LUMAD

The Lumad are a group of Austronesian indigenous people in the southern Philippines.

The Lumad are the non-Muslim indigenous people in Mindanao. The collective term is used
to describe the about 13 ethnic groups of Mindanao, including the Blaan, Bukidnon,
Higaonon, Mamanwa, Mandaya, Manobo, Mansaka, Sangir, Subanen, Tagabawa, Tagakaulo,
Tasaday, and T'boli.

Why’s call lumad?

It is a Cebuano term meaning "native" or "indigenous". The term is short for Katawhang
Lumad (Literally: "indigenous people"), the autonym officially adopted by the delegates of
the Lumad Mindanao Peoples Federation (LMPF) founding assembly on 26 June 1986 at the
Guadalupe Formation Center, Balindog, Kidapawan, Cotabato, Philippines.

Wher’re they live?

Mindanao is home to a substantial part of the country's indigenous population, around 15%
of the Philippine's total population of over 100 million.

What language they speake?

The Lumad peoples speak Philippine languages belonging to various branches. These
include:

 Mindanao languages
 Manobo languages
 Subanon language
 South Mindanao languages
 Mansakan languages
 Mamanwa language
 Sangiric languages

What their struggle or issue

- ancestral land rights
Lumads face loss of ancestral lands due to land grabbing or militarization. Some
communities have been forced out of their lands for resisting encroachment by mining,
logging, and energy companies.
- Lumad killings
The terror is deliberate and premeditated in order to force indigenous communities away
from their ancestral lands. Because of that a total of 71 Indigenous leaders were killed.
Ninety-five cases of attacks against the 87 Indigenous schooling for children were also
recorded. More than 40,000 Indigenous peoples—whole communities whose social,
political, and economic life had been obstructed—had no choice but to evacuate because
their schools were attacked or their leaders had been murdered or incarcerated.
- Climate changes
Philippines is vulnerable to the effects of climate change. Climate change is threatening food
security among Lumads whose farmlands are affected by stronger typhoons and more
intense droughts, is also giving rise to various health issues, with Lumad communities
reporting health problems brought about by rising temperatures and diseases that spread
with changing rainfall patterns, such as dengue.

They way of living

 Lumads still prefer to live a traditional life.

 They are non-Muslim or non-Christian; instead, they believe in spirits and gods.
There is a god for land, water, and for the harvest, to name a few. Lumads believe
that the mountain is sacred.
 They also believe that death and illness or bad faith are God’s way of showing anger.
 The offering of live animals such as pigs and chicken are common during tribal
ceremonies for them to have a good harvest, health and protection, and
thanksgiving.
 The Lumad people who reside within the southern highland ranges are swidden
farmers and exercise little trade. Like many of its neighbors, the Bagobo community
is ruled by a class of warriors known as magani or bagani. The elaborate dress and
personal adornment of Bagobos are famous among anthropologists.
 The T’boli and Teduray are also acknowledged for their baskets, trinkets, bracelets,
and earrings created of brass. The T’boli’s t’nalak are prized fabrics deemed to be
inspired by the dreams of the woman weavers.
 On the mountains and plateaus of Bukidnon live those who call themselves
Higaonon, or “mountain dwellers”.
 The mountains and valleys parted Higaonon from their neighbors and may account
for why many of their traditions and customs have been maintained.
 The Mandaya, Agusan Manobo, and Ata share various cultural traits and social
institutions like clothing and religious rituals. They exercise slash-and-burn farming
and trade with neighbors. Warriors, commanded by the datu, are greatly valued and
respected.