Dante Orpiana Jr = Part (Igorot, T’bo;I,)

Johnvher Montero = Part (Mangyan, Badjao)

Hans Kenji Sanchez = Part (Manobo, Aeta)
Igorot

Brief Description: The Igorot people are a collective term for several ethnic groups living in the
Cordillera region of Luzon. They are known for their intricate rice terraces, which are UNESCO
World Heritage Sites, and their rich cultural heritage.
Location: Primarily found in the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR) in northern Luzon,
particularly in provinces such as Benguet, Ifugao, Mountain Province, Kalinga, and Apayao.
Dialect: Various Igorot groups speak distinct languages or dialects such as Ilocano, Kankanaey,
Ifugao, and Bontoc.
Problems: Land disputes and threats to ancestral lands due to development projects such as
mining and dams have been ongoing issues for Igorot communities. According to a report by the
Cordillera Peoples Alliance (CPA), indigenous communities in the Cordillera region continue to
face land grabbing and militarization, particularly in areas targeted for large-scale mining
operations. Source: Cordillera Peoples Alliance - "National minority groups decry military
abuses"
Recent Update: In a recent development, Igorot activists and environmental advocates protested
against the construction of a hydroelectric dam project in Kalinga province. The project, which
threatens the environment and livelihoods of indigenous communities, has faced opposition from
local residents and environmental groups. Source: Rappler - "Indigenous groups continue
protests vs Kaliwa Dam"
 T'boli

Brief Description: The T'boli are an indigenous group known for their vibrant culture,
particularly their intricate brasswork, beadwork, and T'nalak weaving. They have a rich oral
tradition and are known for their musical heritage.
Location: Primarily found in the province of South Cotabato on the island of Mindanao,
particularly around Lake Sebu.
Dialect: The T'boli language belongs to the Austronesian language family and is spoken by the
T'boli people.
Problems: Land rights issues and environmental degradation have been significant challenges
for the T'boli people. According to a report by the Philippine Daily Inquirer, T'boli communities
in South Cotabato have faced displacement and environmental destruction due to large-scale
mining operations in their ancestral lands. Source: Philippine Daily Inquirer - "Mining and
militarization in T'boli ancestral domain"
Recent Update: Despite ongoing challenges, there have been efforts to promote T'boli culture
and heritage. In a recent development, T'boli weavers showcased their traditional T'nalak fabrics
at a cultural festival in Lake Sebu, South Cotabato, highlighting the importance of preserving
indigenous crafts. Source: SunStar - "T'boli weavers highlight culture at Lake Sebu festival"
 Manobo

Brief Description: The Manobo are a diverse group of indigenous peoples inhabiting various
parts of Mindanao. They have distinct cultural practices, languages, and traditions.
Location: Manobo communities are spread across Mindanao, with significant populations in
provinces such as Agusan del Sur, Bukidnon, Davao del Norte, and Surigao del Sur.
Dialect: There are several subgroups of Manobo, each with its own language or dialect. These
include the Ata-Manobo, Agusan-Manobo, and Matigsalug, among others.
Problems: Manobo communities face various challenges, including land displacement,
militarization, and lack of access to basic services. According to a report by Al Jazeera, Manobo
communities in Mindanao have been affected by armed conflict and displacement due to clashes
between the military and armed groups. Source: Al Jazeera - "Philippines' Manobo caught in
crossfire"
Recent Update: In a positive development, the Department of Education launched a program to
provide modular learning materials in the Manobo language, aiming to improve access to
education for indigenous students. The initiative is part of efforts to promote mother tongue-
based multilingual education in indigenous communities. Source: Manila Bulletin - "DepEd
delivers self-learning modules in Manobo language"
 Badjao

Brief Description: The Badjao, also known as the Sea Gypsies or Sama Dilaut, are a maritime
nomadic indigenous group known for their seafaring lifestyle. They traditionally live on
houseboats and have a deep connection to the sea.
Location: The Badjao people can be found in various coastal areas of the Philippines,
particularly in the Sulu Archipelago, Tawi-Tawi, Zamboanga City, and other coastal regions in
Mindanao.
Dialect: The Badjao language belongs to the Sama-Bajaw language group and is spoken by the
Badjao people.
Problems: Poverty, discrimination, and lack of access to education and healthcare are some of
the challenges faced by the Badjao community. According to a report by ABS-CBN News,
Badjao communities in Zamboanga City struggle with poverty and lack of basic services, leading
to concerns about the well-being of children and families. Source: ABS-CBN News -
"Zamboanga City's Badjao face poverty, lack of services"
Recent Update: In a recent development, a local nonprofit organization launched a livelihood
program for Badjao women in Zamboanga City, providing training in sewing and handicrafts to
empower women and improve their economic opportunities. Source: Manila Bulletin -
"Livelihood program for Badjao women launched"
 Mangyan

Brief Description: The Mangyan are a group of indigenous peoples living in the island of
Mindoro. They are composed of several distinct ethnic groups, each with its own language,
culture, and traditions.
Location: Mangyan communities are primarily located in the island of Mindoro, particularly in
the provinces of Oriental Mindoro and Occidental Mindoro.
Dialect: There are several Mangyan subgroups, each with its own language or dialect. These
include the Iraya, Alangan, Tadyawan, Buhid, and Hanunoo Mangyan.
Problems: Land rights issues, poverty, and environmental threats are significant challenges for
Mangyan communities. According to a report by Rappler, Mangyan communities in Mindoro
have faced land grabbing and deforestation, leading to environmental degradation and loss of
livelihoods. Source: Rappler - "Mangyan tribe opposes land grab in Mindoro"
Recent Update: In a recent development, a Mangyan community in Oriental Mindoro received
support from a local government unit to establish a community-based ecotourism project, aiming
to promote sustainable livelihoods and cultural preservation while protecting the environment.
Source: Philippine News Agency - "Mangyan community launches ecotourism project"
 Aeta

Brief Description: The Aeta are one of the indigenous peoples in the Philippines who are
thought to be among the earliest inhabitants of the archipelago. They have a unique culture and
are known for their resilience and adaptability to various environments.
Location: Aeta communities can be found in different parts of Luzon, including Zambales,
Tarlac, Pampanga, and Bataan.
Dialect: Various Aeta subgroups speak their own languages or dialects, which belong to the
Austronesian language family.
Problems: Aeta communities face challenges such as land displacement, poverty, and lack of
access to basic services. Land grabbing and deforestation have threatened their ancestral lands,
and they often encounter discrimination and marginalization in society.
Recent Update: In a recent development, Aeta leaders and activists protested against a
government project that threatens their ancestral lands in Zambales. The project involves the
construction of a mega-dike, which Aeta groups claim would displace them from their homes
and farms. Source: Inquirer.net - "Aetas to sue gov’t over mega-dike project"