Lesson: 2 Location: Widespread across Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, La

Union, and Pangasinan.

Indigenous Groups in Luzon
Language: Ilocano (the third most spoken language in the
Region I – Ilocos Region
Philippines).
Provinces: Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, La Union, Pangasinan
Culture: Ilocanos are known for their hardworking nature,
Geography: Situated in the northwestern part of Luzon, it simple lifestyle, and rich folk traditions, including their
has a long coastline along the South China Sea. Known literature, music, and dances. Despite being the dominant
for its mountainous and coastal landscapes. group in the region, they still retain some traditional
Language: Ilocano is the dominant language, with practices passed down through generations.
Pangasinan also spoken in Pangasinan province.
Economy: Agriculture (tobacco, rice, corn, garlic, and Region II – Cagayan Valley
onions) and fisheries dominate the economy. Tourism is
Provinces: Cagayan, Isabela, Nueva Vizcaya, Quirino,
also a significant industry, especially in Vigan (a
Batanes
UNESCO World Heritage site) and the coastal areas of
Pagudpud. Geography: Located in the northeastern part of Luzon,
the region is bordered by the Cordillera and Sierra Madre
Culture: The region is known for its strong Ilocano
mountain ranges. It also includes the Batanes islands.
cultural identity. Traditional Ilocano food, religious
festivals, and handicrafts like the inabel woven fabric are Language: Ibanag, Ilocano, Gaddang, Itawes, and other
significant. indigenous languages. Filipino and English are widely
spoken.
Economy: Agriculture is the backbone of the region, with
Indigenous Groups in Region I – Ilocos Region
rice, corn, and tobacco being the primary crops. Livestock
1. Tingguian or Itneg raising and fishing are also important. Cagayan Valley is
2. Isneg known for being the largest producer of corn in the
country.
3. Ilocano
Culture: The region has a rich mix of indigenous cultures
1.Tingguian or Itneg and Christian traditions, influenced by both indigenous
Location: Abra province and Spanish heritage. Batanes is notable for its unique
Ivatan stone houses and seafaring culture.
Language: They speak the Itneg language and also use
Ilocano.
Culture: The Tingguian have unique traditions, including Indigenous Groups in Region II – Cagayan Valley
their weaving techniques and spiritual beliefs centered on 1. Ibanag
nature and ancestral worship.
2. Gaddang
Livelihood: They are primarily farmers, cultivating rice,
root crops, and corn. Hunting and fishing are also part of 3. Itawes
their livelihood. 4. Isinai
2. Isneg 5. Ivatan (Batanes)
Location: Mostly found in the northern part of Abra and 6. Aeta
parts of Ilocos Norte.
Language: The Isneg people speak the Isneg language,
which is related to the languages of other Cordilleran
groups.
Culture: Known for their weaving and basketry skills, the
Isneg are also distinct for their traditional dances and
ceremonies.
3. Ilocano
1.Ibanag and sea, practicing both farming and fishing. Their culture
includes distinctive dances, music, and oral traditions.
Location: Primarily found in Cagayan and Isabela
provinces. 6. Aeta
Language: Ibanag language, though many also speak Location: Scattered in parts of Cagayan, Isabela, and
Ilocano and Filipino. other provinces in Region II.
Culture: The Ibanag have a rich tradition of oral Language: They speak their own language, as well as
literature, including epic tales, songs, and folklore. Ilocano and Filipino.
Agriculture, especially rice farming, is central to their way
Culture: The Aeta are traditionally semi-nomadic, living
of life. They also celebrate festivals that reflect their
in mountainous areas and practicing hunting and
agricultural practices and devotion to Catholicism.
gathering. Over time, they have also engaged in farming.
2. Gaddang They maintain many of their indigenous spiritual practices
and traditional knowledge about the environment.
Location: Found in parts of Nueva Vizcaya, Isabela, and
Quirino provinces. Region III – Central Luzon
Language: Gaddang language, also Ilocano and Filipino. Provinces: Aurora, Bataan, Bulacan, Nueva Ecija,
Pampanga, Tarlac, Zambales
Culture: The Gaddang are known for their elaborate
traditional clothing, particularly their beadwork and Geography: Located in the central plains of Luzon, it is
woven garments. They have retained many of their known for its vast agricultural lands. The region also has
indigenous beliefs, though Christianity has influenced coastal areas along Manila Bay and the South China Sea.
their modern practices. Their livelihood is based on
Language: Kapampangan, Tagalog, Ilocano, and Sambal.
farming, including rice, corn, and tobacco cultivation.
Filipino and English are also spoken widely.
3. Itawes
Economy: The region is the “Rice Granary of the
Location: Mostly found in the southern part of Cagayan. Philippines,” and agriculture remains dominant (rice,
sugarcane, and other crops). Industrial zones in Pampanga,
Language: They speak the Itawes language, closely
Bulacan, and Bataan have boosted the region’s economy.
related to Ibanag.
Subic and Clark are important economic hubs with
Culture: The Itawes are known for their agricultural freeport zones.
skills, particularly in growing tobacco. Their customs and
Culture: Central Luzon has a diverse cultural heritage,
traditions are heavily influenced by both indigenous
with Kapampangans, Tagalogs, Sambals, and Ilocanos. It
practices and Christian beliefs, given the region’s history
is known for its religious festivals, crafts (such as the giant
of Spanish colonization.
lanterns in Pampanga), and culinary traditions.
4. Isinai
Location: Found primarily in Nueva Vizcaya.
Indigenous Groups in Region III – Central Luzon
Language: The Isinai language, along with Ilocano and
1. Aeta
Filipino.
2. Abelling
Culture: The Isinai people have a deep connection to their
ancestral lands and practice traditional rituals, especially 3. Agta (Dumagat)
those related to farming and nature worship. They are
4. Ilongot (Bugkalot)
skilled in weaving and basket-making
5. Kapampangan
5. Ivatan (Batanes)
6. Sambal
Location: Batanes province, which is part of Region II.
7. Mag-indi and Mag-antsi (subgroups of Aeta)
Language: Ivatan language, although many also speak
Filipino and Ilocano. 1.Aeta
Culture: The Ivatan people are known for their unique Location: Scattered across the mountainous areas of
stone houses designed to withstand the harsh typhoons Zambales, Tarlac, Pampanga, and Bataan.
that hit Batanes. They are deeply connected to the land
Language: Aeta languages, though many also speak Culture: The Ilongot are known for their warrior culture
Filipino and regional languages like Kapampangan and and unique headhunting tradition, which was historically a
Ilocano. rite of passage for young men (though this practice has
long been abandoned). They live in remote areas,
Culture: The Aeta people are known for their close
practicing swidden (slash-and-burn) agriculture and
connection to nature, with traditional practices centered on
hunting. The Ilongot have a strong sense of community
hunting, gathering, and subsistence farming. They live in
and respect for their ancestral lands.
forested areas and have a deep knowledge of medicinal
plants and the environment. Their spiritual beliefs are 5. Kapampangan
rooted in animism, and they practice rituals for bountiful
Location: Primarily in Pampanga, with some
harvests, healing, and protection from natural elements.
communities in Tarlac and Bataan.
Challenges: The Aeta have faced displacement due to
Language: Kapampangan (Pampango) language, one of
deforestation, land encroachment, and natural disasters,
the major languages in the Philippines.
such as the eruption of Mount Pinatubo in 1991.
Culture: The Kapampangans are one of the dominant
2. Abelling
ethnic groups in Central Luzon. They are known for their
Location: Found in the provinces of Tarlac and Zambales. vibrant culture, which includes distinct culinary traditions,
religious festivals, and arts like woodcarving and pottery.
Language: They speak the Abelling language, which is
While not traditionally classified as an “indigenous” group
part of the Sambalic language family, and also speak
like the Aeta or Agta, Kapampangans have preserved
Filipino and other regional languages.
much of their traditional culture despite the influence of
Culture: The Abelling are known for their animistic Spanish colonization.
beliefs and traditional way of life, which includes slash-
6. Sambal
and-burn farming (kaingin), hunting, and fishing. They
practice a wide range of rituals, often related to their Location: Mostly found in Zambales.
environment and natural resources.
Language: Sambal language, though many also speak
Livelihood: Aside from farming, they are also skilled in Filipino and Ilocano.
basket weaving and woodcrafts.
Culture: The Sambal people have a long history in
3. Agta (Dumagat) Zambales, with a culture influenced by the coastal
environment. They are known for their fishing skills,
Location: Found in Aurora, Bulacan, and parts of Nueva
traditional weaving, and handicrafts. Their spiritual
Ecija.
practices have a mix of animism and Catholicism due to
Language: Agta language, along with Filipino and Spanish influence.
regional dialects.
Challenges: Like many indigenous groups, they face
Culture: The Agta, like the Aeta, live in close harmony challenges related to modernization, particularly the
with nature, practicing hunting, fishing, and small-scale preservation of their language and traditions.
farming. They are semi-nomadic and live in makeshift
7. Mag-indi and Mag-antsi (subgroups of Aeta)
shelters, moving depending on the availability of
resources. The Agta have their own spiritual beliefs, Location: Primarily found in Tarlac and parts of
though many have integrated Christian practices due to Pampanga.
missionary activities.
Language: They speak the Mag-indi and Mag-antsi
Challenges: They face challenges related to land rights languages, which are closely related to other Aeta
and the preservation of their traditional way of life, as languages.
modernization and land development encroach on their
Culture: These subgroups of the Aeta share similar
territories.
traditions of hunting, foraging, and farming. Their
4. Ilongot (Bugkalot) communities have maintained much of their traditional
practices, though modern challenges have forced them to
Location: Found in the mountainous regions of Nueva
adapt to new economic activities like working in
Ecija and parts of Aurora and Nueva Vizcaya.
agriculture for low wages or selling handicrafts.
Language: Ilongot (Bugkalot) language, though many
also speak Ilocano and Filipino.
Region IV-A – CALABARZON Location: Found mainly in the mountainous regions of
Rizal and Quezon provinces, particularly around the Sierra
Provinces: Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal, Quezon
Madre mountain range.
Geography: Located in southern Luzon, it includes a mix
Language: Agta languages, though many also speak
of coastal and mountainous areas, such as Taal Volcano in
Tagalog and Filipino.
Batangas and Mount Banahaw in Quezon.
Culture: The Agta, also known as Dumagat, are semi-
Language: Tagalog is the dominant language, with
nomadic people who traditionally practice hunting,
different regional dialects. Filipino and English are widely
gathering, and fishing. They live in forested areas and
spoken.
have a close connection to nature, with spiritual beliefs
Economy: The region is industrially and agriculturally centered on the environment and ancestral spirits. The
prosperous, known for its proximity to Metro Manila, Dumagat have their own distinct traditions, but
which boosts its industrial zones. It is a major producer of modernization has impacted their way of life. Many have
agricultural products like coconuts, coffee, and fruits. adapted to farming and other labor-intensive work as
Manufacturing, electronics, and automotive industries are access to their ancestral lands becomes more restricted.
also important.
3. Mangyan (Southern Group)
Culture: CALABARZON is steeped in history, especially
Location: Some groups of the Mangyan people from
with its role in the Philippine revolution (e.g., Cavite and
Mindoro have migrated to parts of Batangas and Quezon.
Batangas). It is known for traditional Tagalog culture,
culinary specialties (such as Batangas coffee and Laguna’s Language: Mangyan languages, although many now
buko pie), and religious and cultural festivals. speak Tagalog and Filipino.
Culture: The Mangyan have historically been subsistence
farmers and gatherers. They practice swidden agriculture
Indigenous Groups in Region IV-A – CALABARZON
(slash-and-burn) and are known for their weaving and
1. Tagalog basket-making traditions. Though many Mangyan remain
2. Agta (Dumagat) in Mindoro, some have moved to CALABARZON due to
land pressures and development in their home province.
3. Mangyan (Southern Group)
4. Remontado
4. Remontado
Location: Found in the mountainous areas of Rizal and
5. Batangan (Taga-Batangas) Quezon, particularly in Tanay (Rizal) and General Nakar
6. Ati (Quezon).

7. Quezon Agta Language: They speak a mix of Tagalog and their own
dialects.
8. Katutubo of Tayabas
Culture: The Remontado are known for their resistance to
Spanish colonization, retreating to the mountains to
1.Tagalog preserve their way of life, hence their name which means
“those who fled to the mountains.” Their culture revolves
Location: Widespread across Cavite, Laguna, Batangas,
around farming, particularly rice and root crops, as well as
and parts of Quezon.
hunting and fishing. They still practice some of their
Language: Tagalog (the basis of the Filipino national animistic beliefs, though many have integrated Christian
language). practices over time.
Culture: The Tagalog people are the dominant ethnic
group in CALABARZON. They have a long history tied
to the development of the Philippine culture, including the
struggle for independence during the Spanish colonial
period. They are known for their rich traditions in folk
literature, music, and cuisine. Festivals, religious
practices, and historical landmarks play a big role in
preserving Tagalog identity.
2. Agta (Dumagat)
5. Batangan (Taga-Batangas) Region IV-B – MIMAROPA
Location: Found in Batangas. Provinces: Mindoro (Oriental and Occidental),
Marinduque, Romblon, Palawan
Language: Batangueño Tagalog, a dialect of Tagalog.
Geography: MIMAROPA is composed of island
Culture: While not traditionally classified as an
provinces and is known for its biodiversity, with a rich
indigenous group in the same sense as the Aeta or
marine ecosystem, mountains, and rainforests. Palawan is
Dumagat, the Batangan people have a distinct identity
famous for its limestone cliffs, beaches, and UNESCO
rooted in the history and traditions of Batangas province.
(UNITED NATIONS EDUCATIONAL, SCIENTIFIC
They are known for their strong sense of pride, rich
AND CUKTURAL ORGANIZATION) World Heritage
culinary traditions (such as Batangas bulalo and kapeng
Sites like the Tubbataha Reef and Puerto Princesa
barako), and distinctive festivals. The Batangueños also
Subterranean River.
maintain cultural practices tied to farming, fishing, and
trade. Language: Tagalog and various indigenous languages,
including Cuyonon, Palaw’an, and Mangyan languages.
6. Ati
Filipino and English are also spoken widely.
Location: Scattered in parts of Rizal, Laguna, and
Economy: Fishing, agriculture (coconuts, rice, and
Quezon.
bananas), and tourism are the region’s economic
Language: They speak their own language, as well as mainstays. Palawan, in particular, is a top tourist
Filipino and Tagalog. destination due to its natural beauty. Mining and forestry
Culture: The Ati are closely related to other Aeta groups also contribute to the economy.
across the Philippines. Historically semi-nomadic, they Culture: The region is home to various indigenous
practiced hunting, gathering, and simple agriculture. groups, such as the Mangyan of Mindoro and the
Today, many have been integrated into mainstream Tagbanwa, Batak, and Palaw’an of Palawan. These groups
society, but some continue to practice traditional rituals maintain distinct cultural traditions and practices,
and subsistence farming. Displacement and land including weaving, tattooing, and animistic rituals.
encroachment have challenged their traditional way of MIMAROPA also has strong folk traditions, influenced by
life. Spanish colonization.
7. Quezon Agta
Location: Primarily found in Quezon province, especially Indigenous Groups in Region IV-B – MIMAROPA
in the northern areas bordering the Sierra Madre.
1. Mangyan (Mindoro)
Lang They speak the Agta language and Tagalog.uage:
2. Tagbanwa (Palawan)
Culture: The Quezon Agta, like other Agta groups, are
3. Palaw’an (Palawan)
known for their deep connection to the environment. They
traditionally rely on hunting, gathering, and fishing, and 4. Batak (Palawan)
have a rich spiritual culture that includes rituals for nature
5. Iraya Mangyan (Mindoro)
and ancestors. Many Agta have experienced displacement
due to logging, mining, and agricultural expansion, and 6. Cuyonon (Palawan)
have adapted to new livelihoods like farming and manual 7. Tau’t Bato (Palawan)
labor.
8. Molbog (Palawan)
8. Katutubo of Tayabas
Location: Found in Tayabas, Quezon.
1.Mangyan (Mindoro)
Language: Tagalog and other local dialects.
Location: Found mainly in the mountains and forested
Culture: The indigenous groups in Tayabas have a long areas of Mindoro, divided into several subgroups.
history of resistance to colonization. They continue to
practice a mix of indigenous traditions, including local Language: Mangyan languages, which vary by subgroup
festivals, farming, and forest-based livelihood practices. (e.g., Iraya, Hanunuo, Alangan, Tadyawan, Buhid, and
Many of these groups have been influenced by Spanish others), as well as Filipino and Tagalog.
and Catholic traditions but still retain parts of their
ancestral customs.
Culture: The Mangyan people are known for their Culture: The Iraya are one of the Mangyan subgroups,
peaceful, self-sustained agricultural lifestyle. They known for their handicrafts, particularly intricate woven
practice swidden (slash-and-burn) farming and are known baskets and mats made from nito vines. They practice a
for their intricate weaving and handicrafts. Each Mangyan combination of farming, fishing, and foraging in the
subgroup has its own distinct culture, dialect, and forests. Iraya spiritual practices include rituals for
traditions. agriculture, healing, and ancestral worship, with a belief
system deeply rooted in the natural world.
2. Tagbanwa (Palawan)
6. Cuyonon (Palawan)
Location: Mostly found in the northern and central parts
of Palawan, including Coron and Culion islands. Location: Originally from the Cuyo Islands in northern
Palawan, but also found in various parts of mainland
Language: Tagbanwa language, along with Filipino and
Palawan.
Cuyonon.
Language: Cuyonon language, along with Filipino and
Culture: The Tagbanwa are one of the most prominent
Tagalog.
indigenous groups in Palawan. They are known for their
sustainable fishing and farming practices and are deeply Culture: The Cuyonon people have a rich history and
connected to the environment. Their spiritual beliefs were among the first to be Christianized during the
include animism, where they worship nature spirits and Spanish colonial period. They are known for their fishing
their ancestors, performing rituals for harvests and and agricultural practices, as well as for their traditional
protection. The Tagbanwa are also known for their rich music and dance, including the cultural Cuyo Pandango
traditional arts, including weaving, basketry, and crafts dance. Cuyonon festivals, such as the Feast of the
using materials like rattan and bamboo. Immaculate Conception, blend Catholic and indigenous
practices.
3. Palaw’an (Palawan)
7. Tau’t Bato (Palawan)
Location: Southern parts of Palawan, particularly in the
municipalities of Brooke’s Point, Bataraza, and Quezon. Location: Found in the Singnapan Basin of Rizal
municipality, southern Palawan.
Language: Palaw’an language, related to the languages of
the Manobo groups in Mindanao. Language: Palaw’an language, similar to that spoken by
the Palaw’an people.
Culture: The Palaw’an people practice subsistence
farming and hunting, with a rich tradition of herbal Culture: The Tau’t Bato, meaning “People of the Rock,”
medicine and animistic spiritual beliefs. Their knowledge live in caves and cliff-side shelters during certain seasons,
of the forest and environment is profound, and they primarily practicing swidden farming, hunting, and
perform rituals and offerings to spirits to ensure the well- gathering. They have a rich spiritual culture, with
being of their community. The Palaw’an are also known animistic beliefs focused on natural elements, forest
for their metalwork and unique tattooing practices, with
spirits, and ancestor worship. The Tau’t Bato are known
symbols that represent their beliefs and experiences
for their artistic traditions, particularly in weaving and
4. Batak (Palawan) beadwork
Location: Northeastern Palawan, primarily around the 8. Molbog (Palawan)
forested areas near the Babuyan River in Puerto Princesa.
Location: Primarily in Balabac Island and parts of
Language: Batak language, along with Tagalog and southern Palawan.
Filipino.
Language: Molbog language, related to the languages of
Culture: The Batak are one of the smallest indigenous Borneo.
groups in Palawan, traditionally living as hunter-gatherers.
Culture: The Molbog people have cultural ties with both
They are semi-nomadic, relying on forest resources for
the Philippines and neighboring Malaysia, given their
food, medicine, and materials.
proximity to the Sulu Sea and Borneo. They are
5. Iraya Mangyan (Mindoro) predominantly Muslim, with a culture shaped by Islamic
traditions alongside local customs. Fishing is a major part
Location: Found in northern Mindoro, particularly in the
of their livelihood, and they are also engaged in farming
provinces of Occidental Mindoro and Oriental Mindoro.
and trade.
Language: Iraya, a Mangyan language, along with
Filipino and Tagalog.