Republic of the Philippines
NUEVA VIZCAYA STATE UNIVERSITY
Bayombong, Nueva Vizcaya
INSTRUCTIONAL MODULE
IM No.: IM-GE INDI-2ndSEM-2023-2024
Module 3
Indigenous People of the Philippines
Learning Outcome
To familiarize students with the different ethnic or indigenous groups in the Philippines.
Objective of the Module
At the end of the session, the students should be able to identify the different geographical locations of the indigenous
peoples of the Philippines.
Learning Content
Although not accurate, the population estimate of indigenous peoples in the Philippines is 12 million. Many of
them reside in the uplands, while some are in coastal villages (De Vera, 2007). The indigenous population is about 14% of
the country’s total population. The report of De Vera (2007) notes that there are 110 indigenous groups in the
Philippines, many of which reside on the islands of Mindanao (e.g., Manobo) and Northern (e.g., Ifugao) and Southern
Luzon (e.g., Mangyan, Tagbanwa). The indigenous peoples are generally dependent on agriculture, although some
indigenous groups like those in the island provinces are dependent on fishing.
In Region I and CAR, the northern mountain ranges of the Cordillera are home to the Tingguian, Isneg, northern
Kalinga, Bontoc, Sagada, Ifugao, Southern Kalinga, Ibaloi and Kankanaey. These groups occupy the watershed areas near
the Abulag, Tineg and Chico rivers, or interior of the hills, narrow strips of flat land along deep valleys, and plateaus.
In Region II, the Cagayan Valley and Carabbalo range are home to the Ibanag, Itawes, Yogad, Gaddang, Ilongot,
Ikalahan, Isinai, and some Aeta groups.
In Region III, the Sierra Madre range of eastern Luzon is the home of the Dumagat, Pugot, and other Aeta groups.
The Zambales range and the mountains of Pampanga and Tarlac are the home of the Aeta and the Sambal.
In Region IV, the Pacific coast of Quezon province, and the islands of Polillo and Alabat are the home of different
Agta groups. The island of Mindoro is the home of seven Mangyan groups: Iraya, Alangan, Tadyawan, Tao-Buid, Buhid,
Hanunoo, and Gubatnon. The island of Palawan is the home of the Tagbanua, Batak, Palawanon and Cuyunon.
In Region V, the mountains of Bicol Peninsula are the home of different Agta groups: Kabihug of Camarines Norte,
Agta Tabangnon, Agta Cimarron, and Itom (Camarines Sur, Albay, and Sorsogon).
In Region VI, the interior foothills and remote coastal areas of Panay and Negros Islands are the home of the Sulod
and the Ati.
In Mindanao, the hinterlands and coastal lowlands of the Zamboanga peninsula, the plateaus of Bukidnon, the
upper headwaters of the Davao, Tinanan, and Kulaman rivers, the coastal areas along the Davao Gulf and the interior
hinterlands of southeastern Mindanao are the home of the Lumads. “Lumad” is the generic term used to refer to the
indigenous peoples of Mindanao. They are considered to comprise the largest number of indigenous peoples in the
country. The 18 groups that compose the Lumad include the following: Subanen, B’laan, T’boli, Mandaya, Mansaka,
Tiruray, Higaonon, Manobo, Bagobo, Bukidnon, Tagakaolo, Ubo, Banwaon, Kalagan, Dibabawon, Talaandig, Mamanwa
and Manguangan.
Source:
De Vera, D. (2007). Indigenous peoples in the Philippines: A Case Study. Retrieved from [Link]
content/uploads/2015/07/devera_ip_phl.pdf.
Republic of the Philippines
NUEVA VIZCAYA STATE UNIVERSITY
Bayombong, Nueva Vizcaya
INSTRUCTIONAL MODULE
IM No.: IM-GE INDI-2ndSEM-2023-2024
MAP OF THE PHILIPPINES INDIGENOUS POPULATION
Youtube useful resources for Indigenous Peoples (Film Showing)
1. Investigative Documentaries: Indigenous Communities
[Link]
2. Ifugao: Chanters of Ages
[Link]
3. Talaandig: Dancing as Moved by the Spirits
[Link]
4. T’Boli: Tribal Sounds of the Philippines
[Link]
5. Tribal Journeys: The Agtas
[Link]