REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES

Sorsogon State College

CASTILLA CAMPUS
Mayon, Castilla, Sorsogon

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Short History
Upon conquering the massive mountains of Sierra Madre, there resides a smiling place, the
Cagayan Valley welcomes you with its lengthy river. In locale, there’s this ethnic group called
“Ibanag” this tribe was first introduced by the Spaniards in Lal-lo. The term “ibanag” came from
the prefix “I” which means “people of” and “Ibanag” means river. Most of the Ibanag people
lived in Northeastern provinces of Isabela, Cagayan and Nueva Vizcaya.
Livelihood
The Ybanag are lowland farmers that used to inhabit the area along Cagayan coast but migrated
further inland. They conducted trade with neighboring areas using distinctive seacrafts, and
their commercial interests made their language the medium of commerce throughout the
region before the influx of Ilocano migrants. They are also excellent blacksmiths and continue
to make good bolos, and they engage in fishing and farming.
Beliefs
The Ibanags believe in spirite which inhabit the world. They call the “y ari nga masingang” or
“those who cannot be seen” to appease these spirits, they make offerings. When a person
experienced a nightmare the he/she should hit a tree that bears sour fruit using a bolo. Ibanags
believe that doing “Ikattag” will prevent the bad dream from happening. They also believe in
some animals or insects that may cause them harm. They believe that if a butterfly enters your house,
this is a secret message that you must be mindful. Black, a color that symbolizes darkness that is
why they believe that whenever a black butterfly enters your abode, it is a sign of death. But, if
the color of the butterfly is the favorite color of a deceased family member, Ibanags believes
that it is their departed loved ones. Usually this makes them happy because someone guards
them. Animal sacrifice has figured prominently in many Ibanag rituals. During fiestas, the
animal offering is accompanied by the “Zambali” and the “Parosa” a song and dance
dramarization of the life of particular patron saint of a barangay.
Despite having so many superstitious beliefs, Ibanags show great relationship with their
families, relatives and friends, and they are also religious and kind-hearted ones.
Marriage
The Ibanags are clannish in a barrio, each one is a relative of someone. Marriage customs,
moreover have been made simple. Wedding expenses are shouldered by both the bride and
groom, unlike before that only the groom’s parents take over all the expenses. Preparations
need not be extravagant, but the umune-ca parents (dowry) and maginterga are still part of the
traditions. The cycle starts with courtship that is characterized by the spirit of perseverance,
respect and serenade (harana) and followed by an indeterminate length of time working for the
family (farm and home chores) which may last for some years. The night before the wedding
the man should go to the house of the woman and bring: Banig, bigas, baboy, kabinet, and
kabang. The man should bring all of these because they said that the man should provide their
needs as a married couple.
Their Politics and Conflict Resolution
The early Cagayanes lived in villages governed by an Urayan holding executive powers, an
Ukom or judge and a kammaranan who made policies and regulations of the community.
Practices
Practices are being done according to the situation.
1. When a child have ailments or impurities in his/her body, Ibanags have rituals wherein
they believe it can cure such diseases. “Mannusian” is for the delayed teething,
“Mammassing” for skin disease and “Makimedias” for foot diseases. Godparents must
provide the materials and participate in the ritual but when the illness simultaneously
occurred to the child a practice called “Mamalagun” will be conducted.
2. Mamalagun is the practice of changing the child’s name/nickname. It can be a dead
relative’s name or name from the bible. Many Ibanags believe that it gives healing to a
sick child and the evil spirit that causes the illness will be confused.
3. Mawagga is the practice of washing clothes in the river after the burial of a deceased
relative. Ibanags believe that it will wash away bad luck usually this particular belief,
brings family closer together because they bring food to have a picnic beside the river.
Mawwagga is the process of accepting the truth for the bereaved family.
4. Ibanag people must greet ” Dios Apu!” before entering a house or passing by. It is a sign
of respect and acknowledgement to a person especially to the older people.”Dios Apu”
is an Ibanag word which means “Mano po”
5. When a person experienced a nightmare the he/she should hit a tree that bears sour
fruit using a bolo.
6. During pregnancy, couples go through a ritual involving the use of “lutong” or container
used for feeding pigs. They use a small piece of it to be served on a full moon, then
chanting of prayers to ensure the health of the expectant mother.
Language
The Ibanag language (also Ybanag or Ibanak ) is spoken by up to 500,000 speakers, most
particularly by the Ibanag people, in the Philippines, in the northeastern provinces of Isabela
and Cagayan, especially in Tuguegarao, Solana, Abulug, Cabagan, and Ilagan and with overseas
immigrants in countries located in the Middle East, United Kingdom and the United States.
Most of the speakers can also speak Ilocano, the lingua franca of northern Luzon island.
Ibanag has their own unique Language called “ybanag” some words in their language was
adopted from Spanish words.
Example: puerta – door silya chair