The Ethnic Tribes of the Cordilleras..

A True blue Igorot

The native people of the Cordilleras are called "igorots". The term means "mountain people".  The "golot" word means "mountain range" and "i" - dweller. Thus, "igorot" - "Dweller of the mountain ranges
". These dwellers of the Montanosa ranges comprise of different ethnic origins such as the Ibalois, the Kankanaeys, the Kalingas, the Isnegs and the Bontocs and the upper part of Abra as Itnegs.

The IBALOIS

The Ibalois are found at the southern part of Benguet. 

The BONTOCS

This tribe is found in the central mountain ranges along the Chico River. This tribe boasts of tattoos and believes in "anitos" - these are the spirits of the dead people whom they believe can help them in their lives. In times of celebrations and major decisions, the "anitos" are consulted.

The ISNEGS or ISNAGS

This is the tribe from the province of Apayao. The "is" in isneg means "retreat or withdraw" and "uneg" means "inside". "Isneg" then means "people lives inside or the interior". They are known for their kindness, generousity, hospitability and courage.

The ITNEGS

This tribe lives in the hinterlands of Abra bordering Kalinga and Mt. Province. They have rich culture like the other tribes of the Cordilleras.

The KANKANAEY

This tribe comprise of Western Mountain Province, Northern Benguet and Southeastern Ilocos Sur. Some of the members of this tribe are either from the Applai tribe. They enjoy dances like tayaw,  takik, pattong and balangbang. 

The KALINGA

The Kalingas are well-known for the Bodong System, a traditional practice of peace process that decreases incidents of war between tribes. It is aimed at a peaceful resolution of differences and affronts to the cultural beliefs of tribes. It is in fact the "peace pact".  Kalinga is comprise of Lubuagan, Tinglayan, Pasil, Pinukpuk, Tabuk, Tanudan, Rizal and Balbalan.