Indigenous Peoples of Northern Philippines

Study Notes

The Igorot are the indigenous peoples in the Cordilleras in Northern Luzon, belonging to different ethnic groups such as Bontoc, Ibaloi, Ifugao, Isneg, Kalinga, Kankanaey, and Tingguian.
The Gaddang, Ilongot, and Ivatan are found in the Cagayan Valley, Isabela, Nueva Vizcaya, and Quirino.

Roots and tubers have always been considered staple food and vegetables among indigenous peoples in Northern Philippines.
They uphold their traditions through their music, dances, rituals, folklore, wood carving, agriculture, and forestry practices.
Many endemic trees, such as the Ficus Tree, are considered spirits (anito) and are conserved.

Customary laws lay the foundation for justice, unity, and peace within their tribes.
Tongtong is a common practice in the Cordillera, referring to a discussion-settlement between different parties, in the presence of arbiters and witnesses.
Kaihing is an early betrothal of children between two families to strengthen their good relationship or settle a dispute between two opposing families.

The Applai have a rich material culture, as seen in their housing, including dormitory and granary structures, and four types of traditional houses, including the two-storey innagamang.
They built sloping terraces for their agricultural work, and their agriculture cycle begins with the planting of the rice variety topeng in June or July.

The Gaddang settled near streams and their cultivated fields, traditionally planting rice and sweet potatoes for their own use, and supplementing their subsistence with cash crops like tobacco and corn.
They traditionally chose their community leaders based on bravery, skills, knowledge of custom law, and a certain degree of earned wealth.
They crafted and enacted peace pacts, which they call pudon, and both male and female could conduct important rituals for the community.

The Iwak relies on agriculture as their primary source of subsistence, growing taro and sweet potatoes in the Cordillera highlands, and rice in lower elevations (like Nueva Vizcaya).
They also rear animals, especially pigs, which play an essential role in their indigenous rituals, such as the padit, or personal prestige feast.