Abstract
The Tongtong system is an Indigenous conflict resolution mechanism practiced among Indigenous Cultural Communities in Benguet, Philippines, guided by elders and grounded in communal values of reconciliation, fairness, and social harmony. This study examines the contribution of Tongtong to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). An explanatory sequential mixed-methods design was employed, beginning with a quantitative survey of 455 respondents from five ethnolinguistic groups to assess perceptions of Tongtong’s contribution to selected SDGs. Findings indicate that the system is perceived to have a very high overall contribution, with the highest rating observed for SDG 16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions). To further explain these findings, qualitative data were gathered from 23 key informants and five focus group discussions. Thematic analysis identified several mechanisms through which Tongtong contributes to sustainable development, including equality and impartiality in justice processes, cultural familiarity that enhances accessibility, geographic proximity and contextual flexibility in dispute resolution, inclusive and consent-based jurisdiction, and participatory transparency through community oversight in deliberative proceedings. The findings suggest that Tongtong functions as a culturally embedded and socially legitimate justice system that supports fairness, accessibility, accountability, and social cohesion within Indigenous communities. The study highlights the potential of Indigenous justice systems to complement formal institutions and contribute to locally grounded pathways toward sustainable development in the Philippines.
Keywords: Community-Based Dispute Resolution, Indigenous Justice Systems, Legal Pluralism, Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Tongtong system.