The Iraya

The term iraya is said mean "man" or "human being". The Irayas are the

Mangyans of Mindoro who occupy the northwestern part of Mindoro Island. The

estimated population of the Iraya-Mangyan is 10,689 distributed in around 141

settlements in the municipalities of Abra de Hog, Mamburao, and Paluan (OSCC,

IV, 1993).

Accordins to the Iraya customs and traditions, the family is considered as the

basic unit of production and consumption. Their kindred system is traced to both

the father and mothers links which their system refers to as guraan. The nuclear

family is referred to as talnakan wherein there already exists a social order. The

eldest takes the place of the parents during their absence and is considered the

second parent. He/She is likewise considered as the intermediary between the

parents and the younger siblings.

Among the Iraya, leadership is provided by the puon-balayan, in the local group

referred to as sanguraan composed of closely related families. Moral and legal

problems are referred to the puon-balayan for decision. Any criminal act or

offense done is corrected with the use of either the pangaw or tige. Pangaw is

the Irayas version of a detention cell. Tige on the other hand is a punishment

wherein the suspects of a particular offense are called and are ordered to

immerse their right hand in a pot of boiling water to pick the white stone at the

bottom of the pot. Any one of the suspects whose right hand gets burned is

considered to be the guilty party. It is believed that the innocent parties will not

get burned in this particular test because Apo Iraya will protect them from harm.
The Irayas look quite different from the other seven Mangyan tribes. They have

curly to kinky hair and dark skin, but could easily be distinguished from the Aetas,

who are the most predominant indigenous tribe of the Philippines.

Their ancient clothing is exactly the same as that of the Hanunoos. Today, most

of the Irayas wear a civilized outfit.

If the Buhids are known for their expertise in pot making, the Irayas are expert in

nito-weaving and other handicrafts that are derived from nito like trays, plates,

jars and cups of different sizes.

Their steady diet consists of rice, banana, sweet potato, and other root crops.