Isneg

• ISNEG


  Austronesian ethnic group native to Apayao province in the Philippine's Cordillera Administrative Region
• Isneg is cultivating rice, corn, and vegetables in the mountainous terrain of their ancestral lands. Additionally, they engage in hunting wild and fishing in rivers and streams to supplement their diet.
• Isneg language


  • Also known as Isnag or Maragat, spoken in the Cordillera Administrative Region in northern Luzon, Philippines
  • Primarily spoken in Apayao, Cagayan, Abra, and Ilocos Norte Provinces
  • Has a unique alphabet and features such as the glottal stop marker and hyphenation
  • Isnag speakers also understand and use the Ilocano language
• The women of the Isneg people traditionally gave birth in a kneeling position.
• Isneg traditional wedding attire

  • Bride wears a handmade, intricately woven blouse called "saklay," adorned with intricate beadwork and embroidery
  • Groom wears a traditional "g-string" known as "wanes"
  • Both the bride and groom wear headdresses and other accessories to complete their wedding ensemble
• After marriage, the newlyweds may choose to live with either set of parents.
• Isnag language


  Integral to Isnag cultural identity and heritage, serves as a means of communication and preserves their unique worldview, traditions, and history
• Isnag social norms


  • Revolve around communal cooperation, mutual support, and respect for elders, fostering a strong sense of solidarity and interdependence
• Isnag architecture

  • Indigenous stilt houses, designed to adapt to the mountainous terrain of their region
• Panagbenga Festival - vibrant celebration that showcases Isnag heritage through colorful parades, dances, music, and culinary traditions, strengthening social bonds and preserving cultural heritage
• Isnag cultural symbols

  • Motifs inspired by nature, ancestral spirits, and mythical creatures, holding deep spiritual significance and serving as a link to their cultural heritage
• The Isneg people are primarily found in the northern part of the Philippines, within the province of Apayao in the Cordillera Administrative Region.
• Isneg communities are concentrated in specific localities within Apayao, such as Calanasan (Bayag), Kabugao, Luna, and Pudtol.
• Isneg tribe are one of the indigenous groups in the Cordillera Administrative Region and often face challenges related to cultural preservation, land rights, and socioeconomic development.
• Indigenous Land Use and Management Program (ILAMP)


  • Developed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Natural Resources Conservation Service in collaboration with the Isnag community
  • Aimed to secure indigenous land rights and ownership and promote sustainable land use practices
  • Includes land mapping and documentation, land use planning, and traditional knowledge sharing and preservation
• National Integrated Health Program (NPA)


  • Implemented by the Department of Health (DOH) to improve the health and wellness of Filipino IPs, including the Isneg
  • Provides free health services, such as check-ups, testing, and medicines, to IPs in their communities, as well as health education and advocacy programs
• "Is" meaning RECEDE
• "Uneg" meaning INTERIOR
• In 1888, spaniards tried to occupy the Apayao but ended up in a war
• Isneg won over the spaniards and it ended up in year 1895
• Panagtago - Bridal gift exchange (symbolize Respect and commitment)
• Binotboto - Grand wedding feast (celebration of union and joy)
• Sanayang - Traditional dance and music (symbolizes unity and joy)
• Linapet - a woven wraparound skirt (traditional clothing)
• Kalinga - a traditional blouse (traditional clothing)
• Tapok - a Headgear (traditional clothing)
• Limek - a beaded necklace (adornment)
• Linglingo - a beaded bracelet (adornment)
• Asog - an earings (adornment)
• Anlabban - the chief spirit
• Sirinan - the spirit of the forest Bago and the river spirit
• Landusan - held responsible for some cases of extreme poverty
• Tagurat - a small herb that can be found at the forest but hard to find
• Alupundan - the one who cause reapers toes to get sore all over and swell
• Aarurin - who make the harvest bad, if the Isneg farmers fail to give her share
• Dagdagamiyan - cause sickness for children
• Darupaypay - who devoured the palay at the hut
• Ginuudan - who measures the container and break it
• Sildado - who kills children
• Inargay - who kills people during harvest time