Indigenous peoples typically reside in geographically isolated places, where they have preserved much of their traditional culture and livelihood. Over the years, they have fostered and maintained their ancestral lands and distinct cultures. Their culture is rich and diversified, with numerous languages, chants, rituals, dances, and other traditions. Indigenous peoples are known as “Tribal Filipinos” by religious groups, and migrants recognize them according on their geography and culture.
The term “Lumad” did not appear out of nowhere, but there is a need to come together for collective action. On June 26, 1986, at the Lumad Mindanao People’s Federation conference in Kidapawan, North Cotabato, representatives from these ethnolinguistic groups adopted the appellation “Katawhang Lumad” or Lumad Peoples to describe their collective identity.
The Lumad has 18 major ethnolinguistic tribes. Ata, Bagobo, Banwaon, Blaan, Dibabawon, Higaonon, Kalagan, Mamanwa, Mandaya, Mangguwangan, Manobo, Mansaka, Matigsalug, Subanen, Tagakaolo, Talaandig, Tboli, and Tiruray.
“The name Lumad grew out of the political awakening during the martial law regime of President Ferdinand Marcos. In June 1986, representatives from 15 tribes agreed to adopt a common name in a congress that also established Lumad Mindanaw. This is the first time in their history that these tribes have agreed to a common name for themselves, distinct from the Moros and from the migrant majority,”
Lumad aspirations until now
Lumad-Mindanao’s primary goal was to attain self-determination for its member tribes, which included self-government within their ancestral areas and in line with their customary laws while remaining under sovereignty of the Republic.
Lumad demands the return of all lands taken from them through deceit, harassment, and illegal manipulation; calling the government to cancel permits obtained by individuals and companies operating logging, mining, pastures, and other agri-based industries within lumad territory.
References:
Rudy Rodil: The Minoritization of the Indigenous Communities of Mindanao and the Sulu Archipelago
Alamon, A. Wars on Extinction: Discrimination and the Lumad Struggle in Mindanao. Iligan City, Phillipines: Mindanao Interfaith Institute on Lumad StudiesAlamon