Philippine Indigenous Peoples studies frequently explore the complex interplay between traditional practices and modern influences, examining how Indigenous communities navigate issues like resource management, land conflicts, and the preservation of their cultural identity in the face of globalization and development pressures. These studies often emphasize participatory research methods, involving Indigenous communities themselves in the research process to ensure that their perspectives and needs are accurately represented and that the research contributes to their empowerment and self-determination. By highlighting the resilience and adaptability of these communities, these studies aim to foster greater understanding and respect for their invaluable contributions to the cultural heritage and ecological sustainability of the Philippines.

1. Key Concepts in
Indigenous Peoples
Studies
Darwin Pillogo Plaza
College of Education

2. 1. Colonialism and Its Impact
•Spain imposed foreign systems of governance,
language, culture, religion, and economic
control.
•Impact of Spanish colonial strategies are
displacement, loss of land, and erosion of
cultural practices among Philippine indigenous
communities.

3. 2. Cultural Revitalization
•is a key focus in responding to the cultural
losses caused by colonialism through
preservation, revitalization and
promotion of their languages, traditions,
rituals, and knowledge systems.

4. 3. Land and Territory
•Land is central to the identity,
spiritual beliefs, and survival of
Indigenous peoples.
•Protection of traditional territories
is the major issue in IP Studies.

5. 4. Indigenous Knowledge
• Unique worldviews and systems of
knowledge. These include ecological
knowledge, medicinal practices, oral
histories, and governance structures.

6. 5. Indigenous Feminism
• vital roles of women in
indigenous communities

7. 6. Ecological Sustainability and
Indigenous Environmentalism
- Indigenous ecological knowledge,
traditional resource management,
traditional agricultural practices, and
traditional forest conservation

8. 7. Indigenous Activism and
Movements
•seeks to address injustices faced by
Indigenous communities, including
land dispossession, cultural
erasure, and political
marginalization.

9. 8. Resilience and Resistance
• resilience in the face of
oppression

10. 9. Indigenous Rights and
International Law
•Indigenous People’s Right Act or IPRA
(Republic Act No. 8371)

11. Who are IPs?
- Original inhabitants of a particular region or territory
- long-standing historical and cultural connections to
that land
- distinct languages, cultures, traditions, and social
structures

12. Are Igorot and Ifugaos the same?

13. • Igorot – is a collective term to
describe distinct Igorot tribes in
the Cordillera region, including
Ifugao, Kalinga, and Ibaloy.
Known for their resistance
against Spanish colonization.
• Ifugao – refers to a specific
ethnolinguistic group, one of
the Igorot groups
concentrated in Ifugao
Province and known for their
rice terraces.

16. Collectively known as the
“Igorots” with about 1.8 million
population, they can be found in
the six provinces in the North-
Central region of the Luzon
island, namely: Abra, Kalinga,
Apayao, Maountain Province,
Ifugao and Benguet. They are
divided into 8 major groups:
Bontoc, Kankanaey, Yapayao,
Kalinga, Ibaloi, Tingguian and
Isneg. They have remained in
relatively intact communities.

17. “All Ifugao are Igorot but not all Igorot are
Ifugao.”

18. Aeta comprises several subgroups found in
Zambales, Pampanga, Bataan, Tarlac,
Cagayan Valley, and Bicol.

19. • Lumad means “native” they
are not part of Moro Muslim
groups in Mindanao (families
and subgroups are Manobo,
T’boli, B’laan, Bagobo)
• Moro predominantly Muslim
ethnic communities in Mindanao
who are considered IP who resisted
Spanish colonization in Mindanao
(Families and subgroups are
Tausug, Maranao)

20. Key Characteristics of Indigenous
Peoples:
1. Historical and Cultural Ties to Land
• - ties that are deeply embedded in their culture, spiritual beliefs,
and way of life.
• - Their identities are often rooted in the land, which is integral to
their social, cultural, and economic practices
2. Distinct Social, Cultural, and Linguistic Identity
3. Self-Identification and Recognition by Others
4. Connection to Traditional Knowledge and Practices – a system of
knowledge often holistic and interconnected with the natural world.
5. Experience of Colonization and Marginalization

21. Group Activity:
•Research folktales, myths, epics, or legends from
indigenous communities and explore the
symbolism, values, and connections to the land,
nature, spiritual beliefs, and/or worldviews in
the stories.