PIC-INTROVISAYAS-IP_G3
PIC-INTROVISAYAS-IP_G3
PIC-INTROVISAYAS-IP_G3
I. INTRODUCTION
Philippine Indigenous Communities are groups of people in the Philippines who have unique
cultures, traditions, and ways of life that are deeply tied to their ancestral lands. They are distinct from
mainstream Filipino society and have preserved their heritage,
language, and customs over generations. These communities often
live in specific territories, practicing traditional livelihoods and
maintaining a strong connection to nature. Examples include the
Igorot in the Cordillera region, the Lumad in Mindanao, and the
Mangyan in Mindoro. Despite their diversity, they share a common
struggle to protect their lands, rights, and cultural identity. Main
challenges for the Indigenous Peoples of the Philippines Indigenous
Peoples participated in the electoral process by presenting their own political party, Sulong Katribu, to
represent their interests in the 2016 national elections. Their attempt to win seats in Congress
through the party-list system failed not because of lack of votes, but because the Elections
Commission and the Supreme Court refused to accredit Sulong Katribu to participate in the elections.
Indigenous Peoples Rights Act (IPRA): the Indigenous Peoples’ Rights Act of 1997 or
IPRA. The primary law that protects the rights of indigenous people in the Philippines is
Republic Act No. 8371.
Right to Develop Lands and Natural Resources: Under IPRA Indigenous peoples have the
right to develop, control the lands and the territories traditionally occupied, owned or used by
them.
Republic Act No. 11360: This law provides for the creation of the NCIP, which is tasked with
protecting the rights and welfare of Indigenous Peoples.
Certificate of Ancestral Domain Title (CADT): Indigenous communities can apply for a
Certificate of Ancestral Domain Title (CADT) which provides them with legal recognition over
their ancestral domains.
Certificate of Ancestral Land Title ( CALT): For smaller areas and properties, a Certificate of
Ancestral Land Title (CALT) can be issued. This is the government agency responsible for
issuing CADTs and CALTs and ensuring the welfare and rights of the indeginous peoples.
1. Cultural Preservation: Understanding PIC helps preserve diverse indigenous cultures, which are
vital for the Philippines' heritage and identity.
2. Social Justice: It addresses historical discrimination and promotes social inclusion, empowering
indigenous peoples to access rights and resources.
3. Educational Integration: Incorporating indigenous knowledge into curricula enriches education
and fosters appreciation for diverse worldviews among students.
1. Ati
Short History
Some believe the Ati were the first people to inhabit the Philippines, arriving from Borneo
around 30,000 years ago. They are genetically related to other Negrito groups in the
Philippines, such as the Aeta, Batak, Agta, and Mamanwa. The Ati in Negros during the early
part of the century were especially numerous southwest
of Escalante and to the north of Kanlaon Volcano.
Currently, different sources present varying estimates on
the Ati population size. However, the National Statistics
Office (NSO) 1995 Population Census places it at 57,000
in Region VI to which both Negros and Panay belong.
The Ati, an indigenous people are known for its culture of
fishing and hunting. They uses a variety of methods for
fishing and hunting, including spears, traps, and hooks.
Weaving: The Ati are skilled in weaving using nito vines, which they craft into
baskets, mats, and other traditional items.
Beadwork: They create intricate bead accessories, such as necklaces and
bracelets, often used for cultural or ceremonial purposes.
Body Painting: The Ati are also known for their tradition of body painting using
natural materials, which is prominently displayed during festivals like the Ati-
Atihan.
Traditional Livelihoods
Farming: The Ati traditionally engage in subsistence farming, planting crops like
rice, root crops (e.g., camote or sweet potato), and bananas.
Foraging and Hunting: They gather forest products such as wild fruits, herbs,
and honey and hunt small animals for food.
Labor Work: Many Ati work as laborers in sugarcane plantations or as informal
workers in urban areas.
Tourism-related Livelihoods: In Boracay, some Ati have turned to selling
handcrafted items or performing cultural dances for tourists to earn a living.
Rituals
Healing Practices: Traditional healers known as Sorhana perform various rituals to
diagnose and treat ailments.
These include:
Pagbagting: Beating of the agong (a gong).
Pagpalupad: Releasing a chicken as an offering.
Pagbutbot: Rituals to eliminate diseases and expel evil spirits.
Challenges
Land Displacement
- The Ati have been displaced from their ancestral lands due to urbanization, tourism
development (especially in Boracay), and land-grabbing issues.
- They struggle to secure ancestral domain rights despite legal protections under the
Indigenous Peoples' Rights Act (IPRA).
Economic Marginalization:
- Limited access to education and employment opportunities forces many Ati into low-
paying jobs or subsistence living.
- Tourism development has disrupted their traditional way of life without providing
sustainable alternatives.
Cultural Erosion:
- Modernization and displacement have led to the gradual loss of traditional practices,
languages, and customs among younger generations.
Discrimination:
- The Ati face social stigma and discrimination due to their distinct physical features
and cultural practices, further marginalizing them in society.
Health Issues:
- Limited access to healthcare services leaves the community vulnerable to diseases
and malnutrition.
Environmental Degradation:
- Deforestation and environmental destruction in their ancestral lands reduce their
ability to forage and farm sustainably.
2.Tumandok
Short History
The Tumandok are part of the Visayan ethnolinguistic group, the largest Filipino
ethnolinguistic group. The "Suludnon" and "Tumandok" are essentially the same
indigenous group, referring to a Visayan people
inhabiting the mountainous regions of Panay
Island in the Philippines, particularly in the Capiz-
Antique-Iloilo area; meaning, "Suludnon" is
another name for the "Tumandok" people, and
their history is shared, with both terms used
interchangeably to describe this indigenous community. They are known for their traditional
beliefs, practices, and customs.
Textiles
Panubok embroidery: A form of cultural preservation
that uses geometric patterns, zigzag and diamond
shapes, and radial floral patterns. It is considered a vital part of Tumandok identity,
showcasing their artistry and connection to their land.
The Tumandok or Suludnon people primarily speak a single distinct language called
"Sulod" (also known as "Ligbok" or "Iligbok"), which is classified as part of the West
Visayan subgroup of the Bisayan languages; this language is spoken in the
mountainous regions of Panay Island in the Philippines, where the Tumandok/Suludnon
reside.
They speak the Igbok language (also known as Ligbok or Sulod language), a member
of the West Visayan subdivision of the Visayan languages under the Austronesian
language family.
Traditional Livelihood
Challenges
Short History
The Cuyunon Tribe
The Cuyonon tribe is from the island of Cuyo, in
northern and central Palawan. They originate from one
of the oldest and most important settlements in Palawan.
The Cuyonon people were famous for their advanced
agricultural practices and were respected by neighboring
tribes. Before Spanish colonization, they lived in
organized communities led by Datu Cabangon (local
chiefs) and followed indigenous religious practices centered on nature and spirits. The
Cuyonon tribe, also called Cuyunin, have called the cuyo Palawan Islands and surrounding
areas home for centuries. With a population of about 100,000, they are one of the largest
indigenous groups in Palawan. Their roots lie in the Austronesian migrations that brought the
first settlers to the Philippines. This heritage makes them kin to countless cultural groups
throughout Southeast Asia and the Pacific Islands.
Their distinct language instantly sets Cuyunon apart. The Cuyonon language, also
known as Inalabol, is an Australian language that shares similarities with other
Philippine languages. While related to Filipino (Tagalog), its vocabulary and
grammatical structure are unique, making it a distinct dialect that reflects the tribe’s
deep-rooted cultural identity. The Cuyonon language is an important part of the tribe’s
heritage, especially in rural areas. Cuyonon elders have plans to revive this linguistic
treasure through storytelling and everyday conversation, fighting to preserve this echo
of their ancestors and ensure its survival amid the ever-increasing influence of modern
languages.
Traditional Livelihood
In Cuyonon culture and life, fishing and farming are carried out sustainably, and the
learning of the process is guaranteed for future generations. Their traditional houses,
often built on stilts near the water, reflect this intimate connection with the sea. It’s not
just for survival but it blends their beliefs in respecting nature with the spiritual realm.
Every fishing and harvesting trip is filled with a sense of gratitude towards the
surrounding world and the spirit of nature.
Another important aspect of Cuyonon culture is their respect for nature spirits. They
believe in spirits residing in natural elements such as trees, rivers and mountains. Many
Cuyonon people still adhere to animistic beliefs, especially in rural communities. Ask a
Cuyonon elder for a story and prepare to be transported. Stories of deva spirits, brave
warriors, and the lessons hidden in nature fascinate young and old and weave a
tapestry of cultural identity. . Rituals and offerings are often performed to appease these
spirits and ensure harmony between the human and spiritual worlds.
Challenges
Unfortunately, even this resilient tribe faces modern pressures. Urbanization,
environmental threats, and a globalized world can erode traditions. But the Cuyunon
aren’t passive victims of change. Community projects document oral histories, revitalize
ancestral skills, and ensure younger generations feel pride in their unique heritage.
4. Molbog
Short History
The Molbog were once an indigenous Palawan subgroup that
converted to Islam. Also known as Malebugan or
Malebuganon. The Molbog is one of the Muslim Cultural
minorities, a people group believed to have been migrants
from North Borneo. The name Molbog is derived from the
word malubog, meaning “murky or turbid water.” It refers to
the muddy water that surrounds the bay area caused by flood
water flowing from the interior.
Aside from dance rituals , another legacy of the ancient Molbog tribe is process
of making clothes or fabrics out of bamboo skin. Sadly, only a few members
of the tribe practice this tradition nowadays.
Bamboo fabric is made from the pulp of the bamboo grass, which is spun and
dyed for weaving into cloth. Today, this practice is kept alive by presenting it to
tourists visiting the island.
The Molbogs’ livelihood includes fishing, subsistence farming, and barter trading
with the people in nearby Sulu as well as in the Sabah market centers in the
neighboring state of Malaysia. They grow coconuts and sell copra. The majority of the
Molbog communities are located in isolated mountain regions that are hard to reach.
Most often, their traditional beliefs and customs passed on from one generation to the
next are related to healthcare and safety.
Challenges
In an episode of Kodao Radio based in the Philippines, indigenous peoples of Molbog
from the Bugsuk Island in Palawan shared their experiences about how they were
displaced from their own ancestral territory, which traces back to the Martial Law
dictatorship. The Molbog people were forced out of their land as a large corporation
wanted to use the area to establish a coconut plantation. Until now, they face
intimidation from the powers-that-be and from the capitalists who forced them out.
5. Eskaya
Short History
The Eskaya are a group of people who live on
the island of Bohol in the Philippines. They are
known for their unique language and writing
system, and are considered one of the
Philippines most mysterious tribe.
In 1980, journalists announced the discovery of
the Eskaya, who were described as a "lost tribe"
The Eskaya are officially recognized as an Indigenous Cultural Community under
the Indigenous Peoples' Rights Act of 1997(Republic Act No. 8371)
Mariano 'Datahan' Sumatra aka "Anoy"(1875–1949) was a leader of the
Eskaya people in Bohol, Philippines. He was a charismatic leader who
established a utopian community and developed a unique
cultural program. He is also credited with "rediscovering" the
Eskayan language and script.
The Eskaya language and writing system are based on the human body and
were created by the ancestor Pinay. The Eskayan language is grammatically
similar to Boholano Cebuano, the dominant language spoken by the Eskaya
people.Primarily used for religious ceremonies, prayers, songs, and formal
speeches.
Traditional Livelihood
The Eskaya tribe,holds unique spiritual beliefs that center around a reverence for their
ancestral spirits and a belief in a divine being called "Suno" often associated with the
Santo Niño(Holy Child),with rituals including house blessings, harvest ceremonies, and
the practice of seeking permission from spirits before constructing a new home, all led
by designated spiritual leaders called "biki" and "beriki" within their community.
Challenges
Land Rights Issues: The Eskaya have encountered disputes regarding their ancestral
domain claims, particularly with Certificates of Land Ownership Awards (CLOAs)
issued to individuals within their claimed areas. This complicates their efforts to secure
communal land rights and preserve their cultural heritage.
Cultural Controversies: The Eskaya community has been subject to scrutiny and
controversy regarding their identity and language, with some critics labeling them as a
cult or questioning the authenticity of their traditions. This has created a challenging
environment for the community to assert their indigenous identity.
Economic Marginalization: Many Eskaya face economic challenges that limit access
to resources and opportunities, impacting their livelihoods and ability to sustain their
community.
Environmental Threats: Activities such as mining and deforestation in Bohol pose
risks to their ancestral lands and natural resources, threatening their traditional
agricultural practices and overall sustainability.
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