30/09/2025
HAPPY NATIONAL INDIGENOUS PEOPLE'S MONTH
REGION I | Itneg⛰️
Also known as Tingguian which translates to "The people of the mountain". It is an indigenous ethnic group in the Cordillera Administrative Region of northern Luzon, Philippines, primarily residing in Abra Provincetown.They are known for their rich culture, including traditions of weaving, distinctive dances like the Tadek, and communal practices centered around clan and community ties.
REGION II | Ibanag🏞️
Ibanag is an ethnolinguistic group primarily located in the Cagayan and Isabela provinces of northern Luzon, Philippines, known for their agriculture and fishing livelihood. Their name derives from "i" (people) and "bannag" (river), reflecting their historical settlement along the Cagayan River. The Ibanag people also have a distinct Ibanag language, one of the Austronesian languages of the Philippines.
REGION III | Aeta👩🏿
The Aeta (or Ayta) people are one of the indigenous groups of the Philippines, believed to be among the archipelago's earliest inhabitants, residing primarily in the mountainous regions of Luzon. They are traditionally known for their hunter-gatherer lifestyle but have since adopted sustainable agriculture, living in small, scattered communities. The Aeta are characterized by their short stature, dark skin, and curly hair.
REGION IV A | Kabihug🪨
The Kabihug are a Negrito indigenous group primarily living in Camarines Norte, Philippines, known for their connection to nature, traditional hunting and gathering lifestyle, and semi-nomadic nature. They have faced significant challenges including poverty, discrimination, lack of access to modern healthcare and education, but also maintain cultural traditions and a strong community bond. The term "Kabihug" is sometimes used to refer to the Agta people of the Bicol region.
REGION IV B | Mangyanđź“ś
Mangyan refers to the indigenous peoples of Mindoro, an island in the Philippines, and is a generic name for eight distinct ethnolinguistic groups. These groups include the Iraya, Alangan, Tadyawan, Tawbuid (Batangan), Buhid, Bangon, Hanunoo, and Ratagnon. Each group has its own language, customs, and a unique system of writing known as the Surat Mangyan, a syllabic script based on Indic traditions, which is used to record poetry like the Ambahan.
REGION V | Agta 🌳
"Agta" can refer to either a large black tree-dwelling spirit from Philippine folklore or the Aeta (also spelled Agta), an indigenous hunter-gatherer people of the Philippines. The spiritual entity is a legendary creature, while the people are the descendants of the Philippines' original inhabitants, living primarily in Luzon and known for their dark skin and curly hair.
CORDILLERA ADMINISTRATIVE REGION(CAR) | Ifugao🌾
The Ifugao are an indigenous ethnic group from the mountainous province of Ifugao in the Philippines, known for their intricate, ancient rice terraces carved into mountainsides. They are renowned for their skilled craftsmanship, particularly in woodworking, weaving, and basketry, and have a rich cultural heritage that includes unique agricultural rituals.
REGION NCR | Tagalog 🏙️
The Tagalog people are the largest ethnolinguistic group in the Philippines, primarily residing in the National Capital Region (NCR) and surrounding provinces. They are known for their significant role in Philippine history, culture, and politics. The Tagalog language served as the basis of the national language, Filipino. Their traditions include harana, balagtasan, and folk dances, as well as strong family and community ties.
REGION VII | Cebuano 🌊
Cebuano people are one of the largest ethnolinguistic groups in the Visayas, concentrated in Cebu and nearby provinces of Region VII. They speak Cebuano, a widely used language in the Visayas and Mindanao. Rich in culture, they are known for festivals such as the Sinulog, traditional dances, and vibrant oral literature. The Cebuanos played a major role in early Philippine trade, Christianity, and resistance against colonization.
REGION VIII | Waray âš“
The Waray are the ethnolinguistic group in Eastern Visayas, mainly in Samar, Leyte, and Biliran. Their language, Waray-Waray, is known for its distinct rhythm and tone. The Waray people are resilient, often celebrated for their bravery and cheerful spirit despite challenges. Their cultural traditions include folk songs, dances, and festivals like Sangyaw and Pintados-Kasadyaan.
REGION IX | Subanen 🌿
The Subanen people are the indigenous group of the Zamboanga Peninsula, Region IX. The name “Subanen” comes from “suba” (river), meaning “river people,” since they traditionally lived near riverbanks. They are known for their farming practices, weaving, and intricate beadwork. Their culture places emphasis on peace, kinship, and respect for nature, often expressed through dances, chants, and rituals.
REGION XII | T’boli 🎶
The T’boli are one of the indigenous groups of South Cotabato, Mindanao. They are famous for their T’nalak weaving, a sacred art form.
