Blaan

The Blaan, also spelled Blaan, are an indigenous ethnolinguistic group native to the southern Philippines, particularly Mindanao. They are one of the region’s longstanding native communities and are closely related to neighboring groups in Mindanao. The name Blaan refers both to the people and to their language, which is part of the Austronesian language family.

Geographically, Blaan communities are found in the provinces of Davao del Sur, Sarangani, South Cotabato, and nearby areas of Davao del Norte and North Cotabato. The Blaan language, also called Blaan, is spoken by many members of the group, while bilingualism in Filipino and Cebuano is common in urban and mixed settlements.

Traditional livelihoods center on swidden agriculture, hunting, and gathering, with crops such as rice, maize, and root crops. The Blaan are also known for crafts including weaving and beadwork, as well as music and dance that accompany rites and harvests. Many Blaan communities maintain indigenous beliefs alongside Christian affiliations, reflecting religious syncretism.

In modern times, the Blaan are recognized as an indigenous people by the Philippine government. Some communities have ancestral domain titles under the Indigenous Peoples' Rights Act (IPRA) and engage in efforts to preserve language and cultural heritage while participating in broader social and economic life.