KALINGA PEOP

PHILIPPINES

SIR. KING SATSATIN

LAMSEN, CAMILLE JOY M.

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THE KALINGA PEOPLE

An indigenous ethnic group whose ancestral domain is in the Cordillera

Mountain Range of the northern Philippines. They are mainly found in Kalinga
province. Some of them, however, already migrated to Mt. Province, Apayao,
Cagayan, and Abra.

Among the multifarious sub-tribes that exist in the area, the Kalinga people are
its most prominent: an indigenous collective of traditional rice farmers and
craftsmen which, throughout its vast history, has successfully avoided
colonization.

Like most tribal groups, language is the chief distinguishing feature within their
culture. Although many of the groups speak a language from the same family,
their particular dialects may not be understood by neighboring tribes.

In the past, quite a number of these tribes practiced different forms of

headhunting. Inter-tribal fights were common, often resulting from disagreements
over territory.

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HISTORY OF KALINGA
Kalinga originated from the Gaddang
and Ibanag languages meaning,
“headhunter”. They greatly value family
and kinship; thus, the household,
extended household of the kinship
circle, and territorial region are
significant units of Kalinga society. In
the past, they gained leadership and
respect through headhunting, along
with other skills at which an individual
excelled.

The act of being tattooed is a

In the days gone by, headhunting was
distinctive feature of the
once regarded as a noble “pursuit” and
Kalinga people, despite it has
symbolized bravery. Theirs was a
fallen out of favor with the
warrior society that accorded tattoos as
current young generations.
status symbols awarded to warriors
The designs are symbolic of
which men respected and women
strength and power. For the
admired.
men of the tribe, tattoos
represent courage and the
Kalinga was first organized as a
stages of being a Kalinga
political realm under American political
warrior, while for women they
rule when Mountain Province was
symbolize maturity, fertility
created by the Philippine Commission
and beauty.
Act 1876 on August 18, 1912. It was
one of the five sub-provinces then of
Mountain Province when it was divided
into several, sub-provincial units along
ethnic lines.

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The Kalingas are divided geographically into the following:
Butbut Kalinga
The Butbut Kalinga reside in Tinglayan, Kalinga. Farming is their main source of
livelihood, as the province has a rugged and mountainous topography.

Limos Kalinga
Also known as the Northern Kalinga and Limos-Liwan Kalinga, the Limos Kalinga live
in Kalinga Province.

Lower Tanudan Kalinga

The Lower Tanudan Kalinga are found in the southern part of Kalinga. Their language,
which is most intelligible with that of the Limos Kalinga, has three dialects: Minangali,
Tinaloctoc, and Pinangol.

Lubuagan Kalinga
Kalinga, a landlocked province in the northernmost area of the Cordillera Region, is
bounded by the provinces of Cagayan and Apayao in the north; Mount Province in the
south; and Abra in the west. The larger elements of Cagayan and Isabela are found on
its eastern part. The Kalinga Lubuagan inhabit the Kalinga and Apayao provinces; their
language widespread and used in almost all the municipalities of Kalinga, and has five
dialects. Thus, warriors, mingol, enjoyed a higher status in Kalinga society. The
bodong, a peace-pact in Kalinga culture was an indigenous socio-political system that
defined inter-tribal relationships. It was developed to minimize traditional warfare and
headhunting, as well as, served as an institutional ‘renewal’; maintenance, and
reinforcement of social ties. Later, bodong was expanded into a multi-lateral peace-
pact intended to strengthen unity in the Cordilleras.

Mabaka Valley Kalinga

The Mabaka Valley Kalingas, who inhabit the southeastern part of Kalinga, are also
known as the Kal-Uwan, Mabaka, and Mabaka Itneg.

Madukayang Kalinga
The Madukayang Kalinga are concentrated in southern Mountain Province. Their
language is mutually intelligible with Limos Kalinga and Balangao (83%.)

Southern Kalinga
There are about 13 villages in Kalinga province where Southern Kalinga live. Their
dialects include Sumadel-Tinglayan Kalinga, Malango, and Bangad.

Upper Tanudan Kalinga

The Upper Tanudan Kalingas reside in the southern part of Tanudan Valley in Kalinga
Province, not too far from Mountain Province.

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