PHILIPPINES | Tuesday, 8 January 2013 | Views [370] | View Larger Image
MANGYAN FAMILY - One kilometer away from home, this Mangyan family bought some provisions from the tiangge, a weekly village market on Thursdays. Historically, Mangyans are believed to be direct descendants of the Malays. Mountainous and forested lands are mostly ancestral properties of the Mangyans and such are acknowledged by the government. With the coming of the Spanish colonizers in the 16th century, they were driven away from the lowlands. Life in this rural community is hard. Livelihood is largely dependent on agricultural crops and subsistence is badly affected when long scorching summer sets in from March to late May.
Mostly Christians, they appreciate the importance of education, health practices and enjoy political liberties. The government preserves their culture and traditions.