REGION I

The Ilocos, designated as Region I, is an administrative region of the Philippines. Located in the
northwestern section of Luzon, it is bordered by the Cordillera Administrative Region to the east, the
Cagayan Valley to the northeast and southeast, Central Luzon to the south, and the West Philippine Sea
to the west. The region comprises four provinces: Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, La Union, and Pangasinan,
along with one independent city, Dagupan City.

The region was originally inhabited by Negritos as early as 30,000 BC but over time, these early settlers
were displaced by successive waves of Austronesian migrants who arrived via the region's narrow coastal
areas using traditional boats known as balangay boat (referred to as biray or bilog in Ilocano). The
migrations are explained by the widely accepted "Out of Taiwan" hypothesis, which posits that Neolithic
Austronesian peoples migrated from Taiwan, forming the ancestral populations of contemporary
Austronesians.

INDIGENOUS PEOPLE
Any ethnic group that self identifies as indigenous, has historical continuity with pre-colonial societies,
and maintains a strong connection to their ancestral territories and natural resources.

INDIGENOUS CULTURAL COMMUNITIES

Subset of Indigenous People who maintain their traditional way of life, cultural practices, and a structure
within a define territory.

7 DOMINANT IP GROUPS IN REGION I

1.ISNAG/ISNEG/YAPAYAO

2.ITNEG/TINGUAN

4.BAGO

5.IBALUI

6.KALANGUYA

7.LOWAK

BAGO PEOPLE

The Bago (Bago Igorot) were identified first in the municipality of Pugo in the southeastern side of La
Union. During the Spanish Christianization period, they were referred to as “Bagong Kristyano” (new
Christians).
There were issues against Bago tribe from the very start of its organization saying that Bagos are just
either Ilocanos or Igorots and not an Indigenous Peoples (IP) or distinct ethnic group because they do
not have their own, territorial domain, language and distinct culture and tradition. IPs are supposed to
be are those whose ancestors were existed prior to colonization and were called the nonChristians.

In the just concluded Bago Tribal Congress, the above issues and questions were given answers and
clarifications.

According to them, Bagos are the hilltribe dwellers and original inhabitants in the border regions
between Ilocos and Cordillera mountains different from their neighboring tribes and other adjacent
ethnic groups whose ancestors are early inhabitants of the country prior to colonization.

Certificate of Ancestral Domain and Land Titles were awarded to the Bago tribe in Bakun, Benguet,
Alilem and Sugpon, Ilocos Sur. On the process are Pugo, La Union; San Emilio and Cervantes, Ilocos Sur.
This proves that Bago ancestors are inhabitants in their areas since time immemorial.

Generally, the Bagos speak the dialect akin to the Kankanaey, Tingiuans and Ibalois; however, to this day;
most of them speak the Iluko dialect with distinct intonation.

The Bagos have their own culture which has persisted to this time despite the inroads of western
influence and the so-called modernization. This culture was preserved despite of the influence of
lowland brothers. However, the Bago rituals, practices, customs, systems and beliefs are also common to
the Kankanaeys, Tingiuans and Ibalois; though with little difference in terms of procedures of performing
these rituals.

The Bago integration with the other hilltribes and intermarriages with the Ilocanos, Tagalogs, Visayas or
Muslims is the reason for the virtual losing of its own identity. That’s why some people claim that the
Bago tribe is non-existent because they could not trace their place in history.

KALANGUYA

The Kalanguya (also sometimes called the Ikalahan) are an Austronesian ethnic group most closely
associated with the Philippines’ Cordillera Administrative Region, but who also live in the provinces of
Nueva Vizcaya, Nueva Ecija, and Pangasinan. While this area spans Region I, the Cordillera Administrative
Region, and Region II, it represents a largely geographically contiguous area.

The exact origins of the Kalanguya people remain a subject of debate and ongoing research. However,
several theories provide insights into their historical development:
- Migration from the Lowlands: One theory suggests that the Kalanguya people originally resided in the
lowlands but migrated to the mountains to escape persecution by the Spanish colonizers . This migration
would have taken place during the Spanish colonization period, which began in the 16th century.
- Descent from Mount Pulag: Another theory proposes that the Kalanguya people descended from
Mount Pulag, a sacred mountain in the Cordillera region, and subsequently settled in various high-
altitude areas . This theory aligns with the Kalanguya people's belief that they originated from Mount
Pulag, as documented in their oral traditions.
- Cultural Similarities with Other Cordillera Groups: The Kalanguya people share cultural similarities with
other Cordillera groups, such as the Ibaloi and Kankana-ey, suggesting a shared ancestry and historical
interactions . These similarities include their belief systems, rituals, and agricultural practices.

Geographical Distribution and Settlement Patterns

The Kalanguya people are dispersed across a geographically contiguous area spanning the Cordillera
Administrative Region, Region I, and Region II . Their settlements are typically located in mountainous
regions, often near rivers and forests. The Kalanguya people have a strong connection to their land and
its resources, relying on traditional agricultural practices and sustainable living methods.

Challenges and Resilience

Despite their rich cultural heritage and resilience, the Kalanguya people face various challenges in the
modern world:
- Land Tenure Issues: Land tenure issues, including encroachment by outsiders and lack of formal
recognition of their ancestral domains, pose a significant threat to their traditional way of life.
- Environmental Degradation: Deforestation, mining, and other forms of environmental degradation are
impacting their natural resources and traditional livelihoods.
- Cultural Loss: The influence of modernization and globalization is leading to the erosion of traditional
cultural practices and languages.

ISNAG

The Isnag people, also known as Isneg or Apayao, are an Austronesian ethnic group native to Apayao
Province in the Philippines’ Cordillera Administrative Region, with populations also found in parts of
Cagayan, Ilocos Norte, and Abra. Their native language is Isnag, although most Isnag also speak Ilocano.

The Isneg settlements are mostly along the river, but they do farming up the hills at certain times of year.
Their villages are small and houses, close together, for security and companionship. The traditional
house sits on four large wooden posts and has colourful adornments. There are two important rituals
that bind the Isneg. Say-am is a feast celebrated by an affluent Isneg family, usually accompanied by
wining, eating, and dancing. In contrast, pildap is celebrated by the poorer members of the tribe when a
family transfers to another place or when someone seeks healing.

History and Origins

The Isneg are believed to be descendants of the Proto-Austronesians, who migrated from South China
thousands of years ago. They later adopted the practice of jar burial from other groups they encountered
and also interacted with Chinese traders who plied the seas south of the Asian mainland.

The Isneg have a long history of resistance against colonial powers. They fought against the Spanish for
over two centuries, starting in the 17th century, and were the last ethnic group to be conquered by the
American colonialists in 1923.
Geography and Settlement

The Isneg primarily reside in the Apayao Province, which is located in the Cordillera region of Northern
Luzon. They are also found in portions of Cagayan and Ilocos Norte.

The Isneg settlements are typically located along the banks of rivers, including the Apayao River, Abulog
River, and Matatag River, as well as on the hillsides of Ilocos Norte and Abra. They traditionally built their
houses on four strong wooden posts, resembling those of lowland Filipinos, and were known for their
cleanliness and artistic temperament.

The Isneg people continue to face challenges in the modern world, including poverty, limited access to
education and healthcare, and the impact of development projects on their traditional lands. However,
they are also working to preserve their culture and traditions, and to advocate for their rights and
interests.

The Isneg are a testament to the resilience and cultural richness of indigenous peoples in the Philippines.
Their unique history, traditions, and strong sense of community make them an important part of the
Filipino cultural landscape.

ITNEG

The Itneg people also known as “Tinguian” or “Tingguian” are an Austronesian ethnic group indigenous
to the Philippines. They are part of the broader Cordilleran or Igorot ethnolinguistic group. The Itneg
primarily inhabit the Cordillera Administrative Region in northern Luzon, particularly in the provinces of
Abra, Kalinga, Apayao, and Mountain Province.

The Spanish called them "infieles" (infidel) because they did not accept Christianity but were willing to
pay tributes and perform free labor.

 The term "Tinguian" originally referred to all people who lived in the mountains.
 The Itneg are considered one of the Cordilleran people called "Igorots".
 The destruction of forests in the Philippines has brought challenges for the Itneg, affecting their
food supply.
 Joshua Project has a people group profile for the Itneg, Southern in Philippines.