The Philippine government’s Ancestral Domain Management Research Project was conducted by the Silliman University Task Force for Ancestral Domain on the three indigenous cultural communities of Negros Oriental: the Negritos of Canggohob, Mabinay and the Bukidnons of Tayawan, Bayawan and Cabatuanan, Basay from July to November 1996. This article describes the research strategy developed and used by the task force to carry out a comprehensive community appraisal and profiling survey. The Quadrangulation Appraisal Technique (Quadratech) involves not just the gathering of primary an secondary data, but also the participation of the community organizers, the complementary external appraisal or assessment team (CEAT), and the involved collaboration of the partner-community in a constantly interactive relationship. The essence of the quadratic approach to research is summed up in the word “empowerment”. Its people-centered approach makes it an appropriate complementary procedure in realizing the government’s commitment.
