Name of Topic & Origin of the Name:

The Blaan people, they are one of the indigenous peoples of Southern Mindanao in the
Philippines. Their name could have derived from "bla" meaning "opponent" and the suffix "an"
meaning "people". Other terms used to refer to this group are blaan, bira-an, baraan, bilanes, and
bilaan. The B’laan who are one of the minority ethnic groups, currently comprise the third largest
cultural minority living within the island of Mindanao.
Place of Origin:
The Blaan are neighbors of the T'boli, and live in Lake Sebu and T'boli municipalities of
South Cotabato, Sarangani, General Santos City, the southeastern part of Davao and around Lake
Buluan in North Cotabato. Some B’laan natives were displace when General Santos was founded
in 1939. Others settled in the city.
Subgroups if there are any:
The B’laan are composed of three subgroups from Koronadal (Tagalagad), Sarangani
(Tumanao), and Davao.
Languages:
These indigenous people speak their B’laan language alongside with Cebuano as well as
Filipino. Their language is said to be the source of the name for Koronadal City, from two Blaan
words – kalon meaning cogon grass and nadal or datal meaning plain, which aptly described the
place for the natives.
Population:
301,620 "2010 Census of Population and Housing: Philippines" Philippine Statistics Authority.
- Regions with significant populations
Soccsksargen, Davao
Sarangani 120,954
Davao del Sur 89,949
South Cotabato 48,391
General Santos City 20,769
Sultan Kudarat 9,078
North Cotabato 5,988
Davao City 3,285

Indigenous Blaan religion:

Blaan people have deities that can relate to their nature.
• Melu – The Supreme Being and creator. He has white skin and gold teeth. He is assisted
by Fiuwe and Tasu Weh.
• Sawe – Joined Melu to live in the world
 • Fiuwe – A spirit who lived in the sky.
• Diwata – A spirit who joined Fiuwe to live in the sky
• Tasu Weh – The evil spirit.
• Fon Kayoo – The spirit of the trees.
• Fon Eel – The spirit of water.
• Fon Batoo – The spirit of rocks and stones.
• Tau Dilam Tana – The spirit who lives in the underworld
• Loos Klagan – The most feared deity, uttering his name is considered a curse.
Practices:
Their means of livelihood are swidden farming. B’laans are famous for their rich and
colorful cultutral heritage, ethnic art and handicrafts like the brassworks, beadwork, and tabih
weave. Musical instruments, like wooden flutes, and bamboo tubes with strings are used
extensively with their rituals and dances.
The tribe practices indigenous rituals while adapting to the way of life of modern Filipinos.
B’laans have kept themselves culturally, politically, and economically distinct from their
Muslim neighbors; they have never succumbed to the rule of the datuships. Thus, most of B’laan
traditions, customs, and way of life have remained intact.
Status of women and their role in peace:
According to Dr. Joan Christi S. Trocio from the University of Santo Thomas (UST),
amidst the war and conflict in Mindanao, the Blaan women embrace a culture of peace which may
serve as an alternative in promoting and sustaining peace in Mindanao. This culture of peace is
gleaned from Katnak, the concept and cultural experience of peace of the Blaan women of
Lamlifew community, which upholds the values of communion with Dwata, formation of the
young, stewardship of creation, responsible leadership, physical well-being, family solidarity,
productivity and sustainability.
5 current problems:
In South Cotabato, Mindanao, Philippines, the B'laan tribe is one of the provinces that houses
indigenous groups who:

• have extremely limited access to health care delivery systems,

• and are the most susceptible to natural disasters
• as well as armed conflicts.
• They have also been denied access to education and land property.
• However, globalization has caught up with the B’laan. Logging and mining companies
have devastated their lands, lands that they hold sacred — a gift from Adwata. But the
B’laan remain strong against adversities and continue holding on to that which is most
precious to them: their identity.