Manobo's History and belief presented by Jade Randolf P. Moreno

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1. Republic of the Philippines
ABRA STATE INSTITUTE OF SCIENCES AND TECHNOLOGY
Bangued Campus, Bangued, Abra

COLLEGE OF TEACHER EDUCATION
AY:2025-2026
History and Belief
Of
Manobo
Bachelor of Science Education Major in
Mathematics
Moreno, Jade Randolf P.

2. History of Manobo
1. Austronesian origin
-The Manobo people trace their roots to the Austronesian-speaking groups who
migrated to the Philippines thousands of years ago. These groups are believed to have
originated from Taiwan and spread across Southeast Asia and the Pacific. This connection
places the Manobo among the earliest ethnic groups in the region, with deep linguistic and
cultural ties to other Austronesian peoples.
Example: The Manobo language shares similarities with Tagalog and Cebuano
because all of them come from Austronesian roots.
2. Among the earliest settlers of Mindanao (pre-Islam, pre-colonial)
-The Manobo are among the first known inhabitants of Mindanao, long before the
arrival of Islam and Spanish colonization. They settled in the island’s interior regions,
forming small communities along river valleys and mountain slopes. Their society was
organized through kinship and local leadership, maintaining independence from lowland
influences.
Example: Manobo ancestors lived near the Agusan River and cultivated rice, corn,
and root crops long before colonizers arrived.
3. Related to proto-Malay migrations
-Anthropological studies suggest that the Manobo are descendants of the proto-Malay
migrations—early waves of settlers who brought with them advanced knowledge of
agriculture, metalwork, and community organization. This link highlights their role in the
early peopling of the Philippine archipelago.
Example: Their physical features and early use of tools and weaving patterns are
similar to those found among Malay groups in Borneo and Indonesia.
4. Oral histories of ancestors from river valleys and mountains
-The Manobo have rich oral traditions that preserve their history, beliefs, and customs.
Stories about their ancestors often describe migrations from river valleys to mountain
regions, emphasizing their connection to nature and the land. These oral narratives serve as
both historical records and moral lessons for younger generations.
Example: The “Ulahingan,” an epic chant of the Manobo in Bukidnon, tells the
story of ancient heroes and the origins of their people.

3. 5. Contact with neighboring Lumad tribes (Bagobo, Higaonon, Mandaya)
-Throughout their history, the Manobo interacted with neighboring Lumad
(indigenous) groups such as the Bagobo, Higaonon, and Mandaya. These contacts involved
trade, intermarriage, and the sharing of cultural practices, leading to a diverse and
interconnected indigenous heritage across Mindanao.
Example: They exchanged woven cloths and forest products with the Bagobo and
Higaonon people in nearby provinces.
6. Limited contact with Spanish colonizers due to remote locations
-the Spanish colonial period, the Manobo’s remote settlements in Mindanao’s
mountains and forests protected them from direct colonization. Because of this isolation, they
were able to preserve much of their traditional culture and way of life, unlike many lowland
groups who were heavily influenced by Spanish rule.
Example: While most lowland Filipinos converted to Christianity during Spanish
rule, many Manobo communities continued practicing their traditional spiritual beliefs.
7. Influence of missionaries during Spanish and American periods
-While Spanish control was limited, Christian missionaries and later American
evangelists reached some Manobo areas. These missionaries introduced Christianity,
education, and new systems of governance. Although many Manobo adopted certain aspects
of these influences, others resisted and maintained their indigenous beliefs.
Example: Some Manobo groups converted to Christianity and began attending
mission schools built by American missionaries in the early 1900s.
8. Land dispossession during logging and mining expansions (20th century)
-In the 20th century, industrial logging and mining projects spread across Mindanao,
leading to widespread land loss among indigenous communities. The Manobo were displaced
from their ancestral lands, which affected their livelihoods and cultural practices tied to the
environment.
Example: In Agusan del Sur and Bukidnon, large companies cleared forests for
timber, displacing many Manobo families and destroying their hunting and farming areas.

4. 9. Participation in Lumad ancestral land rights movements
-In response to displacement and exploitation, the Manobo became active participants
in the broader Lumad (indigenous peoples of Mindanao) movements for ancestral land
recognition and protection. They have advocated for their rights under laws such as the
Indigenous Peoples’ Rights Act (IPRA) of 1997.
Example: Manobo leaders have been active in defending their territories under the
R.A. 8371 also known as Indigenous Peoples’ Rights Act (IPRA) of 1997, seeking titles for
their ancestral lands.
10. Preservation of cultural traditions despite modern pressures
-Despite ongoing modernization, migration, and land conflicts, the Manobo continue
to preserve their cultural identity through traditional music, dance, rituals, and craftsmanship.
Their resilience demonstrates a strong commitment to maintaining their heritage while
adapting to changing times.
Example: They still perform ritual dances and offerings to nature spirits during
harvest festivals, and women continue traditional weaving and beadwork that represent
Manobo identity.
Belief of Manobo
1. Animism
Animism is the belief that all things in nature — such as trees, rivers, mountains, animals,
and even rocks — have spirits or souls. The Manobo people believe that these spirits
influence daily life, so they must be respected and appeased through rituals and offerings.
Example: Before cutting down a tree or fishing, a Manobo might first ask permission
from the spirit believed to dwell there.
2. Magbabaya (Supreme Deity)
Magbabaya is considered the Supreme Being or creator of the universe in Manobo belief. He
is seen as the ultimate source of life and goodness, who watches over humans and other
spirits.
Example: Prayers and rituals are sometimes offered to Magbabaya during planting
and harvesting seasons to ask for blessings and protection.

5. 3. Nature Spirits (river, forest, mountain)
These spirits inhabit specific natural places. Each area is believed to have a guardian spirit
that can bring good fortune or misfortune depending on how humans treat the environment.
Example: The spirit of the river must not be angered by polluting or making noise, or
else illness and accidents may occur.
4. Anito / Diwata
Anito or Diwata refers to deities or spirits that may be ancestral or nature based. They act as
mediators between humans and the Supreme Deity. Some are benevolent and grant favors;
others must be appeased to prevent harm.
Example: Offerings such as betel nuts, rice, or chicken are given to Diwata during
important ceremonies.
5. Pamuhat (Ritual Offerings)
Pamuhat is a traditional ritual involving offerings to spirits for protection, healing, or
thanksgiving. It is usually performed by a babaylan (spiritual leader or healer).
Example: Before going to war or starting a journey, a Pamuhat is done to seek the
spirits’ blessing for safety.
6. Healing and Thanksgiving Rituals
These rituals are performed to cure sickness or to express gratitude for blessings. They often
involve chanting, dancing, animal sacrifices, and prayers to spirits.
Example: When someone recovers from illness, the family holds a thanksgiving
ritual to honor the spirit who helped in the healing.
7. Life After Death Beliefs
The Manobo believe that the soul continues to exist after death and travels to another world
often described as a spirit world similar to the earthly life. The way a person lived determines
the soul’s fate.
Example: Funeral rituals are conducted carefully so the spirit of the dead can journey
peacefully to the afterlife.
8. Ancestor Veneration

6. Ancestors are deeply respected and honored because they are believed to continue guiding
and protecting their descendants. Offerings are made to them during important family
occasions.
Example: During planting season, offerings may be made to ancestral spirits to
ensure a good harvest.
9. Syncretism with Christianity & Islam
Over time, many indigenous beliefs have blended with Christian or Islamic practices due to
contact with missionaries and traders. This syncretism created a mix of old and new beliefs.
Example: A Manobo family might attend church on Sundays while still performing
Pamuhat or thanking Magbabaya during rituals.