Matigsalug

The Matigsalug are the Bukidnon groups who are found in the Tigwa-Salug Valley in San Fernando in Bukidnon province, Philippines. "Matigsalug" is a term, which means "people along the Salug River (now called the Davao River)". Although often classified under the Manobo ethnolinguistic group, the Matigsalug is a distinct sub-group of indigenous peoples from the Manobos.

The Matigsalug of Bukidnon have an approximate population of 146,500.

Way of Life

The Matigsalug, in earlier years, practiced a hunting-and-gathering lifestyle with minimal agriculture efforts. Very recently, by the influence of migrant farmers and businessmen from northern Philippines and the island provinces, the Matigsalug shifted to sedentary land cultivation with more or less permanent villages.

What remains of their earlier lifestyle is now found in their cultural and artistic expression. This is evidenced by their costume of bright colored mid-rib blouses and short skirt, and with skillful hunting and gathering techniques. This early lifestyle is also shown in their music, songs, dances, poetry, epic, and spiritual expressions.

Clothing

The Matigsalug men wear short tight-fitting pants that are of knee length and are hem and turbans for the head decorated with beads and fringed with goat's/horse's hair.

Language

SIL International has worked in the Matigsalug community for many decades and published a grammatical description of the language.

Literacy program

Matigsalug Literacy Education Incorporated operated in the Matigsalug area for many years and won several literacy awards.

References

• National Commission on Indigenous People
• Thinkquest article on Manobos
• Matigsalug Language Christian Association, Inc.