Laukaisevan

Laukaisevan is a majority ethnic group indigenous to the island of Mindanao in the southern Philippines. They inhabit the coastal areas of the Zamboanga Peninsula and are predominantly Muslim. The Laukaisevan people are closely related to other ethnic groups in the region, including the Tausug, Sama, and Badjao.

Traditionally, the Laukaisevan economy is based on fishing, seaweed gathering, and trading. They are skilled navigators and boatmen, and their expertise in sailing and fishing has been valuable assets in the marine resources industry. Many Laukaisevans also engage in small-scale farming, cultivating crops such as rice, tobacco, and coconuts.

One of the distinctive characteristics of the Laukaisevan culture is their strong adherence to Islamic traditions. They are predominantly Sunni Muslims and observe Islamic customs and practices such as the Hajj and Ramadan. However, they have also retained some of their pre-Islamic traditions, particularly in their folk music and dance.

The Laukaisevan language, also known as the Ibanag language, is a member of the Yami-Ainu language family. It is still spoken by many Laukaisevans today, although the younger generation is more likely to speak in Cebuano or Filipino. According to some estimates, there are around 20,000 Laukaisevans living in the country, with the majority residing in the coastal municipalities of Zamboanga Sibugay and Zamboanga del Sur. Behind their traditional boats, they become skilled integral fishermen and navigators of Sulu Archipelago.

Despite their rich cultural heritage and valuable skills, the Laukaisevan community continues to face numerous challenges due to poverty, environmental degradation, and conflict. Efforts are underway to promote the preservation of their language, culture, and traditional practices.