Ethnic Groups in the Philippines Essay Example For Students

Ethnic Groups in the Philippines Essay Chapter I Introduction Background of the study This topic was chosen for investigation because of a need for an in-depth study of the culture of major ethnic groups in the country today. Philippine culture is very diverse and with this in mind, a thorough research and analysis of the culture of the major ethnic groups in the country should be made. A search for a deeper understanding of the way of life of various groups in the country led to the formulation of this topic. Significance of the study This study is specifically significant to the Filipino people. This study would help them understand better the culture of the different groups around them. This would help the people appreciate and respect the distinctiveness of the customs, traditions and the way of life of the ethnic groups making up the diverse culture of the Philippines. Statement of the problem The study of the food, customs and traditions, mode of subsistence, beliefs and practices constitute the study of the culture of the major ethnic groups found in the islands of Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao. The study of ethnic identity in the Philippines is also a major component in this research Objectives of the study This study aims to: †¢ Compare and contrast the culture of the major ethnic groups in the Philippines. †¢ Help the readers gain additional knowledge on the customs, traditions and way of life of the major ethnic groups in the country. †¢ Inform the readers about the unique structure and organization of existing ethnic groups in the country. †¢ Inculcate among the readers a sense of pride and appreciation for their own culture. Review of related literature The following books deal with various ethnic groups in the Philippines: 1. Problems Methods in the Study of Philippine Indigenous Ethnic Culture by M. Caguimbal, F. L. Jocano and L. Marquez (1994) 2. Working with Indigenous People by L. N. Mercado (1994) 3. Social Categorization and Identity in the Philippines by M. C. Conaco (1996) The first book is more about ethnography. It talks about the brief history and the development of ethnology and ethnography in the Philippines. It also contains information on the geography of Filipino indigenous ethnic communities. This material is significant to the research because the geographical information of an ethnic community is related to study of the culture of a group. The second book is all about indigenous ethnic groups in the country. It talks about the â€Å"minorization† of several ethno-linguistic groups in the Philippines, the views of the Church and the Philippine bishops regarding the present situation of indigenous people in our country and it contains lists of indigenous people organizations and advocates. It also deals with the missionary work of the Church for the indigenous ethnic groups. This material is related to the research because it also contains information on the language, mode of subsistence and religion of various indigenous groups in the Philippines. The third book is about the concept of social categorization in the Philippines. It is about a study comparing people’s perception about one’s ethnic group and national group. It also talks about the value of categorization. This material is related to the research because it talks about the perception of the people regarding the traits of their own group and it also deals with the importance of one’s ethnic groups. Methodology This study about the culture of major ethnic groups in Luzon, Vizayas and Mindanao was accomplished through the aid of books, journals and other reference materials found in the main library of the University of the Philippines, Diliman. This is because the main library of the University of the Philippines, Diliman has a wide range of books, journals and other published references that are relevant to the proposed research. The World Wide Web was also used for further research since ample and extensive information are posted or published in the internet regarding this topic. Outline Thesis statement The study of the ethnic identity, food, customs and traditions, mode of subsistence, beliefs and practices constitute the study of the culture of the major ethnic groups found in the islands of Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao. I. Ethnic identity in the Philippines is very fluid and depends greatly on context. a. Language is the common identifier of ethnic identity in the Philippines. b. Regional identity is another basis in identifying one’s ethnic group. c. Ancestry is also an identifier of ethnic identity in the country. II. Five major ethnic groups inhabit the vast island of Luzon. . Ilocanos are the inhabitants of the lowlands and coastal areas of northern Luzon. 1. The Ilocanos are renowned for their industry and hardwork and are legendary for their thrift. 2. There are approximately more than eight million speakers of the Ilocano language, making it the third most widely spoken language in the Philippines. b. Pangasinenses originate from the northwestern sea board of Luzon. 1. Rich and fine salt beds are the prime source of livelihood for the provinces coastal towns. 2. The Pangasinenses are noted for their industry and their enterprise. c. The Pampanguenos originate from the central plains of Luzon. 1. The province of Pampanga has three main regions, each supporting different types of human activity. 2. The Kapampangan language is spoken by approximately more than two million people and has been shown to be related to some Indonesian dialects. 3. Pampanguenos possess several traits which make them truly distinct. d. Bicolanos originate from the southeastern tip of Luzon. 1. Bicol is blessed with an abundant source of natural resources. 2. The Bicolanos are noted for several distinctive traits such as sociability and warm friendship. . Tagalog territory stretches from the central plains of Luzon to the islands of Mindoro and Marinduque. III. The Visayan ethnic group constitutes the largest Filipino ethnic group. a. The Waray-speaking people inhabit the provinces of Leyte and Samar. b. The Cebuanos live in the central part of Visayas and are the largest ethnic group in the Philippines. 1. Cebu was once named by Asiaweek as the eighth best city in Asia. 2. Cebuanos are said to have an active appetite for the pleasure of sociality and the occasions that afford it. 3. Cebuanos possess traits such as flexibility, resilience, industry and fortitude. c. Masbatenos inhabit the land of Masbate, which lies exactly in the center of the Philippine archipelago, north of the Visayas. d. Capiznons originate from the western part of Visayas region. 1. Capiz is dubbed as the â€Å"Seafood Capital of the Philippines† because of its 80-kilometer coastline and wide expanse of swampy lands easily converted into fishponds. . Capiz is known for the brilliant capiz shell which is abundant in the province. e. Aklanon are the main inhabitants of the province of Aklan, which is located at western Visayas. 1. Aklan is famous for the annual Ati-Atihan Festival held in Kalibo. 2. Despite the prevalence of Christianity, native beliefs about the aswang and the babaylan are still prevalent among the people of Aklan. IV. Two major ethnic groups occupy the islands of Mindanao. a. The Maranaos primarily live in the provinces of Lanao del Sur and Lanao del Norte. 1. The Maranaws are of mixed Indonesian and Malayan ancestry and their way of life is also much influenced by their neighboring provinces. 2. The culture of the Maranaws consists of various rituals and traditions. b. The Tausugs presently populate the province of Sulu as a majority. Chapter II Findings of the Study Ethnic Identity According to M. L. Doronila, author of the book â€Å"National Identity and Social Change†, centuries ago, there were no â€Å"Filipinos† then in which we understand the word today. There were Visayans, Tagalogs, Pampangos, Ilocanos, Bicolanos, Ibanags, etc. ut there was no such thing as the â€Å"Tagalog kingdom† or the Visayan empire†. What we know today as Philippine islands was indeed an archipelago but it was not one country, and its people, though racially one, were not one nation. Each village was independent, Philippine society was fragmented. We became a nation in the course of three hundred years of Spanish colonization. Th e Spaniards, by putting the entire archipelago under one government, provided the external structure which made unity possible (Doronila, 1992). Today, hundreds of years ago after the Spanish colonization, we have developed a stronger grasp of the idea of national identity without overlooking the distinctiveness of each ethnic group constituting the Philippine archipelago. Philippine culture is very diverse, with each ethnic group having different customs and traditions, mode of subsistence, beliefs and practices, etc. Most Filipinos identify themselves with two or more ethnic groups. Most of them identify their ethnic identity based on language, regional identity, or ancestry. According to Michael Shead, language is the most common identifier of ethnic identity in the Philippines. For instance, a Pampangueno may identify herself/himself as such by the fact that his mother tongue is the Kapampangan language. Though having Filipino as its national language, approximately 78 languages are still in use in the Philippines today. But language is not the sole identifier of ethnic identity. Given that ethnolinguistic boundaries are gradually blurring due to migration and intermarriage, regional identity or the place where one was brought up and whose language one speaks, serves as another common identifier of ethnic identity in the Philippines. Migration and intermarriages between people of different ethnicities have been common throughout the past centuries. This has made ethnic identities of Filipinos depend greatly on context. Many Filipinos also identify themselves based on ancestry. For example, a woman who has Bicolano ancestry but has spent most of her life in Manila may identify herself as Bicolano, even if she doesn’t speak any of the Bikol languages (Shead, 2001). Major ethnic groups in Luzon The Ilocano or Ilokano people are the third largest Filipino ethnic group. Aside from being referred to as Ilocanos, from the word â€Å"looc† meaning sheltered coves, they also refer to themselves as samtoy, from sao mi toy†, which literally meant our language. Throughout the centuries of the Spanish colonial era up to the present, the Ilocanos were noted for their tendency to migrate. The Ilocano culture represents very simple living, focusing mostly on work and productivity, spending only on necessities and not on so much on grand material possessions (Ilocos Norte, 2007). This is perhaps the reason why they are usually described as frugal. Invetment EssayDespite the prevalence of Christianity, native beliefs about the aswang and the babaylan are still prevalent among the people of Aklan. The Ati or the negritos who are native inhabitants of Aklan still practice animism. Despite Aklan’s vibrant tourism industry and substantial agriculture, the province is still considered as one of the poorer provinces in the country with more than 30% of the population living below the national poverty line (Fonatanilla, 2002). Major ethnic groups in Mindanao The Maranaos or Maranaws are one of the two major ethnic groups found in the island of Mindanao. They live primarily in the provinces of Lanao del Sur and Lanao del Norte. According to Abdullah Madale, author of the book â€Å"The Maranaws: Dwellers of the Lake†, Maranaws are a mixture of Indonesian and Malayan ancestry. Those who live along the lakeshores of Lanao show more Indonesian than Malayan features. The culture of the Maranaws have also been influenced by their neighbors, the people of Maguindanao. Their dialect, traditional government and even ways of dressing are very much similar to that of the Maguindanaons (Madale, 1997). Madale added that the Maranaws have several rituals which are intended for different events in their lives. They have a ritual of releasing a chicken with yaellow beak and yellow legs intended to cure an ill person. They also have rituals done to gain favor of friendly spirits and they also perform rituals when the ricefield is attacked by pests (Madale, 1997). They also have very distinct views and traditions regarding relationships and marriages. According to Madale, a Marnaw boy and girl may seriously consider marriage at the age of puberty. Traditional Maranaw marriages are used to be done when both the boy and the girl are fifteen years old. At this age, they are thought of to be ready to bangon sa walai, build a house and a future for themselves (Madale, 1997). Still regarding the Maranaws’ views on relationships and marriages, Madale said that to a Muslim woman, allowing her husband to marry another woman is an assurance of going to heaven. The Maranaw man who would like to marry another woman must prepare for it the way Islam dictates and not just because of lust. If and when polygamy occurs, it is not permanent and it is only because of the needs of time or because of some special problems in the family (Madale, 1997). Aside from the Maranaws, the Tausugs are another major ethnic group found in Mindanao. They presently populate the province of Sulu as a majority. The word Tausug refers to the geographic character of the Sulu Archipelago which lies in the path of vigorous tidal currents flowing from the Sulu and China Seas to the Celebes Sea. Practically all the groups in the Sultanate are sea-oriented: sailors, traders, fishermen, pearl divers, sea seed collectors, etc. Thus, Tausugs are considered People of the Current. Tausugs are experienced sailors and are known for their colorful boats or vintas. They are also superb warriors and craftsmen. The Tausugs are also famous for their Daling-daling dance in Sabah, that is a mixture of Arabian Belly Dancing and Indian Classical Dancing that is best performed as a musical complete with Story-telling in Suluk (Velasco, 2002). Chapter III Conclusion and Recommendations After doing extensive research and gathering data from books and other published materials, several information regarding the culture of major ethnic groups in the Philippines have been obtained. Before the colonization of the Philippines by the Spaniards several centuries ago, the country was fragmented, separated into several villages, each independent of one another. But in the course of three hundred years of Spanish rule, the Philippines became one nation. Being under one government somehow made the Filipinos aware of their national identity. And so with this, the Filipinos could probably attribute a part of their sense of unity and awareness of their social identity to the Spaniards. There could have been other situations in which they could have realize their national identity but this particular event in the history of the Philippines made the Filipinos feel a need to unite as one nation and defeat their oppressors. Centuries after this, Filipinos seemed to have developed a greater grasp of the idea of national identity. But still, the distinctiveness of each ethnic group making up the Philippine culture has been preserved. The culture of these ethnic groups was studied and examined in this research. The history of the Philippines played an important role in the development of the culture of these ethnic groups. Most of the names of the places from which these ethnic groups come from were given by Spanish colonizers. Their names were based on bodies of water found in their territories, characteristics of the inhabitants of the place, etc. It is also from the colonizers that the different ethnic groups got their religion. Before the Spanish colonization, animism and worship of natural resources was prevalent among Filipinos. When the Spaniards came, they taught the Filipino natives about Christianity and eventually, they adapted this religion and soon after, it became widespread in the Philippines. However, the inhabitants of the southern part of the Philippines, the island of Mindanao, have Islam as their religion. Their environment and natural resources are also very important factors in the development of the culture of the different ethnic groups. If the region was surrounded with bodies of water, people there are inclined to be fishermen in order to provide for their families. If the region was mountainous, people there would depend on forests for their daily survival. And if the region has fertile soil, planting crops and other vegetation would be their primary source of living. Language also distinguishes one ethnic group from the other. There are approximately 78 languages in the Philippines and each has different phonology and morphology. But communication between ethnic groups is not impossible for most Filipinos today have a very good grasp of Filipino, the national language, and English. Ethnic groups also differ when it comes to the traits and characteristics prevalent among them. Some groups are considered frugal perhaps because of their way of life, which is simple and focuses only on daily necessities and knows only little luxury. Some groups are noted for their love of spending on clothes and other luxuries but this could just be brought about by the growing industrialization in their region. The customs and traditions also differ from one group to the other. Most of these traditions are handed down from one generation to the other, since the time of their ancestors. Some groups’ traditions may seem odd, extreme or eccentric to other groups. The history, languages, traits and traditions may be different, but the nationality is one. We must aim for unity and not uniformity. Therefore, we must learn to accept each one’s uniqueness. But the regional and cultural differences of each ethnic group must not only be accepted; they must be respected. Everyone is entitled to feel that his/her own ethnic culture will be respected by his fellow Filipinos. To other researchers wishing to also do a study on the culture of major ethnic groups in Luzon Visayas and Mindanao, conducting interviews with people from various places with different ethnicities is highly recommended. The researcher was not able to this due to lack of resources. But to those planning to do a research on this topic with enough time and financial resources, interviews would be of great help in order to gather fisrt-hand information regarding certain distinct traits, customs, beliefs and traditions of the different culture of major ethnic groups in the Philippines. References Andres, T. D. (2005). Understanding Bicolano Values. Quezon City: Giraffe Books. Andres, T. D. (2003). Understanding Pampango Values. Quezon City: Giraffe Books. Caguimbal, M. ,Jocano, F. L. ,Marquez, L. (1994). Problems Methods in the Study of Philippine Indigenous Ethnic Culture. QC: Asian Center, University of the Philippines. Capiz (2000). Capiz Online. 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Retreived February 28, 2008 from the World Wide Web: http://www. tourism. gov. ph/explore_phil/place_details. asp? content=descriptionprovince=1 Madale, A. T. (1997). The Maranaws: Dwellers of the Lake. Manila:Rex Bookstore. Mercado, L. N. (1994). Working with Indigenous People. Manila: Divine Word Publications. Mojares, R. B. Quimpo, S. (1997). Cebu: More than an Island. Makati City: Ayala Foundation. Palabay, A. (2001). Pangasinan. Retreived March 1, 2008 from the World Wide Web: http://www. ilocos. net. ph/index. php? option=com_wrapperItemid=104. Rodriguez, N. (2000). Waray. DLSU Litera1 No4. Retrieved Dec. 15, 2007 from the World Wide Web: http://litera1no4. tripod. com/waray_frame. html. Santiago, S. PianoJ, L. (2000). The Indigenous Peoples of the Philippines. Manila: Rex Bookstore. Shead, M. P. (2001). Filipino Culture, Customs and Traditions. Retreived March 15, 2008 from the World Wide Web: http://www. livinginthephilippines. com/philculture/filipino_ culture. tml Shead, M. P. (2001). Understanding the Language and the Culture. Retreived March 15, 2008 from the World Wide Web: http://www. livinginthephilippines. com/philculture/understanding _language_ and_culture. html. Velasco, F. (2002). Tausug. Indigenous People. Retreived Dec. 10, 2007 from the World Wide Web:http://library. thinkquest. org/C003235/tausug. html. Warays (2003). Philippine Regional Cultures. Retreived March 1, 2008 from the World Wide Web:http://www. seasite. niu. edu/Tagalog/Tagalog_Default_files/Philippine_ Culture/Regional%20Cultures/waray-waray/warays. htm.