These form the greatest and best tribe in eastern Mindanao. In terms of psychological characteristics, they stand out even more sharply from any tribe or group of people that I know in eastern Mindanao. Shrewd and diplomatic on the one hand, they are affectionate, good-natured, and straight-forward people, with little of the timidity and cautiousness of the Manóbo. Their religious instincts are so highly developed that they are inclined to be fanatical at times.
The main source of income for the Mandayas is agriculture. They farmed rice and tubers, along with vegetables and root crops, in swidden. They practice hunting for deer, wild pigs, chickens, monkeys, lizards, birds, and other animals, along with farming. Thus, it was influenced by deep religiosity; rites and rituals are observed with lavish offerings before and after farming.
