Our Lumad Family

EARLY SETTLERS 

Long before the arrival of the Spaniards, the original settlers of Bukidnon province, commonly known as Bukidnon, settled along the coast areas and near the riverbanks. These people lived in settlements where they could forage for food. Unwanted encounters with encroaching lowlanders and colonizers and early Christian settlers however pushed them up the mountains. These people moved generally  not out of fear but simply preferred to be left alone so as not be changed to something they are not. 

SEVEN TRIBES OF BUKIDNON

The lowlanders began to use the generic name “Bukidnon” to refer to the Indigenous Peoples who settled in the mountains. Among themselves, however, they distinguished each band and tribe with names associated with their immediate dwelling place or locality.  The provincial government of Bukidnon recognizes seven distinct tribes, namely, Bukidnon, Higaonon, Manobo, Matigsalug, Talaandig, Tigwahanon, and Umayamnon.  

The Jesuits currently accompany four of the seven tribes in their mission areas - the Higaonon, Manobo, Talaandig, and Umayamnon.  

• The Higaonon, who are nomadic, walk from one mountain to another for subsistence. The name Higaonon comes from the combination of three Bukidnon terms, higa or living, goan or mountain, and the suffix onon which means people. Hence, the Higaonon are people who live in the wilderness or in the mountains. 
• The name Manobo simply means people. It is believed to have originated from the words man or people and suba or river. The Manobo tribe usually settle near rivers or forest clearings by the river or creek. The Pulangiyen Manobo reside along the  Upper Pulangi River region which include Zamboanguita, Bendum, and other areas near Agusan.  
• The name Talaandig comes from the term andig which means slope. Thus, the Talaandig tribes occupy the slopes of Mt. Kintanglad and Mt. Kalatungan, their historic domain which includes Miarayon.
• The Umayamnon are named after the Umayam River in Cabanglasan that flows through the boundaries of the provinces of Bukidnon and Agusan. As nomadic people, they rely on swidden farming, commonly known as kaingin or slash-and-burn. They move about in bands along the Umayam River watershed in search for better lands to settle, farm, fish and hunt.