Introduction / History

The Kalagan live on the island of Mindanao in the southern Philippines. They are
located in an area between the interior uplands and the western coast of the Davao
Gulf. The Kalagan are thought to be one of various groups of lowland Filipinos who
came to the islands from Asia's southwestern mainland several thousand years ago.
Their lifestyle and culture are very similar to that of the Magindanaw.

With the arrival of Islam in the 1500s, the Kalagan split into two separate groups-the
Tagakaulu Kalagan and the Tagakaolo Kalagan. The Tagakaulu Kalagan speak
Tagakaolo, which is closely related to a number of other languages spoken in the
region.

While some of the Tagakaulu Kalagan receive wages for labor, others work as
farmers. Maize is the major crop grown and is harvested two or three times a year.
The coastal Kalagan are also fishermen; others work as laborers on plantations.

What Are Their Lives Like?

The Tagakaulu Kalagan are self-sufficient farmers, producing nearly all of their own
food. Wet-rice is grown in the lowlands, and dry-rice and corn are farmed in the
upland areas. Yams and sweet potatoes are also staple crops. Vegetables such as
tomatoes, squash, and beans are grown; coconuts abound; and many kinds of fruit are
available. Goats are raised for meat, and chickens are raised for both eggs and meat.
In addition to farming, the Tagakaulu Kalagan catch fish and obtain wild foods and
other various materials from the marshes around them.

Those of highest rank in their society do not perform manual labor. Among the rest of
the population, male/female division of labor is not very pronounced. Generally, men
do the plowing, tilling, and other heavy farm work. The women do most of the
domestic work, often assisted by their older children.

Tagakaulu Kalagan art is confined mostly to weaving, basket making, and producing
certain ornaments. Personal adornment in the form of bright clothing, beaded jewelry,
and other accessories is distinctive and colorful. On special occasions, graceful dances
are performed to the rhythmic music of gongs and other instruments.

The Tagakaulu Kalagan social structure is unusual because it is modified by a system

of social rank, certain rules of descent, and distinctive marriage patterns. For most
purposes, social rank is less important than blood ties. Higher-ranking families
maintain elaborate genealogies to prove their claims of descent.

There is a strong preference for marriage between related families, especially

marriage to second cousins. After marriage, the couple usually resides in the
husband's community. Today, however, many young couples form their own
independent households.
What Are Their Beliefs?

The Tagakaulu Kalagan were not introduced to Islam until Muslim missionaries
arrived in the area during the 1500s. About half of the entire group of Kalagan came
under Islamic influence at that time, and the group divided. Most of the Tagakaolo
Kalagan became Muslims; however, the majority of the Tagakaulu Kalagan remained
animists (believe that non-human objects have spirits). Today, many are still ethnic
religionists, believing in the traditions and religions of their forefathers. They
continue to believe in a variety of environmental spirits. Many tales are also told of
magic, sorcery, and supernatural beings.

What Are Their Needs?

Although missions agencies have worked among the Tagakaulu Kalagan, response to
the Gospel has been minimal. Today, only a few have become Christians. Intercession
and evangelistic tools are desperately needed to free the Tagakaulu Kalagan from the
bondage of their religious traditions.

Prayer Points

Ask the Holy Spirit to grant wisdom, favor, and unity to missions agencies focusing
on the Tagakaulu Kalagan.
Pray that God will give Tagakaulu Kalagan believers boldness to share Christ with
their own people.
Ask God to raise up prayer teams who will begin breaking up the soil through
worship and intercession.
Ask the Lord to bring forth a strong and growing Tagakaulu Kalagan church for the
glory of His name!

Scripture Prayers for the Kalagan, Tagakaulu in Philippines.