PIS-MIDTERMS REVIEWER

Ethnicity: Concepts and Philippine Situationer (78.8%) reported themselves having Bicol
ethnicity. Next was Region IV-A-CALABARZON
Ethnicity refers to the identification of a group
with 74.4 percent Tagalogs. Tagalog was also the
based on a perceived cultural distinctiveness that
top ethnicity in Region III-Central Luzon (52.4%)
makes the group into a “people.”
and MIMAROPA Region (42.2%).
This distinctiveness is believed to be expressed
2. In the other regions in Luzon, Ilocano was the
in language, music, values, art, styles, literature,
most common ethnicity in Region II-Cagayan
family life, religion, ritual, food, naming, public
Valley (61.8%), Region I-Ilocos Region (58.3%),
life, and material culture.
and the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR)
This cultural comprehensiveness—a unique set (22.1%).
of cultural characteristics perceived as
3. Moreover, Ilonggo was the most common
expressing themselves in commonly unique ways
ethnicity in Region VI-Western Visayas (67.6%)
across the sociocultural life of a population—
and Region XII-SOCCSKSARGEN (32.0%),
characterizes the concept of ethnicity. It revolves
Cebuano in Central Visayas (61.4%), and Waray
around not just a “population,” a numerical
in Region VIII-Eastern Visayas (64.2%).
entity, but a “people,” a comprehensively unique
cultural entity. (Britannica Online, 2024) 4. In the remaining regions in Mindanao,
Bisaya/Binisaya was the top ethnicity in Region
Ethnicity: Philippine Setting
XI-Davao Region (48.8%), Region X-Northern
About one in every four household population Mindanao (46.5%), Region IX-Zamboanga
has Tagalog as ethnicity Peninsula (41.7%), and Region XIII-Caraga
(39.1%). In Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in
About one in every four (26.0%) of the 108.67 Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), the top three
million household population in 2020 reported ethnicities were Maguindanao (26.4%),
Tagalog as their ethnicity. Other major ethnicities Tausog/Tausug (23.3%), and Maranao (22.7%).
were Bisaya/Binisaya (14.3%), Ilocano and
Cebuano (8.0% each), Ilonggo (7.9%), Bikol/Bicol Majority of the Household Population are Non-
(6.5%), Waray (3.8%), Kapampangan (3.0%), and Indigenous Peoples
Maguindanao and Pangasinan (1.9% each).
Among the 108.67 million household population,
93.09 million or 85.7 percent were classified as
non-Indigenous Peoples (non-IPs). The
remaining 15.56 million household population
were IPs identified by National Commission on
Indigenous People (NCIP) with 8.21 million
(7.6%), Muslim tribes identified by National
Commission on Muslim Filipinos (NCMF) with
5.48 million (5.0%), IPs and Muslim tribes
identified by both NCIP and NCMF with 1.63
million persons (1.5%), and foreign ethnicities
Bicol is the most homogenous region in terms of
with 230,917 persons (0.2%).
ethnicity

Among the 17 regions, Region V-Bicol Region was

the most homogenous in terms of ethnicity, as
almost eight out of 10 residents in the region
PIS-MIDTERMS REVIEWER

Indigenous Peoples comprise 9.1 percent of the • Recognize the need to have a well-
Philippine household population founded definition of the concept “indigenous
people”;
In 2020, IPs identified by NCIP comprised 9.84
million or 9.1 percent of the 108.67 million • Attain a well-founded definition of indigenous
household population. The top 10 IP groups in people and identify who are IPs;
the Philippines accounted for about 48.3 percent • Understand the historical development of the
of the total IPs. Subanens/Subanons ranked first concept “indigenous people”
with 758,499 persons (7.7%), followed by
• Be familiar with the different approaches and
Manobos with 644,904 persons (6.6%), and
definitions of “indigenous people”;
Mandayas with 523,475 persons (5.3%).
• Determine the commonalities among the
Muslim tribes make up 6.5 percent of the
different approaches and definitions;
Philippine household population
• Provide an example of indigenous peoples
Muslim tribes identified by NCMF, including the
groups in the Philippines and discuss why this
tribes that were also identified as IPs by the NCIP,
group should be included.
accounted for 7.11 million or 6.5 percent of the
108.67 million household population in 2020. ✓ The flexible definitional approaches to
Among Muslim tribes, Maguindanao accounted indigenous people can enhance the human
for 2.02 million persons (28.4%). They were rights protection of IP groups and communities
followed by the Maranao with 1.80 million (Corntassel, 2003).
persons (25.3%), Tausog/Tausug with 1.62
million persons (22.7%), Sama/Samal with ✓ Consequently, the United Nations
398,666 persons (5.6%), Iranun/Iraynun with Declaration on the rights of Indigenous
333,454 (4.7%), and Yakan with 282,715 persons Peoples strongly suggests that even with
(4.0%). The remaining Muslim tribes accounted the absence of a formal definition, the rights
for less than 2.0 percent each. of IPs need to be upheld and protected.

Of the 108.67 million household population, ✓The International Working Group for
230,917 persons or 0.2 percent were reported to Indigenous Affairs outlined three primary
have foreign ethnicity. The top 10 foreign rationales for a clear and well-defined
ethnicities accounted for 189,023 or 81.9 conceptualization of Indigenous Peoples.
percent of the foreign ethnicity. Chinese ranked
✓First, is that self- identification is an essential
first with 102,577 persons (44.4%), followed by
component of the IPs’ sense of identity. Thus,
those with Indian ethnicity with 23,464 persons
without a well-defined and universally
(10.2%), American ethnicity with 13,946 persons
acceptable definition and criterion, IPs self-
(6.0%), and Swiss ethnicity with 13,777 persons
identification is indefinite and doubtful
(6.0%).
(Corntassel, 2003; Kingsbury, 1998).
WHO ARE THE INDIGENOUS PEOPLES?
✓Self-identification – an individual belongs to an
WHY IS THERE A NEED FOR AN IP group once he or she is accepted as belonging
INTERNATIONALLY ACCEPTED DEFINITION OF to the group;
“INDIGENOUS PEOPLES”?
PIS-MIDTERMS REVIEWER

✓ Second, it will be easier for them to DISSECTING NOMENCLATURE

be accepted as belonging to the IP classification,
The word “indigenous” comes from the Latin
which is necessary to assert their collective rights
word “indigen” which means native or original
as a group and advance the 13 group’s
inhabitant—an idea that became popular in the
particular needs (Bowen, 2000; Barsh, 1986).
17th century. Thus, the most common
Contrary to other ethnic minorities in a country,
understanding of the concept suggests that they
Ips are considered to suffer a higher level of
are people who are the original inhabitants of
marginalization and discrimination.
the land.
✓ Third, a clear definition of “indigenous According to the United Nations Permanent
peoples” will provide IPs the opportunity to be Forum on Indigenous Issues, the term
heard and seen by the local and international “indigenous” has been used continuously,
government and enable them to assert their whether as a form of collective names for
right to self- determination. This right is categorization or as representation to the legal
substantial in their collective effort to preserve, issues in the corresponding state that governs
develop and transmit to future generations their them.
ancestral claim, which is home to their ethnic
identity (Kingsbury, 1998). ✓ Canada- first/people or nations;
✓ Australia - aboriginals;
✓Self-determination is an inherent and
✓ India - adivasi;
preexisting right that does not derived from
national laws or international laws, but rather, an ✓ Nepal - janajati;
aboriginal right. ✓ Indonesia and Malaysia - orang asli which
means tribal people, or bumiputera which
✓Self-determination ensures the RIGHT TO means son of soil.
AUTONOMY or self government in the matters
relating to their internal and local affairs, as well
as ways and means for financing their Asian Development Bank Framework
autonomous functions (UN Declaration on
the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP, 2007) Subtitle The Asian Development Bank (2002)
observed that there are two primary similarities
The underlying issues in the naming of in the existing definitions of indigenous peoples
indigenous peoples groups is that, most groups.
often, the name associated with them is also
employed as a derogatory term to address ✓ First is that they are descended from
them. population groups that lived in a particular
geographic area before a modern state,
In the case of the Aetas in Pampanga, they are territories and borders were defined..
referred to as “baluga” or black people, similar to
the case of the Sama people being called ✓ Second, they maintain unique cultural
“siyamal” or dirty. The existence of the identities, or their social, economic, cultural
derogatory remarks and other forms of and political institutions are different and
discrimination necessitates the need for a well- separate from the 14 mainstream or dominant
defined conceptualization of indigenous people. societies.
✓ Consequently, the ADB defines IPs as “those
with a social or cultural identity distinct
PIS-MIDTERMS REVIEWER

from the dominant or mainstream society”; sectors of those societies that are now prevailing
hence, these characteristics put them at a on those territories or part of them;
disadvantage in the process of development.
3. That form at present non-dominant sectors
International Labor Organization Framework of society and are determined to preserve,
develop and transmit to future generations
their ancestral territories and their ethnic
The Indigenous and Tribal Peoples' Rights in
identity;
Practice: A Guide to ILO Convention, Number 169
4. Whose preservation, development and
provides the criteria to separate the concept
transmission are the basis of their continued
“tribal people” from IPs.
existence as peoples who are in accordance
1. The tribal people are regarded first as those with their own cultural patterns, social
with culture, social organizations, economic institutions and legal system.
conditions and way of life that are different from
According to the International Work Group for
other segments of the national population.
Indigenous Affairs, the historical continuity
2. tribal people are those who have their own discussed by the Martinez Cobo Study can be
traditions and customs and/or legal recognition. characterized by the following factors:

The Indigenous People on the other hand 1. Occupation of ancestral lands, or at least of
are characterized first by their historical part of them;
continuity, and their societies thriving during
2. Common ancestry with the original occupants
pre-conquest and colonization. Second is
of these lands;
the territorial connection and their ancestors
inhabiting the country or a region of the 3. Culture in general, or in specific manifestations
country of which they have a claim. Third, (such as religion, living under a tribal system,
they have distinct social, economic, cultural membership of an indigenous community, dress,
and political institutions and retain either means of livelihood, instant loans, lifestyle, etc.)
some or all of their own institutions. No
4. Language (whether used as the only language,
United Nations Framework as mother-tongue, as the habitual means of
communication at home or in the family, or as
the main, preferred, habitual, general or normal
The Martinez Cobo’s Report to the UN Sub-
language);
Commission on the Prevention of the
Discrimination of Minorities in 1986 provides
what can be considered as the most quoted 5. Residence in certain parts of the country, or in
working definition of Indigenous People. The certain regions of the world; and
Martinez Cobo Study also highlights the
importance of historical continuity in its
6. Other relevant factors (Unique to IP)
definition of IPs. They are those:
The World Health Organization Framework
1. Having historical continuity with pre- invasion
and pre-colonial societies that developed in the 1. Identify themselves and are recognized and
territories; accepted by their community as indigenous;
2. That consider themselves distinct from other
PIS-MIDTERMS REVIEWER

2. Demonstrate historical continuity with pre- making them aboriginal. Second, they intend to
colonial and/or pre- settler societies; live in conformity with their traditionbased
cultures, which are evolving. And last, their
3. Have strong links to territories and
political destiny is subjected to policy from
surrounding natural resources;
outside forces, which refers primarily to the State
4. Have distinct social, economic or political they belong to.
systems;
✓ Thus, their political destiny and existence is
5. Maintain distinct languages, cultures and beyond their control.
beliefs;
✓ James Andaya (1996) highlighted the issue of
6. Form non-dominant groups of society; and ancestral roots and the continued colonial
domination of IPs’ homelands by the modern
7. Resolve to maintain and reproduce their
state (Corntassel, 2003).
ancestral environments and systems as
distinctive peoples and communities. ✓ To Andaya, Indigenous Peoples are those who
SCHOLARLY DEFINITION OF INDIGENOUS are living descendants of pre-invasion
PEOPLES inhabitants and whose lands are now dominated
by others. Second, they are indigenous because
their ancestral roots are fixed in the territory
✓ Corntassel (2003) provides a historical they occupy and will continue to occupy or in
development of the conceptualization of the areas in close proximity to this land in case of
term Indigenous People in the academe and its dislocation. Third, they can be considered as a
implication to the status and condition of these distinct community because their ancestors’ way
groups. of life is carried over into the present generation

✓ Franke Wilmer is considered as the first social WHO ARE THE IPs IN THE PHILIPPINES?
scientist to examine the condition of IPs in the
✓ Indigenous People are commonly referred to
world and defines IPs first as those with
as katutubo. In Mindanao they are collectively
tradition-based culture; second as those who
called Lumad to separate them from the
were politically autonomous before colonization;
Islamized ethnic groups in the region (Arquiza,
and third as those who continued to struggle for
2016).
the preservation of their cultural integrity,
✓ The legal definition is provided by Republic Act
economic self-reliance and political
No. 8371 otherwise known as “An Act to
independence against colonizers and the
Recognize, Protect and Promote the Rights of
modern states.
Indigenous Cultural Communities/Indigenous
✓ Wilmer and Gerald Alfred and Franke Wilmer Peoples, Creating a National Commission on
teamed up in 1997 to come up with three criteria Indigenous Peoples, Establishing Implementing
for a group to be considered as IP. This was Mechanisms, Appropriating Funds Therefor, and
intended to correct the ambiguities provided in for other Purpose.” Chapter 2 Section 3 (h) of
Wilmer’s 1993 definition (Corntassel, 2003). R.A. 8371 refers to IPs as synonymous with
Indigenous Cultural Communities or ICC, and
✓ These criteria include the fact that they are defines them as having the following
descended from the 17 original inhabitants of qualifications.
the geographic areas they continue to occupy,
PIS-MIDTERMS REVIEWER

a. A group of people or homogenous societies (e.g., Manobo) and Northern (e.g., Ifugao) and
identified by self-ascription and ascription by Southern Luzon (e.g., Mangyan, Tagbanwa).
others, who have continuously lived as an
 The indigenous peoples are generally
organized community on communally-bounded
dependent on agriculture, although some
and defined territory;
indigenous groups like those in the island
b. Those who have, under claims of ownership provinces are dependent on fishing
since time immemorial, occupied, possessed and
REGION 1 & CAR
utilized such territories, sharing common bonds
of language, customs, traditions and other The northern mountain ranges of the Cordillera
distinctive cultural traits; are home to the Tingguian, Isneg, northern
Kalinga, Bontoc, Sagada, Ifugao, Southern
c. Those who have, through resistance to
Kalinga, Ibaloi and Kankanaey. These groups
political, social and cultural inroads of
occupy the watershed areas near the Abulag,
colonization, non-indigenous religions and
Tineg and Chico rivers, or interior of the hills,
cultures, become historically differentiated from
narrow strips of flat land along deep valleys, and
the majority of Filipinos;
plateaus.
d. Peoples who are regarded as indigenous on
account of their descent from the populations
that inhabited the country at the time of
conquest or colonization, or of inroads of non-
indigenous religions and cultures, or the
establishment of present state boundaries;

e. People who retain some or all of their own

social, economic, cultural and political
institutions; and

f. People who may have been displaced from REGION II

their traditional domains or who may have
resettled outside their ancestral domains. The Cagayan Valley and Carabbalo range are
home to the Ibanag, Itawes, Yogad, Gaddang,
The Indigenous Peoples of the Philippines Ilongot, Ikalahan, Isinai, and some Aeta groups.
 Although not accurate, the population estimate
of indigenous peoples in the Philippines is 12
million.

 Many of them reside in the uplands, while

some are in coastal villages (De Vera, 2007).

 The indigenous population is about 14% of the

country’s total population.

 The report of De Vera (2007) notes that there

are 110 indigenous groups in the Philippines,
many of which reside on the islands of Mindanao
PIS-MIDTERMS REVIEWER

REGION III Mansaka, Tiruray, Higaonon, Manobo, Bagobo,

Bukidnon, Tagakaolo, Ubo, Banwaon, Kalagan,
The Sierra Madre range of eastern Luzon is the
Dibabawon, Talaandig, Mamanwa and
home of the Dumagat, Pugot, and other Aeta
Manguangan.
groups. The Zambales range and the mountains
of Pampanga and Tarlac are the home of the Aeta
and the Sambal.

REGION IV

the Pacific coast of Quezon province, and the

islands of Polillo and Alabat are the home of
different Agta groups. The island of Mindoro is
the home of seven Mangyan groups: Iraya,
Alangan, Tadyawan, Tao-Buid, Buhid, Hanunoo,
and Gubatnon. The island of Palawan is the
home of the Tagbanua, Batak, Palawanon and
Cuyunon.

REGION V

The mountains of Bicol Peninsula are the home

of different Agta groups: Kabihug of Camarines
Norte, Agta Tabangnon, Agta Cimarron, and Itom
(Camarines Sur, Albay, and Sorsogon). PANTAYONG PANANAW AS A FILIPINO
PHILOSOPHY
REGION VI
WHAT IS PANTAYONG
the interior foothills and remote coastal areas of PANANAW?
Panay and Negros Islands are the home of the “Pantayong Pananaw” as a descriptive
Sulod and the Ati. concept can pertain to any social
MINDANAO (LUMAD) collectivity which possesses a relatively unified
and internally articulated linguistic-cultural
 The hinterlands and coastal lowlands of the structure of communication and interaction
Zamboanga peninsula, the plateaus of Bukidnon, and/or a sense of oneness of purpose and
the upper headwaters of the Davao, Tinanan, existence (ex., “The Japanese have a strong
and Kulaman rivers, the coastal areas along the Pantayong Pananaw”)
Davao Gulf and the interior hinterlands of
southeastern Mindanao are the home of the (Guillermo, R., 2003)
Lumads. Zeus A. Salazar
 “Lumad” is the generic term used to refer to the • He finished his B.A. in History at the University
indigenous peoples of Mindanao. They are of the Philippines Diliman and his Ph.D. in
considered to comprise the largest number of Ethnology at Sorbonne University in Paris,
indigenous peoples in the country. France.
 The 18 groups that compose the Lumad include • His pioneering works include Ang Pilipino sa
the following: Subanen, B’laan, T’boli, Mandaya, Agham Panlipunan at Pilosopiya; Pantayong
PIS-MIDTERMS REVIEWER

Pananaw (1991); Ugat at Kabuluhan (1997);

Liktao at Epiko: Ang Takip ng Tapayang Libingan
ng Libmanan, Camarines Sur (2004).

• He was Dean of the College of Social Sciences

and Philosophy of the University of the
Philippines Diliman from 1991 to 1994.

• His still unpublished doctoral thesis (Salazar

1968) already contained the basic ideas which
would lead to his mature perspectives on cultural
and historical methodology.

• After being deeply involved during Martial Law

in the massive historical and ideological project
initiated by the Marcos dictatorship called
Tadhana (Marcos, 1976), several tentative and
scattered articulations of the basic approach
and philosophy of PP would appear in various
magazines and short book introductions until the
definitive systematic exposition of PP was
published in 1991 as the essay “Ang Pantayong
Pananaw Bilang Diskursong Pangkabihasnan”
(Pantayong Pananaw as a civilizational discourse)
(Salazar 1974; 1996; 1997).