Badjao

Philippine Indigenous Community

Summary Report

Brief History:

The Badjao, also spelled Bajau, are an indigenous ethnic group in the Philippines, particularly found in the
Sulu Archipelago and other areas in Mindanao.

The Badjao are a seafaring people believed to have migrated from the Sulu Archipelago centuries ago.
Their origins are tied to a mix of Austronesian and Malay ancestry. Historically, they were known as skilled
sailors and pearl divers.

Brief Description:

The Badjao are often referred to as "Sea Gypsies" due to their nomadic lifestyle on the waters of the
Philippine archipelago. Traditionally, they lived on houseboats known as "lepa-lepa," constructed from
bamboo and wood. These boats served as their homes and means of transportation.

Type of Worship:

The Badjao traditionally practice animism, believing in spirits residing in natural elements like water, trees,
and animals. They engage in rituals and ceremonies to appease these spirits and seek protection and
blessings.

Type of Leadership:

Leadership within the Badjao community is often decentralized, with authority figures emerging based on
experience, knowledge, and respect earned within the community. Elders hold significant influence,
guiding decisions and resolving disputes.

Where They Live:

While traditionally nomadic, some Badjao communities have settled in coastal areas, building stilt houses
over water or residing in makeshift dwellings along shorelines. They can be found in regions like
Zamboanga, Tawi-Tawi, and Basilan.
Primary Food:

The Badjao's diet primarily consists of seafood obtained through fishing and diving. Fish, shellfish, and
seaweed are staple components of their meals. They also forage for edible plants and fruits.

Livelihood:

Fishing and diving for pearls and other valuable marine resources have historically been the main
livelihoods for the Badjao. However, increasing environmental degradation, overfishing, and restrictions on
their traditional practices have challenged their way of life. Some have transitioned to other occupations
like trading, carpentry, or working in coastal resorts.

Place Where They Find:

Badjao communities can be found scattered across various coastal areas in the Philippines, particularly in
the southern regions of Mindanao and the Sulu Archipelago. They often inhabit areas near the sea, where
they can pursue their traditional livelihoods and maintain their cultural practices.

Reference:

"Bajau: Sea nomads of Southeast Asia" by Christina Fink: https://www.theatlantic.com/science/archive/2018/04/bajau-sea-

nomads-diving-evolution-spleen/558359/

"The World of the Badjao: Nomads of the Sulu Sea" by Eric Casiño:
https://books.google.com/books/about/A_Darkling_Sea.html?id=oCknAgAAQBAJ

Ethnobotanical Studies on Indigenous Communities in the Philippines: Current Status, Challenges, Recommendations and
Future Perspectives:

https://www.researchgate.net/publication/343923815_Ethnobotanical_Studies_on_Indigenous_Communities_in_the_Philip
pines_Current_Status_Challenges_Recommendations_and_Future_Perspectives