Exploring Ethnomodeling to the Traditional Stocking Practices of Milkfish Farming in Banate, Iloilo

This study investigates the indigenous knowledge and integrate it to academic mathematics with the use of ethnomodeling in the context of the traditional practices of milkfish farming in Banate, Iloilo. It focuses on local fish stocking methods specifically the techniques of bansutan and larguhan. It seeks to uncover the underlying mathematical concepts that inform to these practices and analyze the impact in fish production. Employing a qualitative ethnographic research design, the study involved six experienced participants consisting of pond owners and fishermen and used semi-structured interviews, direct observations, and focus group discussions to collect qualitative information. Thematic analysis informed using ethnomodeling led to the identification and interpretation of traditional mathematics practices like estimation, measurement, and ratio use that exposed the symbiotic relationship between local cultural practices and formal mathematical structures. This research not only to highlight the relevance of ethnomathematics in promoting culturally responsive mathematics education, but also speaks to the necessity of integrating indigenous knowledge systems into aquaculture business planning and sustainable resource management. The findings contribute to the broader theme of localized curriculum design mandated by the Philippine Department of Education, and aligned these cultural practices in fish stocking to the most essential learning mathematics competencies.