative field interviews. The primary objective is to map and interpret the ethnonymic distribution, seeking to understand how barangay names reflect or conceal the historical presence and dominance of specific ethnic and linguistic groups. The framework draws upon Onomastics (the study of names) and Cultural Landscape Theory, treating barangay names as linguistic artifacts that shape and reflect the city's cultural geography. Methodology includes analyzing government records for official naming declarations and conducting semi-structured interviews with long-time residents, local historians, and community leaders to uncover the folk etymologies and contested narratives behind the names. Findings revealed patterns of naming that correlate with phases of settlement, internal migration routes, and the political/social dynamics between indigenous communities and settler populations. This study contributes to a deeper understanding of GSC's multicultural heritage, offering a crucial perspective on how identity is inscribed onto the public administrative landscape.
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