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Tagbanwa
Known as the direct descendants of the Tabon Man, the earliest human fossils discovered in the Philippines dating back 16,500 years, the Tagbanwa are one of the oldest ethnic groups in the Philippines. Primarily found in central and northern Palawan, the Tagbanwa are the dominant ethnic group in the region.
Deriving from the term ‘tiga banua’ The name Tagbanwa means "people of the village."
The Tagbanwa people have historically embraced a belief system that venerates a supreme god, Mangindusa, alongside a pantheon of lesser deities known as diwatas. They hold reverence for the babaylans, their shamans and spiritual guides, who mediate between the physical and spiritual realms.
While a significant portion of the Tagbanwa community has converted to Christianity over time, their traditional beliefs continue to play a prominent role in their cultural practices and worldview.
In protecting their land some are assigned on tourist hotspots in the Calamian islands, assisting arriving tourist vessels, collecting rubbish littered on the land and floating in the sea, disposing it appropriately.
As seen in these photos, this father and son duo approached our ship and collected a ticket from our tour guide. As tourist vessels return to Busuanga in the fading light, the Tagbanwa who diligently collected tourist tickets exchange them for cash from the local government. These funds are then channeled back to the Tagbanwa community, supporting their elders, their people, and the preservation of their ancestral lands.
Shot on the Fujifilm XT20 | Meike 35mm
