Ibanag Report

The Philippines, an archipelago located in Asia with 7,107 islands filled with overflowing cultures, products, animals,
natural resources and beliefs, these things are the pride of every filipino. These treasures make the Philippines known
as the “Perlas ng Silangan”. Upon conquering the massive mountains of Sierra Madre, there resides a smiling place, the
Cagayan Valley welcomes you with its lengthy river. In this locale, there’s this ethnic group called “Ibanag”.This tribe
was first introduced by the Spaniards in Lal-lo. The term “Ibanag” came from the prefix “I” which means “people of” and
“bannag” means “river”. Most of the Ibanag people lived in the Northeastern provinces of Isabela and Cagayan.
The people here has their own unique language called “ybanag”. Some words in their language was adopted from
spanish words that’s why some spanish words have the equivalent meaning in Ibanag just like “puerta” which means
door and “silya” which means “chair”. It is estimated that more than 500,000 people are speaking this language. The
primary source of living of these ibanags are through planting tobacco,fishing and farming. Spaniards influenced the
Ibanags in many aspects like the religion. They introduced Roman Catholicism and until now most of the Ibanags practice
their faith. There are many practices, customs and beliefs of the Ibanag community. You will know many treasured
culture about the Ibanags. The Ibanag people usually do the traditions and practices being passed by their ancestors.
These practices are being done according to the situation.
When a child have ailments or impurities in his/her body, Ibanags have rituals where in they believe it can cure such
diseases. “Mannusian” is for the delayed teething, “Mammassing” for skin disease and “Makimedias” for foot diseases.
Godparents must provide the materials and participate in the ritual but when the illness simultaneously occurred to the
child a practice called “Mamalagun” will be conducted.
Death is not the greatest loss in life, the greatest loss is what dies inside us while we live, this line of Norman Cousin
implies comfort for someone who’s mourning, but for Ibanags, they have their own version of comfort and it is called
“Mawwagga” . Mawagga is the practice of washing clothes in the river after the burial of a deceased relative. Ibanags
believe that it will wash away bad luck usually this particular belief, brings family closer together because they bring
food to have a picnic beside the river. Mawwagga is the process of accepting the truth for the bereaved family.
Respect begets respect. Ibanag people must greet ” Dios Apu!” before entering a house or passing by. It is a sign of
respect and acknowledgement to a person especially to the older people.”Dios Apu” is an Ibanag word which means
“Mano po”. Strict parents or grandparents will scold their child if he/she forgots to greet.
“Ikattag” is one of the common practices of Ibanags. When a person experienced a nightmare the he/she should hit a
tree that bears sour fruit using a bolo. Ibanags believe that doing “Ikattag” will prevent the bad dream from happening.
Be aware of your surroundings, it might give you hint about your future. It has been a part of the traditions of Ibanag
about believing into something supernatural, they also believe in some animals or insects that may cause them harm.
They believe that if a butterfly enters your house, this is a secret message that you must be mindful.
Black, a color that symbolizes darkness that is why they believe that whenever a black butterfly enters your abode, it is a
sign of death. But, if the color of the butterfly is the favorite color of a deceased family member, Ibanags believes that it
is their departed loved ones. Usually this makes them happy because someone guards them..
“Binalay” a rice flour delicacy wrapped in fresh banana leaves drizzled with coconut syrup called “laro and issi”. This is
usually being prepared by the Ibanags during the holy week. This is their way of commemorating the sacrifices of our
savior Jesus Christ. The ingredients used in making the “binalay” has its meaning. The “Laro and Issi” or sweet sauce
which is made up of coconut milk, sugar or “panotcha” and oil, represents the blood of Christ. While the rice cake or
“deco” symbolizes the body of Christ.
Festivals will never vanish inside the hearts of the Ibanags becuase it is an act of thanksgiving to the bountiful life God
has given to them. Ibanags have different festivals to celebrate.
Ibanag is one of the sweetest and soft spoken tribes in the Philippines. They are also recognized as the group that emits
care and hospitality. Ibanag people live simply in the valley near the Cagayan river and the massive mountains of Sierra
Madre surrounds them. Practices and traditions are important to the Ibanags because it defines them, these things are
developed their trademark. Even though modernization continously invades the way of living in the community of
Ibanag, culture, traditions and practices are still being preserved. Newly developed gadgets and applications can be used
as an instrument to preserve those treasured elements that make the ethnic group Ibanag a special one. Knowing where
you came from makes you whole. Most of the people nowadays denies their ethnicity, their homeland. Through the use
of new media we can share to the world the root of our identity and destinction, we can enlighten everyone about our
true selves. We should “Know thy roots, Love thy roots”.
Sources: Street Dance photo: https://www.google.com.ph/imgres?

Ibanag Report

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The Philippines, an archipelago located in Asia with 7,107 islands filled with overflowing cultures, products, animals,

Sources: Street Dance photo: https://www.google.com.ph/imgres?

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