here you can read About the indigenous people of mindoro
The Mangyans are indigenous people inhabiting the island of Mindoro in the Philippines. They are known for their rich cultural heritage and unique way of life deeply rooted in their ancestral lands.
The Mangyan communities are scattered throughout the mountainous regions of Mindoro, living in close-knit villages surrounded by lush forests, rivers and the ocean.
The term "Mangyan" serves as an umbrella term encompassing several distinct indigenous tribes or ethnolinguistic groups inhabiting the island of Mindoro in the Philippines. These tribes share certain cultural, linguistic, and historical similarities, but they also exhibit unique customs, dialects, and social structures. The Mangyan umbrella includes the following major tribes:
The Mangyan Tribes
IRAYA
The Iraya Mangyans primarily inhabit the northern part of Mindoro, particularly in the municipalities of Puerto Galera, San Teodoro and Baco (Oriental Mindoro) as well as Mamburao and Abra (Occidental Mindoro). They are known for their distinct language, also called Iraya, and their traditional way of life centered around agriculture and hunting.
Alangan
The Alangan Mangyans reside in the central part of Mindoro, particularly in the municipalities of Calapan, Naujan and Victoria (Oriental Mindoro) as well as Santa Cruz (Occidental Mindoro). They speak the Alangan language and are known for their intricate weaving traditions, as well as their agricultural practices and rich oral literature.
The Tadyawan Mangyans are found in the eastern part of Mindoro, particularly in the municipalities of Socorro, Pola and Victoria (Oriental Mindoro). They speak the Tadyawan language and are known for their resilience in preserving their cultural heritage despite external pressures and challenges.
Tadyawan
Tau-buid
The Tau-Buid Mangyans inhabit the southern part of Mindoro, particularly in the municipalities of Bansud, Gloria and Pinimalyan (Oriental Mindoro) as well as Sablayan (Occidental Mindoro). They speak the Tau-Buid language and are known for their intricate basketry, as well as their unique spiritual beliefs and rituals.
Hanunoo
The Hanunoo Mangyans reside in the mountainous interior of Mindoro, particularly in the municipalities of Bulalacao and Mansalay (Oriental Mindoro). They speak the Hanunoo language and are renowned for their ancient script, the Hanunoo script, which is one of the few indigenous scripts still in use in the Philippines today.
The Bangon Mangyans inhabit the southern part of Mindoro, particularly in the municipalities of Bongabong, Gloria and Bansud (Oriental Mindoro). They speak the Bangon language and are known for their distinct cultural practices, including traditional weaving, music, and dance. Despite their smaller population size, the Bangon Mangyans play a significant role in preserving the cultural heritage of the Mangyan people.
Bangon
Buhid
The Buhid Mangyans reside in the southern part of Mindoro, particularly in the municipalities of Bansud and Bongabong (Oriental Mindoro). They speak the Buhid language and are recognized for their intricate weaving traditions, which produce colorful textiles known as "pinilian". The Buhid Mangyans are also recognized for the making of Hulon clothing. The Buhid Mangyans have a rich oral tradition, with storytelling and music playing essential roles in their cultural practices.
Ratagnon
The Ratagnon Mangyans are found in the southern part of Mindoro, particularly in the municipality of San Jose (Occidental Mindoro). They speak the Ratagnon language and are generally living in the lowland. The Ratagnon Mangyans have unique traditions related to agriculture, fishing, and spiritual beliefs, which are integral to their way of life.
Each Mangyan tribe has its own distinct identity, language, cultural practices, and territorial boundaries. Despite their diversity, they share a common history of resilience, adaptation, and struggle for the preservation of their cultural heritage and ancestral lands. The term "Mangyan" is also emphasizing the shared experiences and challenges faced by these indigenous communities on the island of Mindoro.
Traditionally, the Mangyans are skilled farm, relying on subsistence agriculture for their livelihoods. Their agricultural practices are often characterized by swidden or slash-and-burn farming techniques, where they cultivate crops such as rice, root crops, and fruits in small clearings within the forest, without higher technological tools. The Mangyan lifestyle is vulnerable due to lack of water during long summer seasons, many mangyans have no regular source of food and income except their seasonal harvest. A majority of mangyan communities do not have access to higher education as well as basic governmental services.
The Mangyan society is organized around family ties and communal cooperation. Each tribe or sub-group typically has its own system of governance and leadership. Family and social structures play a significant role in the community, often with elders holding positions of respect and authority. Despite modern influences, many Mangyans continue to uphold their traditional beliefs, rituals, and oral traditions, which are passed down from generation to generation.
The Mangyan communities have faced various challenges historically in society and they are are still encountering many difficulties such as:
Land disputes
Encroachment on Mangyan ancestral lands by illegal loggors, mining operations and agricultural expansion has led to frequent land disputes. These conflicts threaten the Mangyans' access to their traditional territories and disrupt their way of life.
Environmental
Degradation
Deforestation, illegal logging, and mining activities in Mindoro have resulted in habitat loss and environmental degradation. This not only affects the Mangyans' livelihoods, as they heavily rely on forest resources for sustenance, but also poses a threat to the biodiversity of the region.
Limited access to education and healthcare
Many Mangyan communities lack access to quality education and healthcare services. Remote geographic locations, inadequate infrastructure, and cultural barriers often prevent Mangyan children from attending school regularly, while limited healthcare facilities contribute to poor health outcomes within these communities.
Marginalization and discrimination
Historically, the Mangyans have faced marginalization and discrimination among the damuong (lowlanders). Stereotypes and misconceptions about indigenous peoples have led to social and economic inequalities, making it difficult for Mangyans to fully participate in mainstream society and access opportunities for socioeconomic advancement.
Poverty and economic vulnerability
Due to limited access to education, healthcare, and economic opportunities, many Mangyan communities experience high levels of poverty and economic vulnerability. Subsistence farming and dependence on natural resources for livelihoods often leave them susceptible to external shocks such as natural disasters and changes in market conditions.