IFUGAO

Ifugao was formerly known as a part of the old Mountain Province. It was created as an
independent province on June 18, 1966 by virtue of Republic Act No. 4695, otherwise known as
the Division Law of Mountain Province. Under this Law, Mountain Province was divided into
four provinces namely: Benguet, Ifugao, Kalinga Apayao, and Mountain Province. The word
"Ifugao" means hill. The Spaniards changed 'pugo' to 'pugaw' and was finally changed by the
Americans to "Ifugao". The province of Ifugao is a land-locked area located at the foot of the
Cordillera mountain ranges. It is bounded by the high peaked mountain of Benguet in the
western side, Nueva Vizcaya on the southern side, Isabela on the eastern side, and on the north
by the protruding strip of the territory of Mountain Province. It is generally located at 120
degrees 40'17" longitude.

ETHNOLINGUISTIC
Tuwali Group
Considered as the most dominant group in Ifugao, the Tuwalis inhabit the municipalities of
Kiangan, Hingyon, Hungduan, and some areas in Lamut, Asipulo, Lagawe, and Banaue. Based
on myth narrated by traditional priests (mumbaki), this group first resided in Kiangan before
spreading to the other parts of Ifugao.
Keley-I or Hapuan and Yattuka or Hanglulo Group
The Hapuan or Keley-i group occupies the barangay of Antipolo in the municipality of Asipulo.
They are believed to have come from Tekak, now a sitio of barangay Namal of Asipulo and from
Ahin of Tinoc. Closely related to the Hapuan or Keley-i group is the Yattuka or Hanglulo group.
They inhabit the barangays of Amduntog and Nunggawa, Asipulo. Majority of the Yattuka or
Hanglulo trace their origin from Julungan, Nagacadan, Tuplac, Maggok, and Madanum.
Because of the rampant headhunting and tribal wars in the early times, they moved to the place
hoping for a more peaceful settlement.
Both Keley-I or Hapuan and Yattuka or Hanglulo are often classified by outsiders as a subgroup
of the broader Kalanguya ethnolinguistic group. Yet except for their similarly sounding dialects,
the Keley-I or Hapuan, Yattuka or Hanglulo, and the Kalanguya peoples differ. In a closer
observation, the Keley-I or Hapuan and Yattuka or Hanglulo are very culturally affiliated with
the Tuwali-speaking people of Kiangan. In contrast, these Keley-I or Hapuan and Yattuka or
Hanglulo Ifugaos refer to the Kalanguya people as Igullut or I-Ehbunan.
Kalanguya Group
The Kalanguya refers both to the people and their dialect. It is a contraction of the words keley
ngo iya, which literally means, “what in the world is this?”, a phrase commonly used by the old
folks to pacify and to correct mistakes, therefore, making it a word of peace (Cayat, 2008).
Ayangan Group
Ayangan ethnic group trace their origin from a small community now called Barangay Ayangan
of the municipality of Mayoyao. By following the Alimit river from Banaue down to Lagawe,
Lamut, and Nueva Vizcaya, they became the most spread ethnic groups. For this migrating
group, other Ifugao groups refer to them as the I-Ayangan which means “people from Ayangan.”
However, they prefer to be called Ija

LITERETURE, MUSIC AND DANCES

Literature:
 Hudhud: The Ifugao epic, known as the hudhud, is a poetic narrative that celebrates hero
ancestors. It is sung during rituals and ceremonies, passed down orally through generations. The
hudhud is a testament to their deep connection with their past and the natural world

Music and Musical Instruments:

 Traditional Instruments: The Ifugao have a distinct musical tradition, characterized by
unique instruments. A study examined their musical instruments,
including zithers, flutes, and end-blown horns. Sadly, many of these instruments are no
longer in use due to cultural shifts and urbanization
 Bungkaka: The bungkaka, a bamboo buzzer, is a percussion instrument found among
the Ifugao and other indigenous tribes. It adds rhythm and resonance to their music

Dances:
 Bumaya-Uyaoy: The grandest dance, performed during canao (rituals), is the Bumaya-
Uyaoy. It also features prominently in wedding festivals. The aristocratic class, known
as Kadangyan, organizes canaos to reaffirm their social status within the community
 Dinuya: This dance mimics animals, such as the Sakpaya hawk. Chiefs and wealthy
villagers execute elaborate movements, emphasizing their high social standing

UNIQUE BELIEF
One noteworthy aspect of Ifugao belief is the concept of “al-liguyon”, a spiritual that resides
within each individual. The force represents a person’s innate abilities and virtues, such as
courage, wisdom and strength. Al-liguyon us cultivated through the combination of moral and
social behaviors, as well as personal achievements, such as successs in battle or agricultural
endeavors.
Another unique beliefs is the emphasis on environmental stewardships, which is deeply
ingrained in Ifugao culture. The Ifugao believe that the land, rivers and forests are inhabited by
various spirits and deities who must be respected and appeased. The respect for the environment
is demonstrated through their sustainable agricultural practices and the construction of the rice
terraces, which have been maintained for the centuries without causing significant ecological
damage.
DEITIES
The Ifugao pantheon is characterized by a diverse array of deities, with each possessing distinct
personalities and roles in the cosmology. Here are some of the most important deities in the
Ifugao belief system:
 MAKNONGAN – The supreme deity and creator god. Maknongan is to believe to
have crafted the world, including humans and rice. He is considered distant and
unapproachable, his presence is essential for the welfare of the human.
 LUMAWIG-The son of Maknongan, Lumawig is a culture hero and mediator
between the people and their god. He is known for teaching the Ifugao various
aspects as their culture, such as rice cultivation, social organization , and rituals.
 KABUNYAN- Also a son of Maknongan, Kabunyan is the deity of the sky and
weather. He is responsible fir sending rain, sunshine, and wind, and is often
invoked during rituals to ensure good weather for agriculture.
 BULUL- These are wooden ancestral figures representing various deities and
spirits that protect the Ifugao from harm, illness, and misfortune. Each Bulul has
specific role, and they are venerated in households and sacred spaces.

RITUALS
Rituals are an essential part of Ifugao life, with ceremonies held for various purposes, such as
appeasing the deities, seeking blessings, or ensuring the community’s well-being. Some of the
most important rituals include:
 BAKI- This is an elaborate and multifaceted ritual that aims to communicate with and
appease the deities and spirits. Baki rituals often involve offerings of rice, animals, and
betel nut, along with chanting and dancing.
 CANAO- This is a grand community celebration that unites the Ifugao in feasting,
dancing, and merrymaking. Canao is held to honor the deities, celebrate successful
harvests, or commemorate significant events, such as wedding or the construction of a
new rice terrace.
 HAGABI- This rite of passage marks an individual’s rise in social status, often
accompanied by the carving of a wooden bench or rice granary as a symbol of their
newfound prestige
MYTHOLOGICAL CREATURES
The Ifugao includes numerous mythological creatures, many of which are associated with the
natural world. These creatures are believe to possess supernatural powers and can be either
benevolent and malevolent. Some of the most notable mythological creatures include:
  TINMONGAO- These are nature spirits that inhabit the forests, rivers, and
mountains. They are generally benevolent and can grant blessings or favors to those
who respect their domain
 BUNNAG- The Bunnag is a serpent-like creature with a large head and sharp teeth,
believe to reside in rivers and lakes. It is considered dangerous and is often invoked
during rituals to protect against illness or misfortune.
TOURIST SPOTS :
1. Banaue Rice Terraces - Dubbed as the "Eighth Wonder of the World," the
Banaue Rice Terraces are a testament to the ingenuity and agricultural
prowess of the Ifugao people. Carved into the mountainside over 2,000 years
ago, these terraces form an intricate stair-like pattern that stretches across
the landscape, earning recognition as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visitors
can trek along the terraces, marveling at the panoramic views and learning
about the cultural significance of this ancient marvel.
2. Tappiyah Falls - Hidden amidst lush greenery, Tappiyah Falls is a serene
oasis tucked away in the mountains of Batad. Accessible via a scenic trek
through rice terraces and forested trails, the waterfall cascades from a
towering height into a natural pool below, inviting visitors to take a refreshing
dip in its cool waters. The journey to Tappiyah Falls offers not only a chance to
commune with nature but also an opportunity to witness the traditional way
of life in Ifugao villages.
3. Mount Amuyao - Adventure seekers flock to Mount Amuyao for an
exhilarating trekking experience and panoramic vistas of Ifugao's
mountainous terrain. Standing at over 2,700 meters above sea level, the
summit offers sweeping views of rolling hills, verdant forests, and distant
villages. The trek to Mount Amuyao challenges hikers with rugged trails and
steep ascents but rewards them with breathtaking scenery and a sense of
accomplishment upon reaching the peak.

REFERENCES

 Ananayo, Zenia. 2007. The Tuwalis of Hingyon, Ifugao. Ifugao Cultural Heritage
Office.
 Barton, R. F. 1919. Ifugao Law. University of California Publications in American
Archaeology and Ethnology, XV. No. 1
 Beyer, H.O. 1917. Population of the Philippine Islands in 1916. Manila: Philippine
Education Co.
 Keesing, R.M. 1962. Ethnohistory of Northern Luzon. Stanford: Stanford University
Press.
 Municipal Government of Asipulo. 2005. Tagu ad Adjang. Ifugao Cultural Heritage
Office.
 Municipal Government of Lagawe. 2005. Culture and History of Lagawe. Ifugao
Cultural Heritage Office.
 Olszewski, D. (1991). "Rice and Man: Agricultural Ecology in Ifugao, Northern
Philippines". University of Arizona Press.
 Barton, R. F. (1919). "Religion of the Ifugaos". University of California Publications in
American Archaeology and Ethnology, 15(5), 297–371.
 Corpuz, O. D. (2015). "Music of the Mountain Province". Philippine Quarterly of Culture
and Society, 43(3), 181–186.
 Scott, W. H. (1974). "The Segmentation of the Ifugao Rice Terraces". Philippine
Quarterly of Culture and Society, 2(3), 181–190.
 Bautista, A. C. (2010). "Geological Resources of the Cordillera Administrative Region,
Philippines". Geological Society of the Philippines, 63, 25–42.
 Masferre, E. A. (1976). "The Vanishing Filipino". Bookmark.