Asia Pacific Journal of Multidisciplinary Research, Vol. 7, No. 2, May, 2019 _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 63 P-ISSN 2350-7756 | E-ISSN 2350-8442 | www.apjmr.com Partida: A Collaborative Rice Planting and Harvesting Technique of Farmers in One Municipality of Northern Cagayan, Philippines Gilbert C. Magulod Jr. (Ph.D); Janilete R. Cortez (MAED); Bernard P. Madarang (MAEM); Dolores C. Quebral (Ph.D.) Campus Research, Development and Extension Cagayan State University, Lasam, Cagayan, Philippines gilbertmagulod_rdecsulasam46@yahoo.com Date Received: August 1, 2018; Date Revised: March 7, 2019 Asia Pacific Journal of Multidisciplinary Research Vol. 7 No.2, 63-72 May 2019 P-ISSN 2350-7756 E-ISSN 2350-8442 www.apjmr.com CHED Recognized Journal ASEAN Citation Index Abstract - This study explored and documented the practice of partida as rice planting and harvesting technique among farmer folks of the Municipality of Lasam, Cagayan. Ethnographic research methods such as fieldwork, ethnographic interviews and case analysis were used to elicit information on partida. Data collection was organized around qualitative research strategy consisting of extensive research interviews from the thirty-seven (37) farmer folks of the eight (8) farming barangays of the municipality. It was uncovered that the practice of partida is a reflection of Lasameno values and character which can pave way to a more cohesive community through fellowship, practice of tradition, industriousness and spirituality, but also threatened due to the presence of farm mechanization. The study also revealed that the primary reason of the informants to engage in Partida is to have a source of livelihood in order to sustain their need for money for the provisions of their families, but experienced loss of livelihood due to the effect of the use of combine rice harvester. Results of the study may provide a point of reference for policy directions and interventions to balance the preservation of culture and traditions amidst the presence of agricultural development. Keywords - Partida, rice planting, farmers, Northern Cagayan INTRODUCTION The Philippines is the world’s eighth-largest rice producer. Having produced 19.832 million metric tons of rice in 2015 and with production concentrated mainly in Central Luzon, Cagayan Valley and Mindanao. Its arable land totals 5.4 million hectares. Rice area harvested has expanded from nearly 3.8 million hectares in 1995 to about 4.4 million hectares in 2010 [1]. Rice (Oryza Sativa Linn) is a staple food for most Filipinos across the country. It is the food for the soul. Its spiritual and cultural dimensions in people's lives underscore the continuity of the human race. This staple dictates economic and political stability. Within the basic unit of the society- family – a steaming plate of rice on the table ensures harmony and well-being. Mother Nature provides for those who find happiness romancing the soil of the vast playing field called rice fields [2]. Rice production practices and techniques either directly increase yield or affect production costs. In the Philippines, rice production practices have been continually changing over time mainly due to technologies and government programs envisioned to respond to the dynamic challenges and needs of Filipinos. The Municipality of Lasam, Cagayan, Philippines is an agricultural community, and rice is the primary food crop grown in the place. Rice is raised on a large scale for it is the staple food of the populace and also as feeds to fowls and livestock. Rice farming dominates the land area cultivated with 6,534 hectares of which 2,441.9 hectares are irrigated and 4,092.1 hectares are rain-fed. Such areas have twice cropping intensities. Having rice as the primary crop, most of its populace are farmers tilling the largest portion of land. Gayao [3] asserted that farming, especially rice, revolves around cultural traditions and practices. He stressed that there are traditional rice farming methods and practices/activities involved in this cycle. This also includes the traditional tools used and the cultural