Lesson 2

Folk Arts from Cagayan Valley and Central Luzon

CAGAYAN VALLEY
Cagayan Valley is Region II. It is a wide valley in the northeastern part of Luzon and
irrigated with the waters from Cagayan River - the longest river in the country. During the early
times, the valley is believed to be dominated by the elephants and other animals that are already
extinct in the Philippines. Fossils displayed in the National Museum includes bones and
skeletons of prehistoric animals. Recent archeological finds revealed that it is in Cagayan that the
earliest human appeared which dates back as far as 22,000 years old.
Cagayan Valley is composed of the provinces of Batanes, Cagayan, Isabela, Nueva
Viscaya, and Quirino.

BATANES
The Ivatans are the people living in Batanes group of islands. They are often visited by
typhoons. This is the reason why they learned to adapt to the frequent weather disturbances as
manifested in their stone houses made of limestone. Most of the Ivatans are farmers and
fishermen. They plant garlic and herd livestock such as cows.
The Ivatan women wears a head gear called vakul. It is a clothing to protect them from
the heat of the sun and during the rainy season. This special clothing is woven from abaca fiber
or the vuyavuy palm - a plant similar to coconut.

NUEVA VISCAYA
The Gaddangs of Nueva Viscaya are known for their crafts and textiles. Nueva Viscaya is
located near Ifugao, Benguet and Quirino. This province is mountainous.
Gaddang weavers are known for their bakwat, a belt used by mothers after giving birth.
This cloth, unlike of the ikat of the Ifugaos, is usually made of white with beads as accents and
patterns of rivers and mountains with beadworks on the central portion of the cloth.

BULACAN
The historic town of Bulacan is regarded as the center for canon-making before the
coming of Spain. It was in Barasoain Church where the first written constitution in Asia was
adopted and many more historic events.
Bulacan arts and crafts include the singkaban, pastillas wrapper, and fire crackers.
Singkaban is the local term for bamboo arches elaborately designed with kayas. The old Bulacan
women usually cut intricately pastillas wrappers with different linear, curvilinear, and geometric
designs that blend with the color of the paper. Puni or poni is decoration during fiestas and
special occasions made from young coconut leaves - those that are popularly used during Palm
Sunday. The province is also known for its fire cracker industry. Fire crackers are enjoyed by
many people especially at night during fiestas and celebrations.
PAMPANGA
Pampanga is known for its giant lanterns or parol, Big lanterns with several lights, shapes,
and colors are used to adorn houses, streets, and buildings especially during Christmas season.
These lanterns serve as inspiration to many Filipinos and reminds us of our identity as a nation.
Food is an important part of Pampango culture and a source of artistic expression. A
cabalen is to have a delicate taste. This type of art is called culinary art the art of preparing food.
The Pampangos also incorporate the arts in their food such as weaving the coconut leaves
wrapping for their delicacy called patupat.

ZAMBALES, TARLAC, NUEVA ECIJA, AND BATAAN

Nueva Ecija is known for its rice production. Aside from rice, they also plant onions,
garlic, and other vegetables. In the Tanduyong Festival, the Nueva Ecijanos celebrate
thanksgiving for a bountiful harvest each year.
Tarlac and Bataan played important roles in shaping the Philippine history and
government. The last defense of the Filipinos and American troops in the Philippines fell to the
Japanese forces during World War II After the fall of Bataan, prisoners of war marched from
Bataan to Tarlac in a historic Death March.
Zambales is known for its mangoes and other indigenous fruits such as camachile, cashew,
and others. Because of its proximity to Mount Pinatubo, Aetas are often found in the public
market of Iba selling their baskets, bilao, and other woven products made from bamboo, rattan,
and other materials that thrives in the mountains.
Patupat, a delicacy from Pampanga are also found in the Iba market together with other
native delicacies.
Folk arts in these provinces resulted from the merging of the traditional belief and
Christianity. The unique blend created by this merger provided a new horizon in the art
particularly in making jewelries, bead works, and other souvenir items particularly those that are
sold in Subic and Olongapo City.