Archaeological Finds in the Philippines - Module 1

The Peopling of the Philippines

• Archaeological finds in Palawan, such as the Jabon Skull fragments, suggest that the Philippines had prehistoric inhabitants as early as the Pleistocene period, around 22,000 years ago.
• Theories about the peopling of the Philippines include:
  • Austronesian Regions Theory, which proposes an internal human evolution in the area.
  • Multiple Homeland Hypothesis, which suggests multiple origins of the peopling of the Philippines.
  • Melanesian Homeland Hypothesis, which argues that the movement of people originated from Melanesia around 3,500 BCE.
  • Unique South China Homeland Hypothesis, which links the peopling of the Philippines to trade relations around Borneo and Celebes Sea.
  • Unique Mainland Southeastern China Hypothesis, which suggests that the migration of people from Mainland Southeastern China to the Philippines occurred in ancient times.

Indigenous Peoples of the Philippines

• The population estimate of indigenous peoples in the Philippines is around 12 million, which is approximately 14% of the country's total population.
• There are 110 indigenous groups in the Philippines, many of which reside on the islands of Mindanao, Northern Luzon, and Southern Luzon.
• Indigenous peoples are dependent on agriculture and fishing.
• Regional groups and their locations include:
  • Region 1 and CAR: Tingguian, Isneg, Northern Kalinga, Bontor, Sagada, Hugao, Southern Kalinga, Ibaloi, and Kankanaey.
  • Region 2: Cagayan Valley: Iwanag, Hawes, Dogad, Gaddang, Ilongot, Iralahan, Isinai, and Aeta groups.
  • Region 3: Sierra Madre range of eastern Luzon: Bumagat, Pugot, and other Aeta groups.
  • Region 4: Pacific coast of Quezon Province, and the islands of Polillo and Alabat: different Agta groups.
  • Region 5: Island of Mindoro: seven Mangyan groups (Iraya, Buhid, Alangan, Hanunoo, Tadyawan, Gubatnon, and Tao-Buid).
  • Region 6: Island of Palawan: Tagbanua, Palawanon, and Batak.
  • Region 7: Mountains of Bicol Peninsula: different Agta groups (Kabihug, Tabangon, Agta Cimarron, and Hom).
  • Region 8: Interior foothills and remote coastal areas of Panay and Negros Islands: Sulod and Ati.
  • Region 9: Mindanao: Lumad, which is a generic term for the indigenous peoples of Mindanao, comprising 18 groups (Subanen, Bukidnon, Blaan, Tagakaolo, Ubo, Mandaya, Banwaon, Mansaka, Kalagan, Tiruray, Dibabawon, Higaonon, Talaandig, Manobo, Mamanwa, Bagobo, and Manguangan).