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Understanding Ilocano Identity and Culture

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The document discusses the Ilocano people, an ethnic group found in northern Philippines. Some key points: 1) Ilocanos predominantly live in regions 1 and parts of Tarlac province, comprisi…

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Angela Mae Dimayacyac
  • Title Page
  • Body
  • Introduction
  • References
  • Conclusion

Ilokano; More Than Just An Ethnic Group

Angela Mae A. Dimayacyac

Science Technology Engineering and Mathematics

11-Histology
INTRODUCTION

At the northern part of the Philippines, particularly in Region 1, are found one of the

dominant ethnic groups in the country, the Ilokanos. They are scattered on some parts of the

Tarlac province and comprises 90% of the provinces from Pangasinan to Ilocos Norte. The

territory stands at the northwestern coast of Luzon and faces the South China Sea which makes

fishing one of their source of livelihood. Aside from fishing, the region is also famous for planting

tobacco and is the main source of raw materials used in manufacturing cigarettes. Ilokanos are

widely known for being stingy but according to them it’s just their way of being thrifty or good-

spenders but still the connotation exists for people who came from the north.

BODY

Spain applied the term barangay to the settlements in the Ilocos region upon contact, the

Ilocano people called their towns, íli, and a smaller group of houses, purók. These residents of

the íli were organized in a class society. At the top of the class system was a chief

or agtúray or ári and his family. The ári earned his position due to strength, wealth and/or

wisdom. Ilocano’s way of life in terms of social organization in the present, is just like other tribal

groups in the country, Ilocanos fondly favor affiliation to social organizations. They consider

joining social assemblies as a noble obligation to their community.

Most Ilocanos speak Ilocano, which is part of the Northern Philippine subgroup of

the Austronesian family of languages. They also speak Tagalog, and English as second

languages. Ilocano’s dialect is known to be emanated from the northern part of the Philippines.

But as years gone by, it go through the streets of all prvinces and even made famous

internationally.
In terms of religion, most Ilocanos are Roman Catholics, and Aglipayans, which originated

in Ilocos Norte. Catholicism is a religion that dominates the hearts of Ilocanos. Although there

are other religious congregations that exist in their ares, majority still accept catholic beliefs as

their pathways to the kingdom of God.

Ilocano’s also tend to love arts and literature. Some of their finest examples are their very

own painter, Juan Luna, the actor/singer Guji Lorenzana and the writer Isagani Cruz. Ilocano

literature or Iloko literature pertains to the literary works of writers of Ilocano ancestry regardless

of the language used - be it Ilocano, English, Spanish or other foreign and Philippine languages.

In Ilocano language, the terms "Iloko" and "Ilocano" are different. Generally, "Iloko" is the

language while "Ilocano" refers to the people or the ethnicity of the people who speak the Iloko

language. Ilocano literature in the Philippines is one of several regional Philippine literatures. It

is one of the most active tributaries to the general Philippine literature, next to Tagalog (Filipino)

and Philippine Literature in English. Traditional Ilocano handicrafts, like the “inabel” fabrics &

“burnay” jars are folk arts that continue to tell its tales for many hundred years now. They are

not only relevant to the northern region but also to the development of art & culture in the

Philippines.

Ilocanos are known to be hardworking people. These characteristics paved the way to boost

their economic system especially during the reign of Marcoses where development in

infrastructure and in agricultural sector were intensified.

One of the known traits of Ilokanos is courage and bravery. As being demonstrated by some

of our national heroes and heroines that came from the place. But the word “stingy” or closed

fisted individuals is also associated to them and that shows their values, beliefs and traditions.
CONCLUSION

Three (3) things I learned from having this case study about Ilokanos are being stingy or

closed-fisted is a trait that can be viewed positively. Second, Ilokanos are loyal supporters of the

Marcos family. Lastly, Iloko is the dialect that Ilokanos speak.

It is interesting to know that Ilokanos are not ashamed of being stingy at all. They are proud

that they are spending their hard-earned money wisely. And, they are now slowly undergoing

transition of getting their source of livelihood from tobacco due to the governments efforts on

anti-smoking campaigns. That is the 2 thing about that caught my interest about them.

Lastly, I realized that Ilokanos are a very proud group of people. They take pride on giving

their best in everything that they do wherever they are whether locally or internationally. They

carry the good traits that they are known for as they work hard to achieve their goals.

REFERENCES

First and for most, my Lolo Alfredo Tagaza who is pure Ilokano.

[Link]

[Link]

Common questions

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Ilocano literature has significantly contributed to Philippine literary heritage by maintaining an active presence as a regional literature stream, contributing alongside other prominent literary traditions such as Tagalog and Philippine literature in English. It stands apart due to its unique linguistic elements and cultural narratives that represent the Ilokano people's experiences and history. Unlike other regional literatures, it offers a distinct perspective through its use of Iloko language, enriching the diversity of Philippine literature .

The distinction between 'Iloko' and 'Ilocano' is significant because it clarifies the differentiation between the language (Iloko) and the people or ethnicity (Ilocano) who speak it. This distinction is crucial for understanding cultural identity and linguistic heritage, as it underscores the specific linguistic traditions of the Ilokano people, separate from their ethnic identity, thus allowing for a more nuanced appreciation of their cultural and historical narratives .

Ilokano traits of bravery and loyalty have historical roots in their participation in resistance against colonial powers and contributions to national struggles. These traits are evidenced by the recognitions of Ilokano national heroes and heroines. In contemporary contexts, loyalty is visible through their support of the Marcos family, while bravery is reflected in their perseverance and resilience in economic challenges and cultural preservation .

The Ilokano perception of 'stinginess' reflects a deeper cultural value of thriftiness and prudent spending. They view this trait not as mere stinginess but as a demonstration of careful financial management and resourcefulness, which is considered a positive characteristic of being good spenders. This perception is culturally significant as it aligns with the Ilokano's adaptive strategies for survival in a region where resources can be scarce .

Traditional Ilocano handicrafts, such as the ‘inabel’ fabrics and ‘burnay’ jars, hold significant cultural and economic importance. Locally, they are an expression of Ilokano heritage and artisanal skill. Nationally, these crafts contribute to the broader cultural tapestry and economy of the Philippines, serving as symbols of artistry and tradition that enhance the country's cultural identity on an international stage .

The Ilokano identity balances linguistic tradition and modern multicultural influences by preserving the use of the Iloko language while also adopting Tagalog and English as second languages. This multilingual capability allows Ilokanos to maintain their cultural essence through linguistic preservation, while also engaging with wider national and global communities. This balance is a testament to their resilience and adaptability, ensuring the continuity of their cultural legacy in a rapidly globalizing world .

The Ilokano shift from tobacco farming reflects significant economic diversification and adaptation to changing governmental policies such as anti-smoking campaigns. This transition implies a move towards sustainable and varied agricultural practices, reducing dependence on a single crop economy. It also signals a broader shift in societal values towards health consciousness and environmental sustainability, impacting both household economics and regional agricultural strategies .

Social organizations play a crucial role in the contemporary Ilokano community by fostering a sense of belonging and collective identity among its members. Ilokanos view participating in these organizations as an esteemed duty and integral part of their community life. Such affiliations help maintain social cohesion and cultural traditions while also providing a platform for community support and development initiatives .

The geography of the Ilocos region, with its location along the northwestern coast of Luzon facing the South China Sea, heavily influences the economic practices of the Ilokano people. The coastal location promotes fishing as a primary livelihood. Additionally, the fertile land in this region supports the cultivation of crops, particularly tobacco, which has historically been a significant economic activity. This geographic dependency on the sea and fertile agricultural land reflects their adaptive economic practices shaped by natural resources .

Spanish colonization had a profound impact on Ilocano social organization by introducing the concept of barangays and altering pre-existing social structures. The Ilocano people traditionally organized their communities into íli, led by chiefs known as agtúray. Under Spanish rule, local governance was restructured to fit the colonial model, which included a more rigid social class hierarchy and centralized authority, significantly influencing social interactions and community governance in the region .

Ilokano; More Than Just An Ethnic Group Angela Mae A. Dimayacyac Science Technology Engineering and Mathematics 11-Histology
INTRODUCTION At the northern part of the Philippines, particularly in Region 1, are found one of the dominant ethnic
In terms of religion, most Ilocano (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ilocano_language)s are Roman Catholics, and Aglipaya
CONCLUSION Three (3) things I learned from having this case study about Ilokanos are being stingy or closed-fisted is

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