Undergraduate Thesis (Bachelor of Arts in Political Science)--
Mountain Province State Polytechnic College, 2014

This study was conducted to look into the existing roles of the Ato in the Governance of Bontoc Ili, Bontoc, Mountain Province. Specifically, it focused on the existing Executive, Legislative and Judicial roles as well as the factors that changed the previous roles of the Ato in the Governance of Bontoc Ili. The study made use of qualitative research. The key informants of the study are the barangay officials of Bontoc Ili, including the community elders.
The findings of the study revealed that the executive role of the “Ato” covers the declaration of “Tengao” or rest days and as to Legislative, the Ato has no law-making powers at present. As to its existing judicial role, the Ato acts as mediator and negotiator through the elders or the amam-as.
The factors that have changed the previous roles of the “Ato” in the Governance of Bontoc Ili are as follows: education, religion, death of elders, new form of Government, migration of “Ato” members and expensive contributions to ceremonies.
Based on the findings and conclusions, the following recommendations are given by the researchers:
1. The references used in this research are not adequate nor updated and accurate. More researchers regarding the “Ato” should be made to have a better understanding on how it is surviving and still functioning.
2. Students should be encouraged to do indigenous researches.
3. The researchers recommend that any documentations, studies, or researches made regarding the culture and traditions of the Ili be kept in record at the Office of the Barangays for future references.

Political Science