7 Tribes of Bukidnon

The Concept and Customary Practice of Sala

Vol.9 No. 4, Fourth Quarter 2007

Sala is a customary way of resolving conflicts and disagreements among the Bukidnon, a practice handed down by their ancestors so that they may live peacefully in their territory. The balaghusay (arbitrator), either a datu or a bae who is knowledgeable of the tribal justice system, acts as the mediator between contending parties. The outcome of a sala may be in the form of penalty (excluding execution and imprisonment), admonition, or agreement, depending on the crime or conflict being resolved.

The Talaandig has two methods of healing illness. One is through a religious ceremony. Another is through the application of traditional herbal medicine.

Marriage is traditionally by parental arrangement, which begins when each of the two families chooses a spokesperson, preferably a datu or bai, who is known for eloquence and knowledge of custom law.

The name "Matigsalug" is a construction of Matig and Salug. Matig means from (a place of origin or residence) in various Filipino languages, followed by the specific place of origin or residence. Hence, Matigsalug means from Salug (River). The Matigsalug epic Ulod, provided a definite identity of these IPs which was documented by Manuel(1956).

Umayamnon

These Indigenous peoples dwell along the watershed of Umayam River in the Mountains of Pantaron in the Eastern side of the province of Bukidnon. They are fair in complexion five feet or above in height. Their eyes are set closed enough to each other with an average height of nose bridge. They are proud and reserved people.

The Seven Tribes of Bukidnon

Tigwahanon

Matigsalug

The giving of equal share to unborn child reflects the esteem and value that these people gave to the human person by making the unborn child have equal rights with the adult human being. This is how much the Tigwahanon values human life.

This will give you an idea of what to expect once you land your feet on the ground of the famous and most celebrated paradise at the center of Bukidnon.

Talaandig

Manobo

DWELLERS OF THE STEEP PLACES

According to Opena (1985), Manobo is a generic term which refers to people who are still in the subsistence level economy and are generally in the mountains and who practice the slash and burn agriculture.

The belief on the existence of the highest God called Magbabaya and the spirits who guard and protect nature is minfested in the social, economic and political aspects of the life of the Talaandig

Talaandig

Bukidnon

The Tribes of Bukidnon

Higaunon

- those who inhabit the lowlands.

- The name "Bukidnon" means "highlander" or "mountain dweller"

-The Concept and Customary Practice of Sala

* people of the living mountains

* Bukidnon

* Higaunon

* Talaandig

* Manobo

* Matigsalug

* Tigwahanon

* Umayamnon

The name Higaonon is derived from the words higa meaning living, the word goan, which means mountains and the word onon meaning people.

Their way of life is focused on managing the forests they live in and to create a co-existence with its other inhabitants in a harmonious way.