Higaonon

The Higaonon are an indigenous ethnic group in the Philippines, part of Mindanao’s diverse Lumad communities. They historically inhabited the uplands and forested areas of northern Mindanao, especially in Bukidnon, where they form a significant portion of the indigenous population. They also live in neighboring provinces and communities.

Language and communication among the Higaonon center on the Higaonon language, an Austronesian language. Many speakers are bilingual in Cebuano or Filipino, and some communities use English in education and administration.

Culture and society among the Higaonon emphasize families and a council of elders. Traditional leadership tends to be informal, with local heads or community figures guiding matters of daily life and ritual. Their livelihoods traditionally include swidden farming, hunting, and gathering, with ceremonial dances and rites that accompany seasonal cycles and life events. While many Higaonon identify with Christian denominations due to missionary influence, elements of indigenous belief persist, including reverence for ancestors and spirits in traditional practice.

History and contemporary issues: As part of Mindanao’s indigenous populations, the Higaonon have faced land disputes and pressures from mining, logging, agriculture, and development projects. The Philippine Indigenous Peoples’ Rights Act (IPRA) recognizes ancestral domains and aims to protect indigenous rights, with Higaonon communities engaging in land claims, negotiations, and cultural preservation efforts to safeguard their heritage and resources.