CENTRAL PHILIPPINE UNIVERSITY

Lopez Jaena St., Jaro, Iloilo City

Telephone No.: Direct 330-7260/Local 2126
Email: [email protected]

My Prior Understanding of IP groups in the Philippines

1.What are the things that come to mind when you hear the word katutubo?

First, I think of the rich cultural heritage of the indigenous peoples in the Philippines.
These communities have their unique traditions, beliefs, and practices that have been
passed down through generations. They have their distinct languages, music, dances,
clothing, and handicrafts that reflect their way of life and values.
Second, I think of the challenges that indigenous peoples face in the Philippines. They
are often marginalized and discriminated against, with limited access to basic services
such as education, healthcare, and housing. Their ancestral lands and resources are
threatened by development projects, mining, and other forms of exploitation, leading to
displacement and loss of livelihoods.
Third, I think of the efforts to promote indigenous rights and recognition in the
Philippines. There have been campaigns to support their struggles for self-
determination, cultural preservation, and environmental protection. There are also
organizations and initiatives that aim to empower indigenous communities and promote
their participation in decision-making processes.
Fourth, I think of the diversity of indigenous peoples in the Philippines. There are more
than 110 ethno-linguistic groups, each with its unique identity, history, and worldview.
Some of the well-known indigenous groups in the Philippines include the Igorot, Lumad,
Mangyan, and Aeta.
Overall, the word "katutubo" evokes a sense of pride, respect, and responsibility
towards the indigenous peoples in the Philippines. It reminds us of their contributions to
our country's cultural heritage and the urgent need to address the challenges they face
in achieving their rights and aspirations.
2.Can you enumerate the name/s of the group of people in the
Philippines that you consider as belonging to the classification as
katutubo? Please provide a description of each.

# Name of the Group Description

1 Ati The Ati is a Negrito ethnic group of the Philippines.
They are genetically-related to other Negrito ethnic
groups in the Philippines such as the Aeta of Luzon,
the Batak of Palawan, and the Mamanwa of
Mindanao. They live on Panay Island, which is
 CENTRAL PHILIPPINE UNIVERSITY
Lopez Jaena St., Jaro, Iloilo City
Telephone No.: Direct 330-7260/Local 2126
Email: [email protected]

located in the Visayas (Islands of Cebu,

Bohol, Siquijor, Leyte, Samar, Panay,
Masbate, Negros and Guimaras), the
central portion of the Philippine
archipelago. Unlike the Aeta of the north,
who speak Sambalic languages, the Ati
speak a Visayan language known as Inati.
As of 1980, the speakers of Inati number
at about 1,500. Today few of them know
how to speak Inati and Visaya and Kinary-
a are commonly used.
2 Igorot The indigenous peoples of the Cordillera
Mountain Range of northern Luzon,
Philippines, often referred to by the
exonym Igorot people, or more recently,
as the Cordilleran peoples, are an ethnic
group composed of nine main
ethnolinguistic groups whose domains are
in the Cordillera Mountain Range,
altogether numbering about 1.5 million
people in the early 21st century.
Their languages belong to the northern
Luzon subgroup of Philippine languages,
which in turn belongs to the Austronesian
(Malayo-Polynesian) family. These ethnic
groups keep or have kept until recently
their traditional religion and way of life.
Some live in the tropical forests of the
foothills, but most live in rugged grassland
and pine forest zones higher up.
3 Manobo The Manobo appear to be a remnant of
the very first Austronesian invasion from
Taiwan, predating peoples like the Ifugao
of Luzon. Known for their intricate casting,
the Ubo fashion fine weaponry and jewelry
that they believe possess souls, making it
harder for the maker to part with them.
Agriculturally, they practice swidden, a
slash-and-burn
farming, oft planting and harvesting rice,
root crops, and vegetables for
consumption.
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Lopez Jaena St., Jaro, Iloilo City
Telephone No.: Direct 330-7260/Local 2126
Email: [email protected]

3.What do the groups you identified have in common?

In general, when identifying and comparing groups, it is important to look for similarities
and differences in their characteristics, behaviors, beliefs, values, goals, and interests.
Commonalities may include shared cultural or social backgrounds, common
experiences

or challenges, similar demographics or socioeconomic status, or membership in a

particular organization or community. Each of the above-mentioned groups has a
developed tradition, culture, way of life and belief system as a katutubo.

On the other hand, differences may include variations in language, religion, political
views, education levels, income levels, geographic location, or access to resources. By
understanding the similarities and differences between groups, we can gain insights into
their perspectives and needs and work towards creating more inclusive and equitable
societies.

The Indigenous People in the Philippines: I Want to Learn More

1. Which among the definitions discussed

in class do you think is the most
appropriate and acceptable? Why?

I think the acceptable definition of Indigenous People would be the United Nations
Framework of Martinez Cobo’s Report to the UN Sub-Commission on the Prevention of
the Discrimination of Minorities in 1986. He highlights the importance of historical
continuity in its definition of IPs. Specifically, he enumerated first, to have a historical
continuity with pre-invasion and pre-colonial societies that developed in the territories.

Second, they consider themselves distinct from other sectors of those societies that are
now prevailing on those territories or part of them.
Third, they are from at present non-dominant sectors of society and are determined to
preserve, develop and transmit to future generations their ancestral territories and their
ethnic identity.

Finally, whose preservation, development and transmission are the basis of their
continued existence as peoples who are in accordance with their own cultural patterns,
social institutions and legal system. I do believe it is a good definition because it really
emphasizes the historical continuity of the Indigenous People which hold their origin and
identity that already exist even before the colonization has occurred. Likewise, the IP's
 CENTRAL PHILIPPINE UNIVERSITY
Lopez Jaena St., Jaro, Iloilo City
Telephone No.: Direct 330-7260/Local 2126
Email: [email protected]
hold distinct qualities and uniqueness because of their rich culture
and tradition.

Similarly, you cannot deny the fact that they are the minority which is non-dominant
sector, thus, they deserve to have proper rights and privileges as the natives of the
Philippines. In addition, it is important that the preservation and conservation of their
culture and traditions because it holds the heritage of their group that must be maintain
and transmitted to the next generation. In this way, it can still flourish despite the wide
influence of modernity and advancement of technology as well for the purpose of its

protection even though many years may have passed.

2. Identify one IP group in the Philippines you

think matches the definition of IPs that you
think is most appropriate and acceptable. Find
and paste a picture of this group in the box
below.

MANOBO TRIBE IN MINDANAO

Provide an explanation why this group can be

categorized under Indigenous Cultural Communities or Indigenous
People.
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Lopez Jaena St., Jaro, Iloilo City
Telephone No.: Direct 330-7260/Local 2126
Email: [email protected]
The Indigenous Peoples Rights Act, or Republic Act (RA) 8371,
defined indigenous people as a homogenous society that has historically distinguished
itself from the rest of the Filipino people by living as an organized community on land
that is communally bound and owned. Indigenous people also share common language,
customs, culture, traditions, and indigenous religions. However, section 3(h) of Chapter
2 of the said R.A describes IPs as equivalent to Indigenous Cultural Communities, or
ICC, and describes them as possessing qualifications that could be seen in the chosen
group and will be presented in the succeeding paragraphs. Considering the provided
legal definition, the Manobo are therefore regarded as both indigenous peoples and
Indigenous Cultural Communities in the Philippines.

Manobos are divided into eight subgroups and reside on Mindanao, an island in the
southern Philippines. One of the Manobo language family's languages is spoken by
them. Their ancestors originated among the early Malay peoples who immigrated from
Southeast Asia's neighboring islands. Their shared cultural language and Malay
ancestry assist to maintain their connections today. These groupings are frequently
named for political or geographical divides. The only cultural and linguistic differences
among the eight Manobo tribes are minor. Their geographic isolation has led to the
differences.

Agriculture is the Cotabato Manobo's primary mode of living. Their straightforward

farming methods let fields to go dormant for brief intervals so that cultivable sections
can be moved from one site to another. They cultivate sweet potatoes, taro, bananas,
taro root, rice, and maize. Their villages typically include four to twelve dwellings, and
they frequently reside near sources of water.

The Manobo have a patriarchal (male-dominated) social structure. The spouse is in

charge of the family. Men with income are more likely to practice polygyny, or having
many wives at once. A sultan, or supreme leader, is part of the Cotabato Manobo
political organization. The royal and non-royal classes are below him. Only members of
the royal classes are eligible to seek the throne. The non-royal classes are subordinate
to and subject to the power of the royal classes. Each class depends on the others in
various ways. The majority of the time, leadership is acquired rather than naturally
bestowed. The social and political facets of life are frequently intertwined. For instance,
political leaders are necessary for many social occasions, including weddings. Both the
bride and the groom are required to use the neighborhood datu (headman) if there is a
negotiation for marriage.

What do you want to learn about them?

The Manobo are strong in body and spirit, and their culture is deeply ingrained in the
geography and wildlife of the area. It is preserved through oral tradition, language,
 CENTRAL PHILIPPINE UNIVERSITY
Lopez Jaena St., Jaro, Iloilo City
Telephone No.: Direct 330-7260/Local 2126
Email: [email protected]
family, and the transmission of age-old crafts and talents. The
majority of Manobos still live a traditional lifestyle; like any other Mindanao tribal tribe,
they have experienced and will continue to confront several cultural obstacles in the
future. They make an effort to retain their traditions and ideals despite living in a
contemporary society, dealing with new realities, and being prepared to compete in the
modern economic world rather than the natural one.

As previously indicated, indigenous tribes experienced and still confront difficulties.

Particularly because indigenous people, who live in tribes and mostly rely on the forest
and pools of water for survival. They may be impacted and eventually lose their house

given that we now live in a technologically advanced and densely populated period.
Thus, the following are the things that the group want to learn from them:
1. How is the Manobo people's present social situation in the Philippines;
2. What are the specific occasions in which the Manobos have been treated unfairly by
the presence of globalization; and
3. What are the actions taken when the Manobos encounter injustice and how
motivated them are to fight for social justice?