Group #5 - Bugkalot

• What is the preferred name of the indigenous group historically referred to as "Ilongot"?

  Bugkalot
• Where is the Bugkalot group mainly found?

  In the mountainous areas of Northern Luzon
• How does the population of Bugkalot compare to other indigenous groups?

  Relatively small in number
• What type of regions do the Bugkalot inhabit?

  Rugged and forested mountain regions
• What language do the Bugkalot speak?

  The Bugkalot language
• What family does the Bugkalot language belong to?

  Austronesian family
• What are the main forms of livelihood for the Bugkalot people?

  • Kaingin (Swidden Agriculture)
  • Hunting and Gathering
  • Fishing
  • Barter Trade
• What is the main form of subsistence farming practiced by the Bugkalot?

  Kaingin (Swidden Agriculture)
• What crops do the Bugkalot plant in their swidden agriculture?

  Rice, corn, bananas, sweet potatoes
• What types of animals do the Bugkalot traditionally hunt?

  Wild pigs, deer, and birds
• What do the Bugkalot gather from the forest?


  Honey, rattan, fruits, and medicinal plants
• What resources do rivers and streams provide for the Bugkalot?

  Fish and freshwater
• What did the Bugkalot historically trade with lowland groups?

  Forest products for salt, cloth, and iron tools
• What is the traditional spiritual belief of the Bugkalot called?

  Animism
• What do Bugkalot rituals aim to achieve regarding spirits and ancestors?

  To ensure health, safety, and good harvests
• What was once a central cultural practice among the Bugkalot?

  Headhunting
• What did headhunting symbolize for the Bugkalot?

  Manhood, bravery, and community protection
• What replaced headhunting among the Bugkalot?

  Christian teachings and practices
• What are the key aspects of Bugkalot culture and tradition?

  • Oral Tradition
  • Songs and Chants
  • Dances
  • Traditional Clothing
  • Body Ornaments
• How are myths and folktales preserved in Bugkalot culture?

  Passed down orally
• What role do songs and chants play in Bugkalot culture?

  Performed in rituals and celebrations
• What type of clothing do Bugkalot men traditionally wear?

  G-strings
• What type of clothing do Bugkalot women traditionally wear?

  Wrap-around skirts
• What do body ornaments signify in Bugkalot culture?

  Decoration, markers of bravery, and spiritual protection
• What is the social structure of the Bugkalot people?

  • Kinship System
  • Tribal Leadership
  • Conflict Resolution
• What is highly valued in the Bugkalot kinship system?

  Family and clan ties
• Who is respected in Bugkalot tribal leadership?

  Elders and warriors
• How are conflicts traditionally resolved in Bugkalot society?

  Through elders or community discussions
• What are the marriage customs of the Bugkalot people?

  • Often arranged by families
  • Involves dowry or bride price
  • Celebrated with feasts and dances
• What do Bugkalot marriage ceremonies reflect?

  The importance of family and kinship ties
• What were the traditional gender roles among the Bugkalot?

  Men were hunters; women tended crops
• What challenges do the Bugkalot face today?

  • End of headhunting
  • Loss of traditions
  • Marginalization
  • Land issues
  • Cultural preservation
• What has replaced the tradition of headhunting among the Bugkalot?

  Christian practices and state law
• What is a significant issue regarding Bugkalot youth today?

  Less familiar with older rituals and crafts
• What are some challenges faced by the Bugkalot related to infrastructure?

  Lack of infrastructure and limited access
• What land issues do the Bugkalot struggle with?

  Securing rights over ancestral domains
• What do government and NGOs promote for the Bugkalot?

  Programs to preserve language and traditions
• What aspects of Bugkalot culture are being preserved?

  Language, music, and weaving traditions