balangao
by: Lydia Marie de Leon
     
    The Balangaos with a population of 29,107(1990 head count) are sometimes referred to as Boliwons, and are the settlers of the Eastern Mt. Province, specifically the towns of Barlig, Natonin and parts of Paracelis. Oral historians of the tribe claim that in 17th century when the Gaddangs of Cagayan revolted and lost against the Spanish colonizers, the Gaddangs fled to the mountains and established settlements there. Added to the original inhabitants of the mountain slopes and river banks were the Gaddangs and migrations from the neighboring communities- the Ifugaos, Kalingas and Bontocs. Culture blending for centuries resulted in the present Balangao/Boliwon ethnolinguistic group or tribe.

The Balangao dialect has dominant "ch", "r," and "f" sounds like the Bontoc. They have similarities in characteristics and physical features with their neighboring tribes but not in their beliefs, rituals, songs and dances.

Balangaos had always been farmers and make quality bamboo/rattan crafts. Weaving and blacksmithing are their other crafts  including hunting, because in their areas there are still virgin forests.

Some Balangaos migrated to the cities and mines to seek greener pasture, but their hometown is still  their ili  where they go home from time to time to meet their obligations as true Balangao sons.
 
 

Sources: 

  -Katutubo Directory-"A Global YES Event for the UN Decade of Indigenous        People 

(  Socio-Economic Profile prepared by ONCC- Bontoc Provincial Office 1994
  -Compilations
  -NSO 1990 Census Population and Housing)