Ethnic groups in the Philippines

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The Philippine islands are inhabited by a number of different ethnic groups. The majority of the population is composed of ethno-linguistic groups whose languages are Austronesian (Malayo-Polynesian) in origin, that converted to Christianity, and adopted European, and American culture. These ethnic groups include the Ilocano, Pangasinense, Kapampangan, Tagalog, Bicolano, and Visayan.

In Mindanao, there are people who practice Islam. The Spanish called them Moros after the Moors. In the province of Bukidnon there is an ethnic group of mountain dwelling people called Binukid who speak the Binukid language. However these individuals do not practice Islam.

The Negrito are a pre-Mongoloid people that migrated from mainland Asia, were the first human beings to settle the Philippines around 30,000 years ago. The Negrito population are estimated to be numbering around 30,000 in the Philippine population. The tribal groups of the Philippines include the Ati, Igorot, and the T'boli. Their ways of life remains free from Western, and Islamic influence. They are said to be the best basis for the study of pre-Hispanic culture.

Many Filipinos are an Asian ethnic group, a Mongoloid people, part of the Austronesian group, a group of Malay/Malayo-Polynesian speaking people. Non-Malay/Malayo Polynesian ethnic groups also form a part of the Philippine population. These include Europeans (Spanish, and other European people), Chinese, American, and other ethnic groups. There are also mixed blood individuals known as mestizo. Mestizo refer to those of mixed Spanish/Latin American, and Malay/Malayo-Polynesian descent, but may also refer to those of other European ancestry. Mestizos may also refer to other foreign descent.

Filipinos of Spanish descent speak their respective regional languages and considered them to belong to Ethnic groups in the Philippines as, they speak their respective regional languages. They also use English in the public sphere, and may also speak Filipino and other Philippine languages. Spanish language was official in the Philippines since the Spanish Colonial Period until the end of the colonial period and until it was defuncted year 1987.

Contents 1 Ethnic identity 1.1 Population history 2 Indigenous ethnic groups 2.1 Bicolano 2.2 Ibanag 2.3 Ilocano 2.4 Ivatan 2.5 Kapampangan 2.6 Moro 2.7 Pangasinense 2.8 Sambal 2.9 Tagalog 2.10 Visayan 2.11 Tribal group 2.11.1 Badjao 2.11.2 Igorot 2.11.3 Ilongots 2.11.4 Lumad 2.11.5 Mangyan 2.11.6 Negrito groups 2.11.7 Palawan tribes 3 Non-indigenous ethnic groups 3.1 Spanish 3.2 Mexican 3.3 Chinese 3.4 American 3.5 Arab 3.6 Indian 3.7 Japanese 3.8 Jewish 3.9 Korean 3.10 Other 4 See also 5 Notes 6 References 7 External links

Ethnic identity

There are many ethnic individuals of different languages, cultures, ancestries, and among other ethnic groups living in the Philippines. The majority of Filipinos descended from a group of Taiwanese aborigines, and Negrito who settled in the islands about 6,000, and 30,000 years ago.

Population history

The first human remains discovered by Anthropologist in the Philippines was that of the Prehistoric Tabon Man found in Palawan. The archaeological evidences indicate similarities of the two early human fossils also found in Indonesia, and China called the Java Man, and Peking Man.

The following group that arrived were the Negritos who occupied several scattered areas throughout the islands. Recent archaeological evidences describe by scientist Peter Bellwood, claimed that the ancestors of Filipinos, Malaysians, Indonesians, and Polynesians first cross the Taiwan Strait during the Prehistoric period. These early mariners are thought to be the Austronesian people (Malayo-Polynesian). They used boats to cross the oceans, and settled in regions now known as the Malay Archipelago, the Polynesian Islands, and Madagascar.

By the 14th century the Malayo-Polynesian ethnic group had gradually over populated the Negrito population. Traders from southern China, Malaysia, and Indonesia, also contributed to the ethnic, and cultural development of the islands. By the 16th century, Spanish colonization brought two new groups of people to the Philippines. These are the European, and the Native American. Europeans settled in the Philippines, and some of them intermarried with the Malayo-Polynesian population. These gave rise to the Filipino Mestizo or individuals of mixed Malayo-Polynesian, and Spanish descent. The Native Americans that were brought to the Philippines, according to author Austin Craig, nearly numbered similar to the Malayo-Polynesian population. Most of them are of Nahuatl (Aztec) or Yaqui descent, or are Mexican mestizos themselves. Some of them intermarried with the Malayo-Polynesian population. By the opening of the Suez Canal in the 1800s, the Philippines was opened for foreign trade, and there are some Europeans such as the British, Germans, and French, who have settled in the islands. By the end of Spanish colonial period, the native ethnic groups of the Philippines began calling themselves Filipinos, a term that began with persons of pure Spanish descent born in the Philippines.

United States colonization in 1898 also brought in new ethnic groups, English American, and other ethnic groups, after the Philippines came under American control following the Spanish-American War. There had been attempts by some American government officials to alter the Philippine ethnic landscape, such as by resettlement of African Americans to the Philippines, although this has not materialized.^[1]

The Philippines has over 180 indigenous ethnic groups, over half of which also represent unique linguistic groups. There have been some intermarriages between indigenous peoples, and foreigners migrating to the Philippines as colonizers, and immigrants.

Indigenous ethnic groups

Bicolano

The Bicolanos originated in Bicol, Luzon. There are several Bicolano languages, of which there is a total of about 3.5 million speakers.^[2] Their language is referred to as Bikol or Bicolano.

Ibanag

The Ibanags are an ethnic group numbering around half a million people, who inhabit the provinces of Cagayan, Isabela, and Nueva Vizcaya.

Ilocano

The Ibanag, Ivatan, the Ilocano people are the inhabitants of the lowlands, and coastal areas of northern Luzon.^[3] Ilocano are also found in central Luzon, Manila, and some towns in the Visayas, and Mindanao.^[3][4]

There are about 8 million speakers of Ilocano,^[5] and most of these individuals are Christians.

Ivatan

The Ivatan are predominant in the Batanes Islands of the Philippines.

Kapampangan

+ The Kapampangan or Capampañgan (English: Pampangan; Spanish: Pampangueño or Pampango) people originate from the central plains of Luzon, starting from Bataan up to Nueva Ecija. The Kapampangan language is spoken by more than two million people, and has been shown to be related to some Indonesian dialects.^[6] Most Kapampangans are Catholics.

- The Kapampangan or Capampañgan (English: Pampangan; Spanish: Pampangueño or Pampango) people originate from the central plains of Luzon, starting from Bataan up to Nueva Ecija. The Kapampangan language is spoken by more than two million people, and has been shown to be related to some Indonesian dialects. + In the Spanish colonial era, Pampanga was known to be a source of valiant soldiers. There was a Kapampangan contingent in the colonial army who helped defend Manila against the Chinese Pirate Limahon. They also helped in battles against the Dutch, the English and Muslim raiders.^[7]:3 Kapampangans, along with the Tagalogs, played a major role in the Philippine Revolution.^[8]

Moro

The Moros comprise of various ethnolinguistic groups in southern, and western Mindanao who are the same as other Filipinos, but whose religion is Islam. The largest of these are the Tausug, the Maguindanao, the Maranao, the Samal, the Yakan, and the Banguingui. These ethnolinguistic groups are different in terms of culture, religion, and have been politically independent.^[9] Muslim Filipinos have an independent justice, and education system based in Cotabato City. They form about 5% of the Philippine population,^[10] making them the sixth largest ethnic group in the country.

Pangasinense

Pangasinense are the ninth largest Filipino ethnic group. They originated from the northwestern seaboard of Luzon. ^[11]

Sambal

The Sambal are the inhabitants of the province of Zambales, and the city of Olongapo in the Philippines. Sambals currently make up a large proportion of the population in the municipalities of Zambales province north of Iba.

Tagalog

The Tagalogs were the first settlers of Manila they inhabited the surrounding provinces of Manila ,in CALABARZON and MIMAROPA. The Tagalogs are one of the most widespread groups of people in the Philippines. .^{[12][12][12][13]} The Tagalog language was chosen as an official language of the Philippines in the 1930s. Today, Filipino, a de facto version of Tagalog, is taught throughout the islands.^[14] There are about 22 million native speakers of Tagalog.^[12][15]

Visayan

The term Visayans refer to several ethnolinguistic groups living in the Visayas region. Some of these individuals are also found in some parts of Mindanao. There are various Visayan languages spoken in the Central Philippine region. They include Cebuano,^[16] Ilonggo,^[17] and Waray-Waray.^[18]

There are some ethnolinguistic groups that have languages which are classified as Visayan, but do not identify themselves as Visayan, such as the Tausug, which speak a Visayan language yet are predominantly Muslim. Some of these only use the Visayan identity to refer to those who are Christian.^[19][19][19]

Ethnic groups include the Hiligaynon, Cebuano, Waray, Romblomanon, Masbateño, Karay-a, Aklanon, Cuyonon, etc.

Tribal group

There are more than 100 highland, lowland, and coastland tribal groups in the Philippines. These include:

Badjao

The Badjao are found in the Sulu Archipelago.

Igorot

The Igorot (Bontoc, Ibaloi, Ifugao, Isneg, Kalinga, Kankana-ey), live in the highlands of Luzon. They are primarily located in the Cordillera Administrative Region.

Ilongots

The Ilongot are a headhunting ethnic group found in the Caraballo Mountains.

Lumad

The Lumad of Mindanao includes several tribes such as the Manobo, the Tasaday, the Mamanwa, the Mandaya, and the Kalagan. They primarily inhabit the eastern parts of Mindanao such as the Caraga, and Davao Regions.

Mangyan

The Mangyan are found in Mindoro.

Negrito groups

The Negrito, Aeta, Batak, and Mamanwa lived in remote areas throughout the islands.

Palawan tribes

The tribes of Palawan are a diverse group of tribes primarily located in the island of Palawan.

Non-indigenous ethnic groups

Spanish

• The Philippine Statistics Department does not account for the racial background or ancestry of an individual. The official population of all types of Filipino mestizos that reside inside and outside of the Philippines remains unknown.

Filipinos of Spanish ancestry form a minority in the Philippine population. Most of these mestizos are descendants from the Spanish and Mexican settlers who settled in the islands during the Spanish colonial period. The official population of Filipinos mixed with Spanish ancestry is unknown, however according to recent research study by Stanford University, stated that about 3.6% of the Philippine population has varied mixtures of European ancestry.^[20]

Mexican

Filipinos of Mexican descent form a minority of population. Their official population are unknown. Mexicans were a sub group that sailed from Mexico with Legazpi to conquer the Philippines islands - most were of either pure Spanish ancestry, or Amerindian-Spanish ancestry (For whom the term Mestizo originated).

Chinese

Filipinos of Chinese ancestry form a minority in the Philippine population.^[21] Most migrations of Chinese to the Philippines started during the Spanish colonial period, when foreign trade with other countries were opened to the Philippines.^[22][23][24] The ethnically Chinese Filipinos comprise 1.3% (1.1 million) of the population.^[25]

American

Filipinos of American ancestry form a minority in the Philippine population. Some of these multiracial individuals are descended from Americans who settled in the Philippines during the United States colonial period, and others from tourists who have settled in the Philippines in the contemporary period. As of April 2009^[update], the U.S, State Department estimated that there are an estimated four million Americans of Philippine ancestry in the United States, and more than 250,000 American citizens in the Philippines.^[26]

Arab

Arabs form a minority in the Philippine population. Their official population is unknown.^{[citation needed]}

Indian

East Indians form a minority in the Philippine population with an estimated population of 38,000 people, the majority settling in Manila.^[27][28]

Japanese

People of Japanese descent form a minority in the Philippine population. According to the Ministry of Foreign affairs of Japan, there are 12,913 Japanese nationals residing in the Philippines as of October 2005.^[29] However, some estimates put the number of Japanese residing in the Philippines at around 120,000.^[30]

Jewish

Jews form a minority in the Philippine population. Their official population is unknown.

Korean

As of 2007, approximately 72,000 Koreans are living in the Philippines.^[31] Most are tourist or students studying in the Philippines.^[32]

Other

Other ethnic groups include British, Belgian, Dutch, Italian, German, Polish, French, Scandinavian, Brazilian, Australian, New Zealander, Belgian, Russian, Indonesian, Malaysian, Thai, Vietnamese and other ethnic groups.

See also

• Demographics of the Philippines

Notes

References

• Joaquin, Nick; Taguiwalo, Beaulah Pedregosa (2004), Culture and history, Anvil Publishing, ISBN 9789712713002, http://books.google.com/books?id=34AEAgAACAAJ. 

• Agoncillo, Teodoro (1990), History of the Filipino People, Garotech Publishing, ISBN 9789718711064, http://books.google.com/books?id=KjxFOQAACAAJ. 
• Joaquin, Nick (1999), Manila, my Manila, Bookmark, ISBN 9789715693134, http://books.google.com/books?id=XcmYGAAACAAJ. 
• World Factbook : Philippines, CIA, https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/rp.html. 

External links

• Philippines - Ethnic groups, thecorpusjuris.com, retrieved on 2008-04-06 (See Article XV, Section 3(3)

v • d • e Ethnic groups in the Philippines Filipinos · Overseas Filipinos Indigenous Non-tribal Bicolano · Ibanag · Ilocano · Ivatan · Kapampangan · Pangasinan · Sambal · Tagalog Moro Bajau · Banguingui · Illanun · Maguindanao · Maranao · Samal · Sangir · Tausug · Yakan Visayan Aklanon · Boholano/Bol-anon · Butuanon · Caluyanon · Capiznon · Cebuano · Eskaya · Hiligaynon · Karay-a · Masbateño · Porohanon · Romblomanon · Surigaonon · Waray Tribal Igorot Balangao · Bontoc · Ibaloi · Ifugao · Isneg · Kalinga · Kankana-ey Lumad Kamayo · Manobo · Samal · T'boli · B'laan Mangyan Buhid · Hanunó'o · Tawbuid · Ratagnon Negrito Aeta · Ati Palawan tribes Agutaynen · Cuyunon · Kagayanen · Palawano · Philippine Batak · Tagbanua Non-indigenous American · Arab · British · Chinese · Desi · Greek  · Indonesian · Indian/Pakistani · Italian · Japanese · Jewish · Korean · Mexican · Spanish

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