● History: The Tau't Batu, also known as the "people of the rock," live in a very remote area unaffected by

political activities due to their small numbers and simple ways. They speak the native Palawan language and
practice many of the same beliefs of the Pala’wan. The only difference being this particular community, those
living in the area of Singnapan valley, take shelter in the large nearby caves during the rainy season. Because of
the heavy rains and flooding within the valley during the wet months, taking shelter within the caves is their best
protection. During the dry season, each family has its own land and house within the valley. The name Tau’t Bato
was given to these people by President Marcos back in the 70s because of their cave existence.

What are their Lives Like?

Location: The Tau't Batu people primarily inhabit the limestone cliffs and caves of the Tabon Caves Complex, located
in the municipality of Quezon in Palawan. They stay in the Singnapan Basin, a bowl-shaped valley in southwestern
Palawan. Their territory has Mt. Mantalingajan to the east and a coast to the west. Tau’t Bato is a small but articulate
subgroup of the Palawan tribes.

Clothing: Men wear G-strings made of bark and cloth, while women traditionally wear skirts made of cloth, though
some are beginning to wear blouses due to outside influence.

Housing: They live around cave dwellings, constructing houses from light and sturdy materials like saplings, with
sleeping and multi-purpose platforms.

Social Structure: They practice marriage groups called "ka-asawahan," forming basic social units that are further
grouped into larger associations known as "Bulun-bulun." The system is an arrangement of several couples
cohabitating in a single cave for residence. It is characterized by a system of sharing different kinds of social and
material exchanges such as food and other equipment.

Economy: They engage in agriculture (cassava, sweet potato, etc.), hunting, and foraging for carbohydrates, as well as
trade through barter ("Sambi") or monetary exchange ("Dagang").
Culture: They are music lovers, playing instruments like "Kubing" (a jaw harp) and "Kudlong" (a two-stringed lute)
alongside the gong. They are also skilled in basketry.

What are their Beliefs?

Religion: Their belief system revolves around spirits, which they serve and appease to gain blessings and avoid curses.

REFERENCES:

Jacob Maentz (2012). The Palawan Tau’t Batu in Singnapan Valley. Retrieved from:
https://jacobimages.com/2012/05/palawan-taut-bato-singnapan-valley

Joshua Project (2024). Tau’t Batu in Philippines. Retrieved from: https://joshuaproject.net/people_groups/19189/RP

 KUBING

KUDLONG