The Iraya Mangyans of Puerto Galera

The article starts at the Mangyan Village at Sitio Talipanan, Barangay Aninuan in
Puerto Galera, where a traveller was mesmerized by the quaint town built by the
Mangyans. The town was built out of love were newly constructed Mangyan Houses
decorate the area and facilities such as basketball court, schools and other facilities
giving an atmosphere of a simple life, all developments were sponsored by a generous
family who provides funding for all the developments as well as the children’s
education.
Basket Weaving and farming provide the main source of income of the Irayas.
The community members opted to stay away from the city to preserve their culture.
They usually walk around the town where most of them are still shy and are withdrawn
from outsiders. Souvenirs made out of nito vines made by Iraya women are available in
the village where they are very affordable for tourists so that they may be able to have
a piece of Mangyan Culture with them when they go home.
Visitors are welcome to observe how the Iriya-Mangyan live their lives and
struggle to preserve their culture with the modern world just around the corner.

Mangyan Village in Puerto Galera: Discover Indigenous Arts and Crafts of the
Iraya-Mangyan

As told by Melo Villareal, the Iriya-Mangyan Village is situated about 9 kilometers

at the foot of Mt. Malasimbo near the town center of Puerto Galera. The village
showcases how the Mangyans live in a simple manner weaving different kinds of
products for display and everyday use. These products they make also provide a steady
source of income and also a showcase of the indigenous art of their tribe.
The village is a paradox since the Mangyan people are trying to conserve their
culture from their written language of the Hanunuo and Buhid Mangyan almost died
out. But since their handicrafts are found in different countries in Asia, particularly in
India, Bangkok, and Singapore, they are preserving what little of their culture is left
through these works of arts. And with the help of a generous foundation they are
currently developing a computer center for the education of their children.
 Iraya-Mangyans Preserve Traditions Thru Weaving

As stated in the Blog of a certain “I am a Mangyan Blogger” the Iraya-Mangyan

people currently living at Puerto Galera are trying to preserve their cultures and
traditions thru thru the art of Nito weaving. Traditionally they craft only baskets, they
have developed this art-form to be able to create modern items such as coasters, trays,
and bread plates among other things. Nito is a special vine that grows only in the wild,
it cannot be planted nor cultivated, thus only what they are able to harvest is what they
can produce making their tradecraft earth-friendly and for long term sustainable
development. The creation of this handicrafts takes time thus the work speaks of the
rich tradition and excellent craftsmanship of the Iraya-Mangyan Tribe of Puerto Galera,
Palawan.

A Woven Tradiion: The Iraya-Mangyan Community of Puerto Galera

A woven tradition by the Indigenous groups of people situated just 9 kms away
from the town center of Puerto Galera, Palawan known as the Iraya-Mangyan people
are making their mark in the production of handicrafts that can be used around the
home. Artistic, durable and one of kind handicraft could reach a wider market not only
locally but also internationally.
This kind of attention will help them make a better living for themselves and
their families, as well as preserving their tradition and helping them teach future
generations of their children about their culture, in a world where many traditions are
forgotten everyday.