GE 1102: READINGS IN PHILIPPINE HISTORY LESSON 1  Ilongot (Bugkalot) – from Nueva Vizcaya and Quirino; known  Tagakaulo – located

and Quirino; known  Tagakaulo – located in Davao del Sur; known for upland farming and
for hunting and upland farming. music.
WHO ARE THE ABORIGINAL SETTLERS OF THE PHILIPPINES?  Ibanag, Itawit, Gaddang, and Isinay – groups inhabiting
 The Aboriginal Settlers of the Philippines are the earliest known Cagayan Valley. SOME INDIGENOUS GROUPS OF THE PHILIPPINES
inhabitants of the country.
 They are believed to be the ancestors of today’s Indigenous Peoples 3. SOUTHERN LUZON AND MINDORO REGION ATI
(IPs).  Provinces: Mindoro, Palawan, Quezon, Rizal, Laguna, Camarines Identity and Backgroud:
Sur  One of the oldest indigenous groups in the Philippines and are part of
TWO MAIN THEORIES ON PHILIPPINE SETTLEMENT:  Major IP Groups: the Negrito ethnolinguistic family.
1. CORE POPULATION THEORY (DR. F. LANDA JOCANO)  Mangyan – found in Mindoro; composed of subgroups such as  They are considered among the earliest inhabitants of the archipelago,
 Filipinos came from a single ancient Southeast Asian population. Hanunuo, Alangan, Iraya, Tadyawan, and Buhid. possibly arriving over 40,000 years ago.
 No “waves” of migration — only gradual development and adaptation.  Agta of Quezon and Rizal – forest dwellers and traditional  The name “Ati” is used in the Visayas, while “Aeta” is more common in
 Cultural differences arose due to environmental changes and isolation. hunter-gatherers. Luzon.
 Filipinos, Malaysians, and Indonesians share a common ancestry.  Batak and Tagbanua – found in Palawan; known for fishing,  The Spanish term “Negrito” means “little Black people”—referring to their
 Emphasizes that Filipinos are indigenous Southeast Asians. hunting, and preserving traditional rituals. physical traits—but many prefer Ati or Aeta as self-identifiers today.
 Palaw’an – upland tribe of Palawan with strong animistic
2. WAVE MIGRATION THEORY (DR. H. OTLEY BEYER) beliefs. Location and Settlements:
 The Philippines was settled through three waves of migration: VISAYAS AREA:  The Ati are mainly found in Western Visayas, especially in:
1. Aetas/Negritos – earliest settlers, dark-skinned hunters..  CENTRAL AND WESTERN VISAYAS  Aklan – around Mt. Madja-as (a sacred mountain) and nearby
2. Indonesians – taller, lighter-skinned, brought agriculture.  Fewer IP groups compared to Luzon and Mindanao. barangays like Tina in Makato.
3. Malays – organized barangays and ancestors of modern Filipinos.  Major IP Groups:  Antique – in remote mountain areas where they continue traditional
 Filipinos are a mixture of different racial and cultural groups.  Ati (Negrito group) – found in Panay Island (Aklan, Antique, Iloilo, farming practices.
Capiz) and parts of Negros and Guimaras.  Iloilo and Capiz – both upland and coastal settlements, including
INDIGENOUS PEOPLE (IP)  Bukidnon settlers and Cebuano highlanders also maintain some Tapaz, known for its weaving traditions.
 Also called INDIGENOUS CULTURAL COMMUNITIES (ICC) indigenous traits.  Negros Occidental – in Kabankalan and Hinoba-an, where they
 Refers to a group of people sharing common bonds of language, customs,  The Ati are closely related to the Aeta of Luzon, known for dark maintain ancestral claims.
traditions, and other distinctive cultural traits, and who have, under claims complexion, curly hair, and deep respect for nature.  Boracay Island – historically Ati-inhabited, but many were displaced
of ownership since time immemorial, occupied, possessed and utilized a due to tourism development and now live in inland areas like
territory (RA 8731). MINDANAO AREA: Manoc-Manoc.
 Around 10–20% of the Philippine population are Indigenous Peoples.  Mindanao has the largest population and diversity of Indigenous  Some Ati groups have also migrated to urban areas seeking better
 The largest IP groups include the Lumad (Mindanao), Igorot (Cordillera), Peoples, collectively known as the Lumad (a Visayan term meaning opportunities, often living in marginalized conditions.
and Mangyan (Mindoro). “native”).
 There are around 18 major Lumad ethnolinguistic groups spread across Physical Traits:
LUZON AREA: the island.  Typically short in stature (around 4’5” to 5’0”). Dark brown to black skin.
1. CORDILLERA ADMINISTRATIVE REGION (CAR) Curly or kinky hair. Flat noses and small eyes. Their appearance
 Known as: The “home of the Igorots” 1. NORTHERN AND CENTRAL MINDANAO resembles other Negrito groups found across Southeast Asia.
 Provinces: Abra, Apayao, Benguet, Ifugao, Kalinga, Mountain  Bukidnon Province, Misamis Oriental, Agusan del Norte, Agusan del
Province. Sur Traditional Lifestyle and Livelihood:
 Major IP Groups:  Tribes:  Traditionally, the Ati lived as semi-nomadic hunter-gatherers in forests
 Ifugao – builders of the Banaue Rice Terraces. O Higaonon – forest dwellers and peace-loving people of and mountains.
 Kalinga – known for body tattoos and warrior tradition. Misamis and Bukidnon.  They practiced kaingin or slash-and-burn farming, planting crops like
 Ibaloi – from Benguet; known for traditional rice cultivation. O Bukidnon (Binukid) – known for farming and indigenous root vegetables and rice.
 Bontoc – known for rich oral literature and woodcarving. dances.  Relied on hunting wild animals, fishing, and gathering forest products
 Kankanaey – skilled weavers and farmers. O Manobo – one of the largest Lumad groups; found for survival.
 Isneg (Apayao) – known for their river-based culture. throughout Agusan, Bukidnon, and Davao.  Modern Livelihoods: Making and selling handicrafts (bamboo and
 Tingguian (Itneg) – found in Abra; famous for weaving. beadwork). Working as seasonal laborers or farmers. Participating in
2. SOUTHERN AND SOUTHEASTERN MINDANAO tourism and cultural shows, especially in Boracay and Kalibo.
2. NORTHERN AND CENTRAL LUZON (LOWLAND–MOUNTAIN  Davao, South Cotabato, Sarangani, Compostela Valley
INTERFACE AREAS)  Tribes: Language:
 Provinces: Zambales, Pampanga, Tarlac, Bataan, Nueva Ecija,  Bagobo – known for colorful attire and rich weaving tradition.  The Inati language is the mother tongue of the Ati people.
Nueva Vizcaya, Cagayan, Quezon  B’laan – found in Davao del Sur and Sarangani; known for beadwork  It is a Visayan language variant, now critically endangered—only a few
 Major IP Groups: and embroidery. elders speak it fluently today.
 Aeta (Agta) – among the earliest inhabitants; found in  T’boli – from South Cotabato; creators of T’nalak cloth made from  Many Ati now speak Hiligaynon, Kinaray-a, or Tagalog in daily
Zambales, Pampanga, Tarlac, and Bataan. abaca fibers. interactions.
Beliefs and Spirituality:  Part of the larger ancestral domain but used for farming, settlement, or 2. Right to Self-Governance and Empowerment
 The Ati believe in many spirits that inhabit nature, such as those in livelihood.  IPs can govern themselves using their traditional systems,
mountains, rivers, seas, trees, and skies.  Recognized under Certificate of Ancestral Land Title (CALT). structures, and leadership (e.g., Datu, Council of Elders).
 Today, some Ati have adopted Christianity, but they still integrate  Right to participate in local and national decision-making
traditional beliefs in their practices. CERTIFICATE OF ANCESTRAL DOMAIN TITLE (CADT) processes.
 Official document issued by NCIP to a tribe or community. Serves as  Right to pursue economic, social, and cultural development
Clothing and Ornaments: proof of ownership and recognition of their ancestral domain. freely.
 In ancient times: Men wore bahag (loincloth). Women wore skirts made Represents collective ownership by the entire indigenous group. 3. Right to Social Justice and Human Rights
from bark or woven fibers. Both adorned themselves with plant-based CERTIFICATE OF ANCESTRAL LAND TITLE (CALT)  Equal access to education, employment, health care, and
jewelry, animal teeth, or feathers.  Issued to individuals or families within IP communities. Recognizes government services.
 Today: Most Ati wear modern clothes like T-shirts, pants, or dresses, but ownership of ancestral lands that they have personally possessed and  Protection from exploitation, discrimination, or displacement from
traditional attire is still worn during rituals or festivals. cultivated. their lands.
 Right to benefit from development programs and projects within
Festivals and Cultural Significance: REPUBLIC ACT NO. 8371 — “THE INDIGENOUS PEOPLES’ their communities.
 The Ati-Atihan Festival (Kalibo, Aklan) honors the Ati and RIGHTS ACT OF 1997 (IPRA LAW)” 4. Right to Cultural Integrity
commemorates their trade with Bornean Datus during the 13th century.  An Act to Recognize, Protect, and Promote the Rights of Indigenous  Right to preserve and develop their cultural traditions,
Ati-Atihan means “To be like Ati” Cultural Communities/Indigenous Peoples (ICCs/IPs). languages, and beliefs.
 The Dinagyang Festival (Iloilo City) also celebrates Ati heritage and the  First comprehensive law that recognizes IPs as equal citizens with  Protection of indigenous knowledge, systems, and practices
spread of Christianity in the region. distinct cultural identities. (IKSP).
 Signed by: President Fidel V. Ramos  Prohibition of unauthorized use, distortion, or commercialization
Current Issues and Challenges:  Main Author: Senator Juan M. Flavier of indigenous culture.
 Loss of Ancestral Lands: Rapid tourism, mining, and industrial  Implementing Agency: National Commission on Indigenous Peoples  Recognition of sacred sites, rituals, and artistic expressions as
expansion (especially in Boracay) have displaced many Ati families. (NCIP) part of national heritage.
 Discrimination and Social Inequality: Many Ati experience marginalization
and poverty, with limited access to education, healthcare, and stable PURPOSE OF THE LAW: NATIONAL COMMISSION ON INDIGENOUS PEOPLES (NCIP)
jobs. Stereotypes and prejudice persist against their appearance and  To recognize and protect the rights of Indigenous Peoples (IPs) and  Created under RA 8371 as the main implementing body.
culture. Indigenous Cultural Communities (ICCs).  Responsible for:
 Language and Cultural Loss: Younger generations are forgetting the Inati  To preserve their culture, traditions, and ancestral lands. o Issuing CADTs and CALTs.
language and traditional customs.  To promote their participation in national development while
 Effects of Colonization: The Regalian Doctrine during Spanish rule o Protecting IP rights and resolving disputes involving
maintaining their cultural identity. ancestral lands.
declared ancestral lands as government property, robbing Ati
communities of ownership. o Representing IPs in government policy and development
 To guarantee equality and justice for indigenous communities who were planning.
Cultural Preservation and Efforts: historically marginalized. o Promoting education and cultural preservation among IPs.
 Legal Protection: The Indigenous Peoples’ Rights Act (IPRA) of 1997
upholds their rights to land, culture, and self-determination. GUIDING PRINCIPLES OF RA 8731:
 Community Organizations: PANATI (Panay Ati Federation) advocates for  Self-determination: IPs have the right to decide how to live, develop, and
Ati education, health, and land rights. govern themselves.
 Cultural Revitalization: Programs that teach traditional arts, crafts, and  Respect for Ancestral Domains: IPs are recognized as the original
language to Ati youth. Festivals and heritage shows promote pride and owners of their ancestral territories.
awareness of their identity.  Cultural Integrity: Their languages, beliefs, and traditions must be
 preserved and respected.
2. MARANAO  Equality and Non-discrimination: IPs are equal citizens of the Philippines
and entitled to full human rights.
ANCESTRAL DOMAIN FOUR MAIN RIGHTS OF INDIGENOUS PEOPLES ACCORDING TO RA 8731:
 Refers to the entire territory traditionally owned or used by IPs. 1. Right to Ancestral Domain and Lands
 Includes land, forests, rivers, airspace, minerals, and natural  Recognition of IP ownership over lands, forests, waters, minerals,
resources within their area. and natural resources they have occupied since time immemorial.
 Considered community property that cannot be sold or transferred to  Right to manage, control, and use these lands according to
non-IPs. traditional laws and practices.
 Issuance of Certificates of Ancestral Domain Title (CADT) and
ANCESTRAL LANDS Certificates of Ancestral Land Title (CALT) as proof of ownership.
 Refers to smaller parcels of land that are individually or traditionally  Lands cannot be sold or transferred to non-members of the
occupied by IP families or clans. community.