5 LANGUAGES & CULTURES THATCULTURE

ARE SLOWLY DYING

LANGUAGE
Bontoc Kalinga Tattooing
Kapampangan Ikat Weaving
Kinaray - a Palaw an Weaving
Yakan Panay Bukidnon Music & Dance
Ivatan Ivatan House Building Techniques

LANGUAGES
Bontok — A Cordillera-based language, is facing decline due to Filipino and English use, but
efforts are underway to preserve it through education and cultural events.
Kapampangan —An Austronesian language in Central Luzon, is being replaced by Tagalog,
and community-led initiatives aim to promote the language through language classes, cultural
programs, and educational resources.
Kinaray-a — A Visayan language in Western Visayas, is experiencing a decline due to the
influence of Tagalog and English, prompting local organizations to revitalize it through language
immersion programs and learning centers.
Yakan — Spoken in Muslim Mindanao, is threatened by societal changes and Filipino and
English dominance. To preserve it, Yakan communities are promoting documentation, cultural
festivals, and intergenerational transmission. The Ivatan Language, spoken in Batanes Islands, is
critically endangered.
Ivatan —Language, spoken in Batanes Islands, is critically endangered due to migration,
intermarriage, and Filipino influence. Community is working on revitalization programs.

CULTURES
Kalinga tattooing — An ancient art form, is declining due to societal attitudes and modern
techniques. Government, cultural organizations, and younger generations should promote
awareness, organize festivals, and workshops to revive this tradition.
Pala’wan weaving — A centuries-old craft, is endangered due to declining skilled weavers and
modern textile preference. Government should establish weaving centers, collaborate with
fashion designers, and incorporate Pala’wan textiles into mainstream fashion for revitalization.
Ivatan house building techniques —Batanes Islanders, have developed unique house building
techniques, known as “Ivatan Houses,” to withstand harsh weather conditions, symbolizing their
resilience and adaptability, and preserving their architectural legacy but it is slowly dying due to
Architectural preference.
The Panay Bukidnon tribe’s traditional music and dance — are facing extinction due to lack
of interest and recognition. To revive this cultural treasure, local schools and community centers
should incorporate Panay Bukidnon programs, collaborate with local bands, and organize
cultural exchange programs.
Ikat weaving — Globalization is posing a threat to the tradition in the Blaan village, with only
three active weavers remaining.