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. ANCESTRAL DOMAIN
inhabitants of the country.  Refers to the entire territory traditionally owned or used by IPs.
 They are believed to be the ancestors of today’s Indigenous Peoples 3. SOUTHERN LUZON AND MINDORO REGION  Includes land, forests, rivers, airspace, minerals, and natural
(IPs).  Provinces: Mindoro, Palawan, Quezon, Rizal, Laguna, Camarines resources within their area.
Sur  Considered community property that cannot be sold or transferred to
TWO MAIN THEORIES ON PHILIPPINE SETTLEMENT:  Major IP Groups: non-IPs.
1. CORE POPULATION THEORY (DR. F. LANDA JOCANO)  Mangyan – found in Mindoro; composed of subgroups such as
 Filipinos came from a single ancient Southeast Asian population. Hanunuo, Alangan, Iraya, Tadyawan, and Buhid. ANCESTRAL LANDS
 No “waves” of migration — only gradual development and adaptation.  Agta of Quezon and Rizal – forest dwellers and traditional  Refers to smaller parcels of land that are individually or traditionally
 Cultural differences arose due to environmental changes and isolation. hunter-gatherers. occupied by IP families or clans.
 Filipinos, Malaysians, and Indonesians share a common ancestry.  Batak and Tagbanua – found in Palawan; known for fishing,  Part of the larger ancestral domain but used for farming, settlement, or
 Emphasizes that Filipinos are indigenous Southeast Asians. hunting, and preserving traditional rituals. livelihood.
 Palaw’an – upland tribe of Palawan with strong animistic  Recognized under Certificate of Ancestral Land Title (CALT).
2. WAVE MIGRATION THEORY (DR. H. OTLEY BEYER) beliefs.
 The Philippines was settled through three waves of migration: VISAYAS AREA: CERTIFICATE OF ANCESTRAL DOMAIN TITLE (CADT)
1. Aetas/Negritos – earliest settlers, dark-skinned hunters..  CENTRAL AND WESTERN VISAYAS  Official document issued by NCIP to a tribe or community. Serves as
2. Indonesians – taller, lighter-skinned, brought agriculture.  Fewer IP groups compared to Luzon and Mindanao. proof of ownership and recognition of their ancestral domain.
3. Malays – organized barangays and ancestors of modern Filipinos.  Major IP Groups: Represents collective ownership by the entire indigenous group.
 Filipinos are a mixture of different racial and cultural groups.  Ati (Negrito group) – found in Panay Island (Aklan, Antique, Iloilo, CERTIFICATE OF ANCESTRAL LAND TITLE (CALT)
Capiz) and parts of Negros and Guimaras.  Issued to individuals or families within IP communities. Recognizes
INDIGENOUS PEOPLE (IP)  Bukidnon settlers and Cebuano highlanders also maintain some ownership of ancestral lands that they have personally possessed and
 Also called INDIGENOUS CULTURAL COMMUNITIES (ICC) indigenous traits. cultivated.
 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
traditions, and other distinctive cultural traits, and who have, under claims complexion, curly hair, and deep respect for nature. REPUBLIC ACT NO. 8371 — “THE INDIGENOUS PEOPLES’
of ownership since time immemorial, occupied, possessed and utilized a RIGHTS ACT OF 1997 (IPRA LAW)”
territory (RA 8731). MINDANAO AREA:  An Act to Recognize, Protect, and Promote the Rights of Indigenous
 Around 10–20% of the Philippine population are Indigenous Peoples.  Mindanao has the largest population and diversity of Indigenous Cultural Communities/Indigenous Peoples (ICCs/IPs).
 The largest IP groups include the Lumad (Mindanao), Igorot (Cordillera), Peoples, collectively known as the Lumad (a Visayan term meaning  First comprehensive law that recognizes IPs as equal citizens with
and Mangyan (Mindoro). “native”). distinct cultural identities.
 There are around 18 major Lumad ethnolinguistic groups spread across  Signed by: President Fidel V. Ramos
LUZON AREA: the island.
1. CORDILLERA ADMINISTRATIVE REGION (CAR)  Main Author: Senator Juan M. Flavier
 Known as: The “home of the Igorots”  Implementing Agency: National Commission on Indigenous Peoples
1. NORTHERN AND CENTRAL MINDANAO (NCIP)
 Provinces: Abra, Apayao, Benguet, Ifugao, Kalinga, Mountain  Bukidnon Province, Misamis Oriental, Agusan del Norte, Agusan del
Province. Sur
 Major IP Groups: PURPOSE OF THE LAW:
 Tribes:  To recognize and protect the rights of Indigenous Peoples (IPs) and
 Ifugao – builders of the Banaue Rice Terraces. O Higaonon – forest dwellers and peace-loving people of
 Kalinga – known for body tattoos and warrior tradition. Indigenous Cultural Communities (ICCs).
Misamis and Bukidnon.  To preserve their culture, traditions, and ancestral lands.
 Ibaloi – from Benguet; known for traditional rice cultivation. O Bukidnon (Binukid) – known for farming and indigenous
 Bontoc – known for rich oral literature and woodcarving.  To promote their participation in national development while
dances. maintaining their cultural identity.
 Kankanaey – skilled weavers and farmers. O Manobo – one of the largest Lumad groups; found
 Isneg (Apayao) – known for their river-based culture. throughout Agusan, Bukidnon, and Davao.
 Tingguian (Itneg) – found in Abra; famous for weaving.  To guarantee equality and justice for indigenous communities who were
2. SOUTHERN AND SOUTHEASTERN MINDANAO historically marginalized.
2. NORTHERN AND CENTRAL LUZON (LOWLAND–MOUNTAIN  Davao, South Cotabato, Sarangani, Compostela Valley
INTERFACE AREAS)  Tribes: GUIDING PRINCIPLES OF RA 8731:
 Provinces: Zambales, Pampanga, Tarlac, Bataan, Nueva Ecija,  Bagobo – known for colorful attire and rich weaving tradition.  Self-determination: IPs have the right to decide how to live, develop, and
Nueva Vizcaya, Cagayan, Quezon  B’laan – found in Davao del Sur and Sarangani; known for beadwork govern themselves.
 Major IP Groups: and embroidery.  Respect for Ancestral Domains: IPs are recognized as the original
 Aeta (Agta) – among the earliest inhabitants; found in  T’boli – from South Cotabato; creators of T’nalak cloth made from owners of their ancestral territories.
Zambales, Pampanga, Tarlac, and Bataan. abaca fibers.  Cultural Integrity: Their languages, beliefs, and traditions must be
 preserved and respected.
 Equality and Non-discrimination: IPs are equal citizens of the Philippines
and entitled to full human rights.

FOUR MAIN RIGHTS OF INDIGENOUS PEOPLES ACCORDING TO RA 8731:

1. Right to Ancestral Domain and Lands
 Recognition of IP ownership over lands, forests, waters, minerals,
and natural resources they have occupied since time immemorial.
 Right to manage, control, and use these lands according to
traditional laws and practices.
 Issuance of Certificates of Ancestral Domain Title (CADT) and
Certificates of Ancestral Land Title (CALT) as proof of ownership.
 Lands cannot be sold or transferred to non-members of the
community.
2. Right to Self-Governance and Empowerment
 IPs can govern themselves using their traditional systems,
structures, and leadership (e.g., Datu, Council of Elders).
 Right to participate in local and national decision-making
processes.
 Right to pursue economic, social, and cultural development
freely.
3. Right to Social Justice and Human Rights
 Equal access to education, employment, health care, and
government services.
 Protection from exploitation, discrimination, or displacement from
their lands.
 Right to benefit from development programs and projects within
their communities.
4. Right to Cultural Integrity
 Right to preserve and develop their cultural traditions,
languages, and beliefs.
 Protection of indigenous knowledge, systems, and practices
(IKSP).
 Prohibition of unauthorized use, distortion, or commercialization
of indigenous culture.
 Recognition of sacred sites, rituals, and artistic expressions as
part of national heritage.

NATIONAL COMMISSION ON INDIGENOUS PEOPLES (NCIP)

 Created under RA 8371 as the main implementing body.
 Responsible for:
o Issuing CADTs and CALTs.
o Protecting IP rights and resolving disputes involving
ancestral lands.
o Representing IPs in government policy and development
planning.
o Promoting education and cultural preservation among IPs.
 FESTIVALS AND CURRENT ISSUES CULTURAL
NAME BACKGROUND LOCATIONS PHYSICAL TRAITS LIVELIHOOD LANGUAGE BELIEFS CLOTHINGS
CULTURE AND CHALLENGES PRESERVATION
Among the oldest indigenous Western Visayas- Short, dark-skinned, Former hunter- Inati (endangered); Animism mixed Ancient – bahag and Ati-Atihan (Aklan), Land loss, IPRA 1997, PANATI
groups; earliest inhabitants Aklan, Antique, Iloilo, curly-haired, flat- gatherers and kaingin also speak with Christianity. bark skirts; now Dinagyang (Iloilo). discrimination, poverty, Federation, cultural
of the Philippines. Part of the Capiz, Negros nosed. farmers; now engage Hiligaynon, Kinaray- modern clothes, language and cultural education, and
ATI Negrito ethnolinguistic family Occidental, and in handicrafts, a, Tagalog. traditional attire for decline, effects of revitalization
Boracay Island. farming, and tourism. rituals/festivals. colonization. programs.

Indigenous Muslim group Lanao del Sur and Medium height, Farming, fishing, Maranao Islamic faith— Malong, Pagana Maranao, Land loss (Marawi Torogan restoration,
known as “People of the Lanao del Norte, brown skin, dark weaving malong and (Austronesian with prayer, fasting, barong/badó, Kandori, Singkil and Siege), discrimination, arts workshops,
Lake”; part of the especially around eyes, and black langkit, brassware, Arabic influence); zakat; belief in sablay, and gold Sagayan dances, poverty, limited Darangen
MARANAO
Bangsamoro; rich in art, Lake Lanao; Marawi, hair; colorful attire. trading, building also Cebuano, tonong (spirits); jewelry. Kulintang music. education, and conflict. documentation, MSU
architecture, and literature. Iligan, and other Torogan houses. Tagalog, English. Darangen epic & NCCA cultural
Mindanao areas. (UNESCO). programs.
Builders of the UNESCO Ifugao Province, Medium build, Rice terrace farming, Ifugao languages Indigenous Bahag for men, Imbayah Festival – Modernization, UNESCO heritage
World Heritage Banaue Rice Cordillera Region, brown complexion, woodcarving, (Tuwali, Ayangan, animism; worship woven skirts and harvest celebration migration, terrace recognition, terrace
Terraces; renowned for rice Northern Luzon. distinct woven attire. weaving, and Batad dialects). of rice and nature belts for women. and cultural games. neglect, loss of rituals. rehabilitation, cultural
IFUGAO
culture and woodcarving. tourism. spirits; rituals led education programs.
by mumbaki
(shaman).
Known for colorful woven Benguet and Brown skin, sturdy Agriculture (rice, Kankanaey Ancestor worship, Bahag and colorful Begnas Festival – Land conversion, School of Living
fabrics and terrace farming Mountain Province, build, often wear camote), weaving, (Austronesian); nature spirits, and wanes for men; thanksgiving for modernization, youth Traditions, weaving
KANKANAEY
similar to Ifugao. Cordillera Region. bright woven basketry, and mining. related to Ilocano and Christian tapis with geometric harvest and migration. cooperatives, and
garments. Ibaloi. influences. designs for women. protection. eco-tourism projects.
Known as “people of the pine Benguet Province, Medium height, Farming (root crops, Ibaloi (Austronesian); Mix of animism and Bahag for men, Pansoy or Cañao Land ownership Community rituals,
trees”; skilled farmers and particularly in Baguio brown skin, straight vegetables), mining, close to Kankanaey Christianity; rituals woven skirt (tapis) Festival – ritual feasts disputes, urbanization, documentation, and
IBALOI
gold miners of Benguet. and La Trinidad. black hair. animal raising, and Ilocano. to appease anitos for women. with dance and music. and cultural cultural centers in
weaving. (spirits). assimilation. Benguet.
Among the earliest Central and Northern Short stature, dark Hunting, fishing, Aeta dialects; often Animism – belief in G-strings and bark Aeta Festival (Porac, Land loss after Mt. IPRA protection,
inhabitants; nomadic forest Luzon – Zambales, skin, curly hair, flat kaingin farming, bilingual in Tagalog nature spirits; skirts traditionally; Pampanga) Pinatubo eruption, reforestation, cultural
AETA dwellers and hunter- Pampanga, Tarlac, noses. handicrafts, and or Kapampangan. some now modern clothes celebrating their poverty, discrimination. education, livelihood
gatherers. Part of the Bataan, and Mt. small-scale trading. Christianized. today. culture. aid.
Negrito ethnolinguistic family Pinatubo areas.
Collective name for Oriental and Medium height, Farming (root crops, Several dialects – Animism; belief in Woven loincloths Mangyan Day – Land displacement, Literacy programs,
indigenous peoples of Occidental Mindoro brown skin, often bananas, rice), Hanunoo, Alangan, nature spirits and and skirts; now celebration of culture poverty, discrimination, cultural schools,
MANGYAN Mindoro; known for script, mountains. wear traditional weaving, handicrafts, Iraya, Buhid; ancestral souls. modernized clothing. and rights. language loss. Baybayin
weaving, and poetry. woven clothes. and trade. preserve old preservation, IPRA
Baybayin script. law support.
Among the oldest groups in Central and Northern Brown skin, medium Fishing, farming, and Tagbanua (Calamian Animism; worship Woven bark cloths Pagdiwata Ritual – Land and resource Recognition of
Palawan; known for ancient Palawan – Aborlan, build, distinct facial handicrafts; honey and Aborlan of Diwata and and modern thanksgiving and exploitation, ancestral domains
TAGBANUA writing system and rituals. Coron, and Calamian features. collection and trade. dialects); Baybayin- ancestor spirits. garments. healing ceremony. modernization. (Calamian Tagbanua
Islands. like script. CADT), cultural
education.
Largest Lumad group in Agusan, Bukidnon, Brown skin, sturdy Farming, fishing, Manobo languages Animism; belief in Brightly colored Kaamulan Festival Mining, land grabbing, IPRA rights protection,
Mindanao; known for colorful Davao, and Cotabato build, colorful tribal weaving, and (Austronesian spirits and creator handwoven (Bukidnon) – unity armed conflict, and cultural schools, and
MANOBO
attire and oral traditions. areas. wear. hunting. family). Magbabaya. garments with beads and thanksgiving poverty. NCCA heritage
and embroidery. celebration. projects.
Famous for traditional South Cotabato (Lake Brown skin, medium Farming, fishing, T’boli (Austronesian); Animism mixed Traditional T’nalak T’nalak Festival – Cultural loss, land T’nalak weaving
T’nalak weaving and rich Sebu). height, distinctive weaving T’nalak, also speak Cebuano with Christianity; garments, bead honors culture and disputes, schools, Lake Sebu
T’BOLI mythology. traditional clothes brass and bead and Hiligaynon. belief in Fu Dalu, necklaces, and weaving tradition. commercialization, heritage projects, and
with brass crafts. the goddess brass belts. poverty. women’s
ornaments. guiding weavers. cooperatives.