Republic of the Philippines

University of Makati

J.P. Rizal Ext. West Rembo, Makati City

Social Science and Philosophy

( Philippine Indigenous Community )

A Research Paper Presented by:

Espeño, Ryle Lyndon V.

Eleazar, Chabelita

Alcantara, Margarette R.

Panti, Carla Faye R.

Panadera, Clarisa A.

Submitted to:

Mr. Robert Sisa

 TABLE OF CONTENTS

REGION IX (Subanen) AND REGION X (B’laan)

I. INTRODUCTION
a. Speaks the region (location)
II. INDIGENOUS PEOPLE CULTURE
a. Mode of dress/Ethic attires
b. Ancestors
c. Way of life/means of living
III. SOCIO POLITICIAL AND RELIGIONS LIFE
a. Social life
b. Political life
c. Religion life
IV. RIGHTS/PRIVELEDGES
a. Flight/Fight
b. Situation
V. REALIZATION
VI. SUMMARY/CONCLUSION
VII. SOURCES

MAPS
PICTURES NEED SOURCES

INTRODUCTION
 A. Region 9

Zamboanga Peninsula is an administrative region in the Philippines, designated

as Region IX. The region consists of three provinces (Zamboanga del

Norte, Zamboanga Sibugay and Zamboanga del Sur) and two cities (Isabela

City and Zamboanga City; the former being part of Basilan province and the latter a

highly urbanized city). In view of the inclusion of the province of Basilan under the

Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao (ARMM), Region IX has been reorganized to

be known as Zamboanga Peninsula by virtue of Executive Order No. 36 composing

three (3) provinces, namely: Zamboanga del Norte, Zamboanga del Sur and

Zamboanga Sibugay; five (5) cities – Dapitan, Dipolog, Pagadian, Zamboanga and

Isabela; and sixty seven (67) municipalities (Figure 2). The biggest land component,

consisting of Zamboanga del Norte, Zamboanga del Sur, Zamboanga Sibugay and

Zamboanga City, is continuous with the mainland of Mindanao. All other land masses

are dispersed.

 https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zamboanga_Peninsula

Region IX has a total land area of 1,413,753.84 hectares, broken down as

follows:

Zamboanga del Norte with 624,444.02 hectares Zamboanga del Norte is a province in

the Philippines situated in the Zamboanga Peninsula region occupying the western

section of Mindanao. Its capital is the City of Dipolog.

 Zamboanga del Sur with 373,027.50 hectares Zamboanga del Sur occupying the

western section of Mindanao. Its capital is the City of Pagadian.

Zamboanga Sibugay with 251,439,32 hectares occupying the western section

of Mindanao. Its capital is the Municipality of Ipil.

Zamboanga City with 141,470 hectares (brief intro)and Isabela City with 23,373

hectares officially the City of Zamboanga (Chavacano: Ciudad de

Zamboanga; Tausūg: Dāira sin Sambuwangan; Tagalog: Lungsod ng Zamboanga), is a

1st class highly urbanized city in the Zamboanga Peninsula of the Philippines.

According to the 2015 census, it has a population of 861,799 people.[3] It is the 6th

most populous and 3rd largest city by land area in the Philippines.[3][4] It is the

commercial and industrial center of the Zamboanga Peninsula Region.

 https://www.philatlas.com/mindanao/r09.html

 https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zamboanga_City

The Subanen People of Mindanao

In the island of Mindanao, particularly in the Zamboanga Peninsula, there exists a

group of lumad or non-Muslim indigenous cultural community called the Subanen. They

are also known as Subanon or Subano, derived from the word “suba,” a Visayan word

meaning “river,” as most of their settlements can be found near rivers or mountain

streams. Approximately 175,000 inhabitants have been registered in areas such as

Zamboanga del Norte, Zamboanga del Sur, Zamboanga Sibugay, and extending up to

the mountainous area of Misamis Occidental

  http://www.ethnicgroupsphilippines.com/2016/03/21/the-subanen-people-of-

mindanao/

Zamboanga del Norte

Zamboanga del Norte became an independent province in the Zamboanga

Peninsula on June 6, 1952 through Republic Act No. 711. Zamboanga del Norte is

located at the western border of Mindanao. It is bounded on the north by Misamis

Occidental, on the east by Zamboanga del Sur, on the southern tip by Zamboanga city;

and by the Sulu Sea on the northwest.

One potential advantage of the province is its good climatic condition. It belongs

to the third and fourth types of climate. The southern part enjoys the third type which is

dry from the months of February to April and wet during the rest of the year while the

northern part enjoys the fourth type where rainfall is more or less evenly distribute

throughout the year except for the month of February which is hot season. The province

is not within the typhoon belt.

The only province in Western Mindanao that has two (2) cities, Dapitan, as the

Shrine City, where the famous Dr, Jose Rizal was exiled and Dipolog its capital city.

The province also boasts of the exotic and breathtaking panoramic views of its tourist

spots. It has 25 municipalities and 691 barangays.

The topographic condition of the province ranges from plain, slightly rolling,

rolling to hilly to mountainous. Most plain to nearly level lands are evident at the

outskirts of every municipality and the neighboring coastal barangays. Some small

patches of level lands are found along rivers.

 The province is also bounded by high mountain ranges from the north to the

south. Its highest peak is Mt. Dabiak with an elevation of 8,420 ft asl. It is also endowed

with many wide rivers and creeks emanating from the easterly mountain ranges and

drain at the Sulu Sea. Such important drainage system of the province are the Siocon,

Sindangan and Dipolog rivers. Its irregular coastline extending from the north to the

south covers a distance of 400 kilometers with occasional limited stretches of beaches

and coral reefs or mangrove areas with tidal channels. Some parts are ideal sites for

ports and harbors because of its deep waters.

Zamboanga del Sur

Zamboanga del Sur is situated in the eastern section of the Zamboanga

Peninsula. It is geographically within longitude 122°13' and latitude 7°15'. It is bounded

in the north by the Province of Zamboanga del Norte, on the east by the Provinces of

Misamis Occidental, Lanao del Norte, and Panguil Bay, in the south by Moro Gulf, and

in the southwest by Zamboanga City.

To the north and east portion of the province, topography is flat to gentle

undulating with mountainous area running along the northern boundary. The northern

portion is characterized by lowlands, hilly lands, and thickly forested mountain ranges

stretching across the entire province, while the coastal portions are linked with

mangrove trees.

The province is primarily agricultural. Its rich soil considerably low; rolling hills are

ideal for production of variety crops. Fishing is among the important industry of
Zamboanga del Sur, offering relatively unlimited opportunities due to the presence of

major fishing grounds in four (4) marine bays namely: Panguil Bay, Illana Bay, Maligay

Bay and Dumanquillas Bay embracing 766 kilometers of coastline.

Zamboanga del Sur has substantial reserves of primary metals like gold, copper,

chromite, iron, lead and manganese, including non-metallic minerals such as clay and

marble.

There are potential sources of non-conventional energy like the waters of

Lakewood, Lake Dasay, Lake Maragang, Tuburan Springs of Mahayag and the rivers of

Salug Duit in Josefina and Salug Daku in Molave.

The province is composed of 26 municipalities, 779 barangays and one (1) city-

Pagadian City.

Zamboanga del Sur has a relatively high mean annual rainfall that varies from

1,599 mm. in drier areas to 3,500 in the wettest. This is associated with its seasonal

distribution, which shows a short but quite dry period in the first quarter of the year. The

temperature is relatively warm and constant throughout the year ranging from minimum

temperature of 22 °C to a maximum day temperature of 35 °C.

Zamboanga Sibugay

Zamboanga Sibugay is formerly the Third Congressional District of Zamboanga

del Sur, and created pursuant to R.A. No. 8973 dated November 7, 2002 and Executive

Order No. 36 dated September 19, 2001. The province is named after Sibugay River

which travels through several municipalities.

 Zamboanga Sibugay is situated in the southern portion of the Zamboanga

Peninsula and its geographical location is longitude 123° 04’ 49.75” and latitude 7°

42’14.89”. It is bounded on the North by the Province of Zamboanga del Norte; on the

South by Sibuguey and Dumanquillas Bay; on the East, by the Province of Zamboanga

del Sur and on the West, by Zamboanga City. The province is composed of 16

municipalities, 388 barangays.

The province boasts of metallic and non-metallic mineral resources; chromite is

found in Palomoc, Titay ;manganese ore in Titay and Tungawan Gold in Guinabucan,

R.T. Lim; clay ore in Sulitan, Naga; Limestone in Olutangga; coal in Malangas, Siay,

Diplahan, Imelda and Payao.

The province’s water resources are from Sibuguey River along the municipalities

of Diplahan, Imelda, Siay and Payao.

There are five (5) major bays in the province of Zamboanga Sibugay, namely:

Dumanguillas Bay, portion is in Buug, Alicia, Siay, Kabasalan, Naga and Ipil; Sibuguey

Bay along Siay, Kabasalan, Naga and Ipil; Busan Bay in Tungawan; Moro Gulf in

Olutangga Island.

Zamboanga City

Zamboanga City is located on the western-most tip of the Zamboanga

peninsula. Before it became a chartered city, it was the governing Capital of the Moro

Province under the United States rule, encompassing the entire island of Mindanao and

the Sulu Archipelago Zamboanga was the first locality of the vast Moro Province to
become a chartered city status on October 12, 1936, reflecting its historical and

strategic importance as a center of government and commerce.

Zamboanga City is a busy international port strategically located on the Basilan

Straight. The city is bounded by the Sulu Sea to the West, the Moro Gulf and Celebes

Sea to the East, and is also surrounded by Tungawan Bay, Taguiti Bay, Malasugat Bay

to the East, Tictabon Channel and Basilan Straight to the South, and Caldera Bay to the

West. In physiography, it is bounded by the provinces of Zamboanga del Norte to the

north and by Zamboanga del Sur to the east, and also the Basilan Island to the south. It

is sheltered geographically from typhoons by the mountainous Basilan Island, Sulu

Archipelago, Palawan Island, and the main island of Mindanao.

The city's immediate coastal lowlands are narrow, with low, rugged hills located a

short distance inland. Its highest peak is Batorampon Point, measuring 1,335 meters

high (4,380 feet). It has an International seaport which can accommodate local inter-

island shipping and international ocean-going vessels and ferries. The city exports

rubber, pearls, copra, mahogany, and other fine hardwoods, fish, abaca, and fruit

products; rice is still imported. Situated in the southernmost terminus of the Pan-

Philippine Highway, it provides vital land transportation access to all the major cities of

the country. It also has an International Airport that is serviced by daily flight from three

major national airlines, and is increasing its international air traffic.

 B. Region 10

Northern Mindanao is an administrative region in the Philippines, designated

as Region X. It comprises five provinces:

Bukidnon is located at the center of Mindanao Island, southern part of the Philippines. It

is a landlocked province bounded on the North by the City of Cagayan de Oro, on the

South by North Cotabato and Davao City, on the East by Agusan del Sur and Davao del

Norte, and on the West by Lanao del Norte and Lanao del Sur.

Occupying a wide plateau in the North Central part of Mindanao, Bukidnon has a

progressive agriculture-based economy. It is a major producer of rice, corn, sugar,

coffee, rubber, pineapple, tomato, flowers, cassava, and other fruits and vegetables. It is

also a major producer of chicken, hogs, and cattle. Having the biggest agricultural area

with soils and climate highly suited to agriculture, Bukidnon is the main source of

agricultural products and raw materials that feeds the processing plants within the

province and the major processing centers of the region. Hence, Bukidnon is tagged as

the region’s “Food Basket”.

 https://bukidnon.gov.ph/about/about-bukidnon/

Camiguin

Camiguin The island of Camiguin is one of the most beautiful islands in the Philippines.

The advantage of Camiguin versus other local tourist destinations lies in the

"completeness" of its natural environment and the high diversity of the ecosystem. The
Provincial Government of Camiguin, together with the Local Government Units work

hand in hand in the improvement the delivery of its services and the meticulous

sustainable enhancement of the island's resources to attract more visitors as well as

investors.

 http://www.camiguin.gov.ph/about

Misamis Occidental The name ‘Misamis’ is believed to have been derived from the

Subano word ‘Kuyamis’ which is a variety of sweet coconut – the staple food of the early

settlers in this place. During the years the name persisted as an inference of

geographical location and upon the advent of the Spanish settlers, the word ‘Kuyamis’

easily gave way to the more conveniently pronounceable but corrupted word ‘Misamis’.

The Original inhabitants of this area were the Bukidnon who gradually retreated into the

interior following the steady influx of settlers from Cebu and Bohol

 https://misocc.gov.ph/history/

Misamis Oriental Called Mindanao’s nature front, Misamis Oriental is home to fine

beaches, fertile mountains and lush forest reserves, interesting dive sites, caves that

wait to be explored, and a diverse culture that begs to be experienced. Misamis Oriental

is one of the 5 provinces of Region X, otherwise known as Northern Mindanao

with Cagayan de Oro both serving as the capital of the province as well as the regional

capital.

 http://tourism-philippines.com/misamis-oriental/
Lanao del Norte is situated in Northern Mindanao, along the northwest and southwest

coast of the Mindanao Island. Its boundaries include Iligan Bay on the North, the

provinces of Lanao del Sur and Bukidnon to the East, Illana Bay and the Celebes Sea

to the South and Southwest, and the province of Zamboanga del Sur and Panguil Bay

to the West, with the province of Misamis Occidental on the opposite side of Panguil

Bay.

 http://lanaodelnorte.gov.ph/about-lanao-del-norte/

and two cities classified as highly urbanized, all occupying the north-central part

of Mindanao island, and the island-province of Camiguin. The regional center

is Cagayan de Oro. Lanao del Norte was transferred to Northern Mindanao from Region

XII (then called Central Mindanao) by virtue of Executive Order No. 36 in September

2001. It is comprised of 9 cities: Cagayan de Oro, Gingoog, El Salvador, Ozamiz,

Tangub, Oroquieta, Malaybalay, Valencia, and Iligan. The whole region covers a total

land area of 19,279.60 sqr km. with a total population of 4.297 million as of the 2010

Census. It has 84 municipalities and about 2,020 barangays.

Northern Mindanao, which geographically lies within Latitude 7º15′ to 9º15′ North

and Longitude 123º30′ to 125º30′ East, is bounded on the North by the Bohol Sea, on

the South by Lanao del Sur and North Cotabato; on the West by Zamboanga province

s; and on the East by Agusan Provinces and Davao.

 https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Northern_Mindanao

Blaan tribe
In the Philippines there are more than 40 different ethnic groups, most of these can be

found on the island of Mindanao, the second largest and southernmost island of this

tropical archipelago. The Blaan is a tribal community of Southern Mindanao, the name

stems from the composed words Blaand Anwhen combined the word Blaan means our

counterpart tribe.

It is believed by some that the name of theIslandofMindanaois derived from the Blaan

word Mahin that means sea and Lanao means lake; these combined words make

Mahinlanao; that means a body of water, referring to Lake Lanao that is considered as

the cradle of the Philippine civilization. Others say that the name of theIsland is taken

from the root word Danao which means Inundation or Flooding.

In early times the domain of the Blaan stretched from Sultan Kudarat to the Davao

region, they were outstanding hunters and food gatherers,relying wholly on food from

the forests and water from the rivers. They hunted wild animals and were reaping

grains, root crops, fruits and herbs in the once vast open territories. Their rich culture,

that is more than 7000 years old, is founded in traditions, but many have abandoned

their tribal roots and embraced modern life. Nevertheless in several Blaan communities

most of the tribes members remain proud of their heritage, traditions and their cultural

identity. Until today they wear their colourful garments and play their ritual music; they

dance their native dances, and sing their tribal songs in sacred chants.

 https://muntingnayon.com/104/104839/index.php

Bukidnon
 Bukidnon, which is the fourth largest province in the Philippines, makes up half of

Northern Mindanao. It has a sweeping amount of banana, sugarcane, and pineapple

plantations. On top of that, it is also Mindanao’s major producer of corn and rice. Those

who would want to escape the Metro’s unbearable heat could visit this city and enjoy its

cool climate brought about by the fact that it is a plateau about 915 meters above sea

level surrounded by a number of mountain ranges.

For adrenaline junkies, a visit to the Dahilayan Adventure Park would be a

fantastic idea! It offers numerous ATV rides, has activities for every member of the

family, and has the longest zipline in Asia. Speaking of great heights, Kampo Juan is

well-known for its 120-meter hanging bridge suspended 165 meters over a river. It

doesn’t stop there! Bukidnon is the home of Mt. Kitanglad – the fourth highest peak in

the Philippines at 2,899 meters. Moreover, it boasts Sumilao’s numerous caves, all of

which are worth exploring. Bukidnon isn’t just wealthy when it comes to its natural

resources, it is also rich in culture. It has the living heritage of the Manobo, the

Higaonon, the Talaandig, the Matigsalug, the Tigwahanon, the Bukidnon, and the

Umayamnon.

Camiguin

Contrary to the geographical size of Bukidnon, Camiguin serves as the second

smallest island in the Philippines with only around 240 square kilometers of land area.

To the surprise of many, within it actually lie seven volcanoes, hence Camiguin being
known as the island “born of fire.” Much of the island was formed through volcanic

eruptions and earthquakes.

Camiguin’s natural attractions are definitely what keeps visitors coming. White Island, a

sandbar, and Mantigue Island are great for swimming, snorkeling, and diving.

Additionally, for those who want to feel refreshed, cool waters amid ferns, boulders, and

trees may be found at Tuawasan Falls and Katibawasan Falls. Visitors may take a dip in

different springs as well. There’s Santo Niño Cold Spring, which offers waters at 20

degrees Celsius and tiny fishes that will give you an incredibly unique massage! In

contrast, individuals may take a hot dip in Ardent Hot Spring. Its temperature reaches up

to 40 degrees Celsius because its waters are heated by Mt. Hibok-Hibok, an active

volcano. Indeed, mountaineers and hikers would never run out of things to do here.

They can choose to take on the challenge of trekking on the steep volcanoes, with one

of them rising to a peak of over 1,600 meters. In addition to that, there are dive sites

and forests for exploring as well. As people venture this beautiful island, they must

keep their eyes wide open for what Camiguin is best known for – its sweet Lanzones, a

fruit about the size of a grape, with light brown skin and translucent flesh. This island will

certainly get nature lovers’ hearts racing to the beat of their content!

Lanao Del Norte

 Similar to most provinces in the region, land and water can be found on both

sides of Lanao del Norte. A combination of mountains, plateaus, and coastline makes

up its terrain. Iligan offers a significant number of tourist amenities. It has numerous

scenic spots including waterfalls (Tinago Falls, Mimbalut Falls, Maria Cristina Falls,

Limunsudan Falls, and Hindang Falls), cool springs, caves and fine beaches. On top of

that, it offers a couple of good hotels and inns with state of the art technology. What

makes Iligan distinct from other locations is its cultural mix of Christians, Muslims and

Higaonons. The combination of these different groups alongside a good marketing

strategy equates to the prevalence of a wide array of ethnic products which may be

found Iligan’s shopping centers. These various amenities collectively serve as an open

invitation for visitors to venture this particular city.

Misamis Occidental

Misamis Occidental is surrounded by different bodies of water. It has Iligan Bay

to the east, Panguil Bay to the southeast, and Mindanao Sea to the northeast. The

province’s terrain is mostly hilly. There are a ton of family-friendly activities in this area.

Visitors may opt to visit a mini zoo located within a mangrove forest at the Misamis

Occidental Aquamarine Park. Moreover, a variety of mangrove trees and a couple of

endangered species may be located in Baliangao Wetland Park as well. In line with this,

people have the option to check out a man-made sanctuary for rescued dolphins called

Dolphin Island. There’s also Lake Duminagat, a crater lake that was formed by volcanic

eruptions. It is famous because it supposedly has powers that may heal the people who
decide take a dip in it. Misamis Occidental is worth going to because besides the fact

that this place is picturesque because it is rich in natural resources, it is also a mix of

different cultures and Spanish influence.

Misamis Oriental

Misamis Oriental is the most convenient starting point when it comes to planning

a trip to Northern Mindanao because its provincial capital, Cagayan de Oro, has daily

flights to Manila and vice versa. For the adventurous type who seeks for thrill in nature,

White Water Rafting in Cagayan de Oro would definitely be a fantastic idea. Citizens of

CDO have developed the habit of rafting since the mid 80’s which is why it still remains

as one of the most popular pastimes in this part of the region. This recreational activity

allows individuals to become witnesses to the marvelous scenery of the Cagayan River.

Most Cagayan de Oro rafting companies pick people up in the city center. If it’s a large

group, they may be picked up at the location of their choice. The rafting starts at

Barangay Dansolihon, which is 20 kilometers from the city center. Starting from this

point, travellers will get to pass by the Lumbia Airport and the Macahambus Cave, which

was used by Filipino Soldiers during the second World War. There is no denying that

Misamis Oriental is absolutely rich in natural resources – both underwater and on land.
 II. INDIGENOUS PEOPLES CULTURE

A. Ethnic Attire

Ahtisa's attire was inspired by the

traditional outfit of the Subanon or the

Subanen tribe in the Zamboanga

Peninsula. Subanen people near Mount

Malindang. They are a non-Muslim

community whose tribe name comes from

AHTISA MANALO’S SUBANEN ATTIRE (2018)
the Visayan word “Suba” which means

“River.” Manalo’s national costume was designed by Amir Sali, who is also known in the

fashion industry as the “Prince of Beads.”—Amir Sali (citation)

 SUBANEN WEDDING ATTIRE

B. Ancestors
 The Central Subanen (2019)
Concentrated in the Eastern part of the Zamboanga Peninsula and in the

Sulu archipelago.
 The Kolibugan Subanen (2019)
Inhabit the Zamboanga Peninsula, Southern Zamboanga del Norte, and

some parts of Zamboanga del Sur. Their language is similar to that of the

Western Subanen but with some grammatical differences.

 The Lapuyan Subanen (2019)
Group lives in Lapuyan, a Subpeninsula of Zamboanga del Sur.
 Northern Subanen (2019)
Also known as Tuboy Subanen are concentrated in Tuboy, Sergio Osmena,

and Mutia in Zamboanga del Norte. There are also some northern Subanen

speakers residing in Salog, Misamis Oriental.

 Western Subanen (2019)
The language of the Western Subanen in the Zamboanga peninsula is also

called Siocon. They are found in the Zamboanga peninsula of Mindanao,

this language is known to others as Siocon.

Subanen (also, Subanon and Subanun). It is said that when the Muslims arrived in

Zamboanga and other parts of Mindanao, the original Indonesian settlers were pushed

back from the coastal areas to the river. Their name, Subanen, comes from “suba”

(river), and means “river people.” However, they later moved farther back to the

hinterlands away from the disturbances created by new settlers, such as the Visayans

and Spanish colonizers. Subanen villages are headed by a timuay (chief), who settles

the disputes and misunderstandings among the village members.

All Subanen subgroups have their own dialects, but they remain mutually

intelligible with each other.

C. Way of life/Means of Living

The Subanen people are known as the aborigines of the

Island of Mindanao and considered as the first inhabitants of

Pagadian City in Zamboanga del Sur. Originally, they lived

along the river banks, hence the name “suba” which means

“people of the river” but now they reside in the mountains, most of them as kaingineros.

They are described as generally a conservative and shy tribe.

Although rice and corn remain as the staple crops in

Zamboanga del Sur, production of crop yield is generally low

(2.5 tons/ha.) due to low temperature and low solar radiation

intensity prevailing in the highlands. In Midsalip, a cordial

town in Zamboanga del Sur, adlai is extensively cultivated. The town’s name came from

a Subanen word, “Migsalip” which means “to collect” or “to gather” and as the name

implies, the people here depends on nature as their source of livelihood.

 III. SOCIO-POLITICAL AND RELIGIOUS LIFE

BLAAN

SOCIAL LIFE

According to www.aswangproject.com, B'laan's language is Cebuano or B'laan

language. Tiruray and T'boli, which considered as distinct from the Central Philippine
group, are also included in the B'laan language as it is classified in a group. The B'laan
are one of the major non-Islamic tribal group in the Philippines.

In several B'laan Communities, most of the tribe members remain proud of their
heritage, traditions and cultural identity and some decided to abandoned their tribal roots
and embraced modern life ( Ronal De Jong 2016). According to www.aswangproject
com, the B'laan culture is fascinating in the differentiation of patterns that totally continue
it's psycho dynamics. As they continue life and their culture, until today they are together
as they sing their tribal songs and sacred chants and play ritual music then dance their
native dances. The elders are still continuing telling stories of old times to the next
generation. Family ties have always been recognized as one of the core values of Blaan
Communities, in which it is embedded in their culture. Their lives goes around with their
family.
POLITICAL LIFE

B'laan people have Traditional Political Practices. They have a leader which was
chosen by the community among nobles. According to the website www.kafyeblaan.com,
a man or a woman is qualified to become a fulung (leader) for as long as the man/woman
belongs to a fulung libun (family or former leaders or wisemen). There are certain
qualities and characteristics that must a fulung have like brave, loyal, trustworthy, honest,
generous, hospitable and friendly. The most important characteristic that the leader must
have is that he/she possess a lot of property. The elders of b'laan gives assistance to their
fulung because the fulung serves as the community's lawmaker, the law enforcer and
judge. According to www.aswang project.com, the B'laan is organized under a local datu
whos has autonomous authority over an area depending on his personal influence. This
position is hereditary and they follow the rule that the firstborn will come over for the
position.

RELIGIOUS LIFE

According to www.joshuaproject.net, the B'laans are animistic in belief. They

believe in a pantheon of gods. B'laans are strong believers of interdependence with the
environment and the need to respect the will of the creator. They perform rituals and give
offerings to their deities as they seek help and ask for sign for them to be able to know
where are the best fields to be planted when planting season comes and this is called
Mabah. According to www.aswangproject.com, The B'laan believes to Malu or D'wata
which is their great creator and the source of everything. Their tribe practices indigenous
rituals for almost everything that they do because the believe in the supremacy of their
great creator.
SUBANEN

SOCIAL LIFE

According to www.ethnicgroupsphilippines.com, subanens are the peaceful peasants in the hills.

They have little social stratification. Everyone is equal in the subanen community because
everyone has the same family for several years. They also considered that having more daughters
and sons are blessings. In their community, men and women work in the fields together and do
household chores if necessary. They also performed ritual dances in their tribes with an
accompaniment of their traditional instruments.

POLITICAL LIFE

According to www.yourbedinfo.blogspot.com, the political system of subanen

community is patriarchal, with the family as the basic unit of government. The subanen
people don't have political hierarchy at the village level. The Subanen's leader is called
Timuay which means head or leader. It implies civil and religious authority to the title
bearer. The timuay can be withdrawn and given to others which are assigned with the
responsibility of leading their community. The power of the timuay increases as his
people or families under him multiplies because of his great way of leading. On the
other hand, their power decreases if the families under him becomes dissatisfied with
his way of leading. Families under timuays have the rights to separate and transfer in
other groups who they think have a better timuay.

RELIGIOUS LIFE

The Subanen people have adopted either Islam, Catholicism or Protestant according to
www.yourbedinfo.blogspot.com. Subanen People believe in the duality of mortal life and
 spiritual realm. They believe if a man becomes ill, the cause is associated with the
supernaturals because they also believe that the illness is the connection between the man
and supernaturals. Subanen people believe that spirits are part of nature.

SOURCES

Blaan:

https://www.aswangproject.com/mythology-blaan-ethnic-group-mindanao/

https://muntingnayon.com/104/104839/index.php

https://joshuaproject.net/people_groups/12800/RP

http://www.kafyeblaan.com/

Subanen:

http://www.ethnicgroupsphilippines.com/2016/03/21/the-subanen-people-of- mindanao/

http://yourbeadinfo.blogspot.com/2018/06/subanon-people.html?m=1
IV. RIGHTS AND PRIVILEGES
REALIZATION
SUMMARY AND CONCLUSION
 SOURCES

I. INTRODUCTION

II. INDIGENOUS CULTURE

http://www.interaksyon.com/trends-spotlights/2018/11/09/137818/subanon-tribe-of-

mindanao-is-inspiration-for-ahtisa-manalos-national-costume/
http://www.ethnicgroupsphilippines.com/people/ethnic-groups-in-the-

philippines/subanen-western/

https://businessdiary.com.ph/6650/adlai-champion-crop-subanen-tribe/

III. SOCIO-POLITICAL AND RELIGIOUS LIFE

https://www.aswangproject.com/mythology-blaan-ethnic-group-mindanao/

https://muntingnayon.com/104/104839/index.php

http://www.ethnicgroupsphilippines.com/2016/03/21/the-subanen-people-of-mindanao/

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Subanon_people

IV. RIGHTS AND PRIVILEGES

DOCUMENTATION