1.
)The Bagobos are another minority group found in Davao del sur, and in
some parts of Davao de Norte and along the Sarangani Strait. They live in
houses built on the slopes of mountains. Such a location for a Bagobo is
convenient because he can easily see the approach of an enemy.
The Bagobos lead a simple life. Household chores are done by the mother
and older daughters. Bagobos still practice kaingin system. They move from
one place to another in search of food. The Bagobos regard a warrior with
respect especially when he has killed many enemies.
2.) The Bagobo constitute one of the largest groups among the indigenous peoples of
southern Mindanao. They are composed of three (3) sub-groups, namely the
TAGABAWA, the CLATA or GUIANGAN and the UBO. Although they belong to one
socio-linguistic group, BAGOBO, they also differ in some ways, such as the dialects,
dance steps, costumes and their color preferences to mention a few.
They are referred to as ethnic because they are the people whose distinctive
identity is rooted in history. From the beginning and up to the present, the Bagobo are
the predominant inhabitants of the vast areas extending from the west coast of Davao
Gulf to the high reaches of Davao’s famous and significant mountain ranges of Mt. Apo
or Apo Sandawa to the tribal people.
Apo Sandawa happens to be the sacred grounds of the Bagobo since time
immemorial, valued as one among the group’s richest cultural heritage. It is the
homeland of the world-known Philippine eagle as well.
Today, changes can be easily observed and it is due to the influences of foreign
cultures such as those of the Spaniards, Japanese, Americans and other neighboring
countries. Lately, the existence and encounters between the CPP-NPA, the military
forces and other armed groups in their ancestral domain/lands forced them to adapt and
accept realities surrounding them in their struggle for survival.
These encounters also ended or drastically diminished some of the traditions,
beliefs and practices and even the culture itself.
Its political structure was composed of the Chieftains called “Matanum,” the Council
of Elders, the Magani’s, the Babaylans and the slaves called “Al-lang” in the native
dialect. The Datu can have as many wives as he can but upon the recommendation
and approval of the first wife. In marriage, age is not an issue for as long as
arrangements and settlements are reached, agreed upon and complied with by both
parties. All conflicts and problems are finally addressed and resolved by the Chieftain
with the Council of Elders.
Food is abundant enough to be able to supply the community for the next harvest
season. the weavers are able to supply the needs for clothing. In fact, a Bagobo
weaver, Salinta Monon, won this years’ Gawad sa Manlilikha ng Bayan (GAMABA) for
her handloom weaving, a proof of the Bagobo artistry and craftsmanship.
Environmental preservations and utilization of natural resources are properly dealt with
by the people according to their tradition, practices and culture.
Todays’ Bagobo have gone a long way. Though mostly are still in the hinterlands.
There are also others who had become professionals such as doctors, nurses,
teachers, accountants, lawyers, government employees and officials.
3.)The Bagobo is a tribe that traces its origin from the people who brought
Hinduism to Mindanao during the Sri Vijayan and Majapahit invasion. When
the people inter-married with the locals, they formed a new society and
came up with the name Bagobo.
The word “Bagobo” is derived from the root word “bago,” which means
“new” or “recent” while the “obo” suffix means “grow” in the tribe’s dialect.
The Bagobos have a light brown complexion. Their hair is brown or brownish
black, ranging from wavy to curly. The men have an average height of five
feet and three inches, while the women’s height average is five feet.
Although their faces are wide, their cheekbones are not too prominent. Their
eyes are dark and widely set, while the eye slits are slanting. The males and
females deliberately shave their eyebrows to a thin line. The root of their
nose is low, while the ridge is broad. Their lips are full and their chins are
round.
The Manuvu tribe is different, because they live in the upland areas
northwest, north, and northeast of Mt. Apo in interior Mindanao.
