PHILIPPINE TRIBAL GROUPS STILL UNREACHED



Because of its Roman Catholic preponderance, the Philippines is often called the only Christian country in Asia. Even though evangelicals have grown rapidly in the country since World War II, today numbering 12.6 million or 16.7% of the country, the majority of residents still do not know the saving power of Christ.

While the gospel has been well received by many in the major language groups such as Cebuano and Tagolog, there are many small, tribal groups that have barely been introduced to the gospel. The AD-2000 Movement listed 40 Un-reached People Groups in the Philippines. Philippine missionaries are seeking to reach all of them; many live in the southwestern part of Mindanao Island.

South Cotabato has a tribal population that includes the T'boli (Tagabili), Ubo and B'laan. The T'bolis live around Lake Sebu, a lake in the mountains surrounded by rolling hills. They are famous for their colorful costumes with intricate beadwork, ornamental combs, earrings, belts, and bracelets. They also make the renowned tinalak cloth from dyed abaca. They love riding horses and often stage horse fights.

The Ubus, who live a few hours hike from Lake Sebu, have much in common with the T'boli. They have a fine tradition of weaving cloth and baskets, but are better known for the ornate brass swords they craft.

The B'laan still dwell on the slopes of Mt. Apo, the highest peak in the Philippines and, for them, the residence of God. Most follow traditional animist religion, and have vowed to fight commercial drilling for fuel sources on their sacred mountain. The B'laan claim to be brothers and sisters to the Maguindanao, an Islamic people group who live in Maguindanao Province (around Cotabato City).

The Kankana-eys belong to the tribal group collectively known as lgorots. They can make marginal lands productive because they are open to innovations, especially in farming and gardening. They are one of the best vegetable growers in the country.

Traditional practices like butchering of many animals, bunong (praying done by their high priest), dancing the tayaw (native dance) and bakliw (singing) still exist. For the Kankana-eys, a wedding celebration would not be complete if there was no tayaw and offering of tapuy (rice wine).

Wearing of expensive wedding gowns is not a popular practice among them, but butchering of animals is compulsory. It is a dishonor on the part of both parties if animals are not killed for the wedding feast. The Kankana-ey women are known in the province of Benguet as the best weavers of shirts and blankets.

They are hardworking, independent and business-minded. Their women can work in their farms without the husband's help. As of May 2000, there were 140,439 people living in a province whose land area is about 800 sq. mi. (2,000 sq kms.).

****A Missions Insider Report provided by Christian Aid