Philippine Indigenous Peoples

Bangsamoro Tribes

• The Tausug tribe is a prominent tribe within the Bangsamoro society.
• The Sama tribe is known for its seafaring skills.
• The Badjao tribe is associated with maritime culture.
• The Jama Mapun tribe has a distinct language.
• The Kagan/Kalagan tribe has a unique dialect and customs.
• The Kalibugan tribe has a rich cultural heritage.
• The Sangil tribe has a distinct identity.
• The Molbog tribe is known for its unique traditions.
• The Palawanon tribe has a strong connection to nature.

Meranao Tribe

• The Meranao people inhabit Lanao del Norte and Lanao del Sur in Mindanao.
• The name Meranao translates to mean "People of the Lake", after their traditional territory around Lake Lanao.
• Their home-range is located in North Central Mindanao, approximately 135 sq.miles in area and situated 2,300 feet above sea level.

Other Tribes

• The Mansaka Tribe is found in the provinces of Davao del Norte and Compostela Valley.
• The Dibabawun people live in the village of Kimataan II, Davao del Norte.
• The Dibabawun people believe that Taginiit (Almighty) is the source of everything in the world.
• They offer rituals to Makabuntasay before opening a farm site and harvesting crops.
• They turn to Gamawgamaw for protection when they are in streams and rivers.
• They pray to Mandalingan when a family member is sick.
• They call upon Tagun-on for lifetime protection when welcoming babies.

Bagobo Tribe

• The term "Bagobo" means "new man" and originally referred to the peoples of coastal southwestern Mindanao who converted to Islam.
• The term "Bagobo" also includes unconverted hill tribes such as the Manuvu'.
• The Manuvu' people are native people, but they are not a homogeneous group, displaying dialectal differences and occupational and artistic specializations.

Ata and Mandaya Tribes

• The Ata tribe can be found in the northwestern portion of Davao del Norte, as well as in Bukidnon and Compostela Valley.
• The Mandaya tribe is known for their gaudy and vibrant culture that has been preserved from successive generations.
• The term "Mandaya" means "the first upstream people" and refers to the indigenous group's language, traditions, customs, and beliefs.
• The word "man" in the term "Mandaya" means "first", and the word "daya" means "upstream".

Matigsalug Tribe

• The Matigsalug Tribe is known as the "highland paradise".
• They are known for producing primary agricultural items such as rice, corn, espresso, pineapple, and sugar.
• They are famous for their skills in weaving, bead making, and patchwork.
• Bukidnon, where they live, is known as the area of "food basket" due to its primary source of agricultural items.
• The panoramic landscape of rolling field levels and cool atmosphere of Bukidnon makes it a perfect place for local people and tourists.