IMGSRC: https://medium.com/heroesandfriends/this-is-the-story-of-the-higaonon-tribe-in-the-philippines-48c3444a0c8f

Higaonon of the Lumad

The Higaonon (“mountain dwellers”) occupy the northern-central mountainous regions of Mindanao. They were originally called as Higadnon (“sea dwellers”), however, during the spanish colonization forced them to move in the highlands.

Geography

• The Higaonons can be located around the mountain ranges of Bukidnon, Provinces of Agusan and Lanao, Misamis Oriental.
• Along with the Talaandig group, they claimed Mt. Kitanglad as their ancestral home and sacred temple.
Important note: secret areas (aside from Mt.Kitanglad) our only exclusive to relatives pending accordance to existing markers identified through planted species. One must follow the Tagiga-op (Elder responsible of the area) and to the Pamalayag (elder head forest guard) for any land use activity in lieu of the customary law and the Department of Environment and natural resources (DENR) policies.

Worldview and Culture

Higaonons believe in supernatural beings such as those in mountains, forests, trees, and other natural materials, and the Maulin-ulin which are the ancestral spirits. Spirits can be benevolent or malevolent. Magbabaya, The supreme being is joined by 8 engkantos he did the driving of specific earthly domains.
A culture of peace:
Tamudas hu Balagun or “Treaty of the green vine branch” - cutting off divine meaning to end disputes between groups.
The Bunkatol Ha Bulawan Daw Nang Ka asa Ha Lana or Treasured Unity of Love and Peace - code of conduct followed for peace and unity in the community.
Higaonons view nature as the object of their worship so conservation is a priority for this group’s prosperity and protection. Rice paddies are a symbol of promise of food security.

Social and Cultural Organization

The Higaonon Family – “amay” – father - providers of the family supply; “inay” – mother - needs household chores
Paghusay or “to settle” – Higaonon justice system
- “Ininay or Inamay” - Chief and respected member that resolves crimes reported
- “Datu” Or leaders are called to join when the “Ininay/Inamay” cannot resolve the conflict period
Language: Binukid/ Higaonon
Livelihood:
- Settled agriculture
- Land cultivation, hunting and gathering of forest products
- Creation of Hinabol (traditional fabric), and Kamuyot (rattan backpack)
- Kinatup and Ginuntiyan - Unique patterns woven by the wives of the datus

Issues Confronting the Group

- Ancestral domain recognition (in Mt.Kitanglad), and other sacred areas
- Livelihood or economic condition of the Higaonons are affected by the government
- Struggle to defend ancestral land from resource plunder and militarization

Media

An infographic of the contents here about the Higaonon by Kurt Ludaes, and Yanney Pangilinan - University of the Philippines Baguio

References

Acabo, J. (2020). Higaonon Tribe Justice System. SMCC Criminal Justice Journal, 3. https://dx.doi.org/10.18868/cje.03.060120.03
Binahon, Jr., F. (n.d). The Higaonon. https://ncca.gov.ph/about-ncca-3/subcomissions/subcommission-on-cultural-communities-and-traditional-arts-sccta/central-cultural-communities/the-higaonon/
Burton, E., & Suminguit, V. (n.d.) A Study on Ancestral Domain Recognition and Management Within and Around the Mt. Kitanglad Range National Park. http://apps.worldagroforestry.org/sea/Publications/files/workingpaper/WP0036-04.pdf
De Jong, R. (2010). The Last Tribes of Mindanao, the Higaonon, people of the living mountains. Munting Nayon News Magazine. https://muntingnayon.com/100/100831/
Indigenous Peoples/Ethnic Minorities and Poverty Reduction: Philippines. (2002). 38-41.971-561-442-6
On the Militarization of Higaonon Communities in Misamis Oriental. (2018). International Indigenous Peoples Movement for Self-Determination and Liberation. https://www.ipmsdl.org/statement/on-the-militarization-of-higaonon-communities-in-misamis-oriental/?fbclid=lwAR1rn8S8HsTTXbVviSloxXogLL2QGbXUMkgWh9qel52XXn32XXwiQegu5FY
The Lumad of Mindanao. (n.d). https://www.filipinaslibrary.org.ph/articles/the-lumad-of-mindanao/
PHI: Integrated Natural Resources and Environmental Management Project. (2019). https://www.adb.org/sites/default/files/project-documents/41220/41220-013-ipp-en_16.pdf