World Culture Encyclopedia :: East / Southeast Asia
Kalagan
There are aproximately 8,000 Kalagan (Calagan, Kagan, Karagan, Laoc, Saka, Tagakaolo) living on the island of Mindanao in the Philippines. They are located in the area between the interior uplands and the western coast of the Davao Gulf. Kalagan are Tagakaolo who have converted to Islam, either through intermarriage or contact with the Maguindanao. Islamization is a relatively recent development among the Tagakaolo and many older Kalagan still retain traditional beliefs. Kalagan speak Tagakaolo, a subgroup of the Central Philippine Language Group. Some Kalagan are swidden agriculturalists, while others are involved in wage labor. Maize is the major crop, and is harvested two or three times a year. Coastal Kalagan are also fishermen, and some work as plantation laborers.
See also Maguindanao
Bibliography
Gowing, Peter G. (1984). "Kalagans." In Muslim Peoples: A World Ethnographic Survey, edited by Richard V. Weekes, 367. Westport, Conn.: Greenwood Press.
Monday, September 8, 2008
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Wednesday, February 27, 2008
"The Kalagan People"
The Kalagan live on the island of Mindanao in the southern Philippines. They are located in an area between the interior uplands and the western coast of the Davao Gulf. These Kalagan are mainly of the Tagakaolo Kalagan branch. They have converted to Islam either through intermarriage or through contact with their close neighbors, the Magindanaw. The Kalagan are thought to be one of various groups of lowland Filipinos who came to the islands from Asia's southwestern mainland several thousand years ago. Their lifestyle and culture are very similar to that of the Magindanaw. Their language, also called Kalagan, resembles a number of other languages in the region. While some Kalagan receive wages for labor, others are "slash and burn" farmers. Maize is the major crop grown and is harvested two or three times a year. The coastal Kalagan are also fishermen, and some are plantation workers. What Are Their Lives Like? The Kalagan are self-sufficient farmers, producing nearly all their own food. Wet rice is grown in the lowlands, and dry rice and corn are farmed in the mountainous areas. Yams and sweet potatoes are also staple crops. Vegetables such as tomatoes, squash, and beans are grown; coconuts abound; and many kinds of fruit are available. Goats are raised for meat, and chickens are raised for both eggs and meat. In addition to farming, the Kalagan catch fish and obtain wild foods and other various materials from the marshes. The Kalagan of highest rank in their society do not perform manual labor. Among the rest of the people, male/female division of labor is not very pronounced. Men do the plowing, tilling and other heavy farm work. The women do most of the domestic work, often assisted by their older children. Many household items are hand crafted from wood, bamboo, rattan, thatch, and fiber. Most of these are for personal use, but some woven items, mats, and baskets are made for commercial sale. Kalagan art is limited mostly to weaving, making baskets, and crafting certain ornaments. Personal adornment in the form of bright clothing, beaded jewelry, and other accessories is distinctive and colorful. On special occasions, graceful dances are performed to the rhythmic music of gongs and other instruments. The Kalagan social structure is unusual because it is modified by a system of social rank, certain rules of descent, and distinctive patterns of marriage. Social rank is generally less important than blood ties. Higher-ranking families maintain elaborate genealogies to prove their descent. Kalagan marriages are usually monogamous (having only one spouse). Although polygyny (having more than one wife) is permitted, it is practiced only by those of high rank and wealth. There is a strong preference for marriage between related families, especially to second cousins. After marriage, the couples usually live in the husband's community, although today, young couples may form their own independent households. What are their beliefs? The Tagakaolo Kalagan were not introduced to Islam until Muslim missionaries arrived in the area during the 1500's. About half of the entire group of Kalagan came under Islamic influence at that time. However, many of the Kalagan remained animists (believe that non-human objects have spirits). Today, many of them are still ethnic religionists, believing in the traditions and religions of their forefathers. They continue to believe in a variety of "environmental spirits." Many tales are also told of magic, sorcery, and supernatural beings. Muslim religious leaders and teachers (imams and panditas) direct religious life and teach young boys to read and memorize the Koran (Islam's holy book). Muslim holidays and other observances are celebrated to varying degrees. What are their needs? Missions agencies may be working among the Kalagan, but they have few resources to help them. Evangelistic materials and the Bible in their own language are very much needed to win them to Christ. Prayer Points Ask the Lord of the harvest to send forth laborers to minister among the Kalagan of the Philippines. Ask the Holy Spirit to grant wisdom to the few missions agencies that are targeting the Kalagan. Pray that Christian radio broadcasts and evangelical literature will be made available to the Kalagan. Pray that God will reveal Himself to the Kalagan through dreams and visions. Pray that God will give the Kalagan believers boldness to share Christ with their own people. Take authority over the spiritual principalities and powers that are keeping the Kalagan bound. Ask God to raise up prayer teams who will begin breaking up the soil through intercession. Ask the Lord to bring forth a triumphant Kalagan church for the glory of His name!
Text source: Bethany World Prayer Center © 1999.Used with permission from Adopt-A-People Clearinghouse
Text source: Bethany World Prayer Center © 1999.Used with permission from Adopt-A-People Clearinghouse
brief History of kalagan
KALAGAN
The Kalagan are the Ismalized indigenous people in the Western Davao gulf area. The Kalagan became Muslim probably during the middle of the 19th century, due to a combination of the following factors:
1. The political pressure and/or influence of the Tausug migrants in Davao.2. Extensive exposure and/or contact with the communities of their Maguindanaon neighbors.3. Inter-marriages of Kalagan and Maguindanaon and/or Tausug.
The Kalagan are mostly found in Davao city, district of Sirawan, around Tagum, Davao del Norte, Mati-in Davao Oriental, some places in Davao del Sur and the other two Davao provinces. The Kalagan use Tagakaolo language, but some Tausug and Maguindanaon words are increasingly used by them.
They are agriculturists, cultivating rice, corn, abaca and coconut for cash crops, while those living along the coast engage in fishing.
source:www.library.thinkquest.org
The Kalagan are the Ismalized indigenous people in the Western Davao gulf area. The Kalagan became Muslim probably during the middle of the 19th century, due to a combination of the following factors:
1. The political pressure and/or influence of the Tausug migrants in Davao.2. Extensive exposure and/or contact with the communities of their Maguindanaon neighbors.3. Inter-marriages of Kalagan and Maguindanaon and/or Tausug.
The Kalagan are mostly found in Davao city, district of Sirawan, around Tagum, Davao del Norte, Mati-in Davao Oriental, some places in Davao del Sur and the other two Davao provinces. The Kalagan use Tagakaolo language, but some Tausug and Maguindanaon words are increasingly used by them.
They are agriculturists, cultivating rice, corn, abaca and coconut for cash crops, while those living along the coast engage in fishing.
source:www.library.thinkquest.org
About Davao Panensula
Davao
Davao Region, designated as Region XI, is one of the regions of the Philippines, located on the southeastern portion of Mindanao. Davao Region consists of four provinces, namely: Compostela Valley, Davao del Norte, Davao Oriental, and Davao del Sur. The region encloses the Davao Gulf and its regional center is Davao City. Davao is the Hispanicized pronunciation of daba-daba, the Bagobo word for "fire" (the Cebuano translation is "kayo").
Region XI was originally called Southern Mindanao, and in addition to the three Davao provinces also included Surigao del Sur and South Cotabato. At that time, Compostela Valley was still part of Davao del Norte. Republic Act No. 7225, ratified on March 16, 1992, created the province of Sarangani from South Cotabato. Then, Republic Act No. 7901, signed on February 3, 1995, by President Fidel V. Ramos transferred Surigao del Sur into the newly created region of Caraga (Region XIII). Finally, on September 19, 2001, President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo's Executive Order No. 36 reorganized the regions and provinces in Mindanao. This moved South Cotabato and Sarangani to SOCCSKSARGEN region and renamed Southern Mindanao as Davao Region.
This region also bears the nickname Silicon Gulf.
CULTURAL GROUPS The region is an in-migration area, with a mixture of migrants, which include Cebuanos (making up the majority), Ilonggos and Ilocanos. Its ethnic groups include Manobos, Bagobos, Maiisakas, Maguindanon, T’boli, Tirurays and Muslims.
CLIMATE The region has a generally uniform distribution of rainfall through the year. It lies outside the typhoon belt.
NATURAL RESOURCES Aside from its forestland and fertile fields, Southern Mindanao has mineral resources of chrornite, iron, nickel, and manganese, gold, copper and other non-metallic minerals. Five of the major fishing grounds of the Philippines are located in the region.
ECONOMY While the region’s economy is predominantly agri-based. it is now developing into a center for agro-industrial business, trade and tourism. Its competitive advantage is in agri-industry as its products, bananas, pineapples, fresh asparagus, and fish products are exported abroad. The region can be a vital link to markets in other parts of Mindanao, Brunei Darussalam and parts of Malaysia and Indonesia.
There is a gradual shift to industrialization as shown with industry’s growth rate of 8.1% in 1996. Other economic activities are mining, fishery, forestry and agriculture.
FACILITIES The region’s principal ports are the Sasa International Seaport in Sasa, Sta. Ana Pier in the Chinatown District, Panabo Seaport in Davao del Norte, and Mati Seaport in Davao Oriental. Infrastructure developments in the cities within the region are considered excellent.
The airport in Davao City is the largest and most developed in Mindanao. The region is accessible by land, air and sea. The region has adequate communications facilities, reliable power and an abundant water supply.
Davao Region, designated as Region XI, is one of the regions of the Philippines, located on the southeastern portion of Mindanao. Davao Region consists of four provinces, namely: Compostela Valley, Davao del Norte, Davao Oriental, and Davao del Sur. The region encloses the Davao Gulf and its regional center is Davao City. Davao is the Hispanicized pronunciation of daba-daba, the Bagobo word for "fire" (the Cebuano translation is "kayo").
Region XI was originally called Southern Mindanao, and in addition to the three Davao provinces also included Surigao del Sur and South Cotabato. At that time, Compostela Valley was still part of Davao del Norte. Republic Act No. 7225, ratified on March 16, 1992, created the province of Sarangani from South Cotabato. Then, Republic Act No. 7901, signed on February 3, 1995, by President Fidel V. Ramos transferred Surigao del Sur into the newly created region of Caraga (Region XIII). Finally, on September 19, 2001, President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo's Executive Order No. 36 reorganized the regions and provinces in Mindanao. This moved South Cotabato and Sarangani to SOCCSKSARGEN region and renamed Southern Mindanao as Davao Region.
This region also bears the nickname Silicon Gulf.
CULTURAL GROUPS The region is an in-migration area, with a mixture of migrants, which include Cebuanos (making up the majority), Ilonggos and Ilocanos. Its ethnic groups include Manobos, Bagobos, Maiisakas, Maguindanon, T’boli, Tirurays and Muslims.
CLIMATE The region has a generally uniform distribution of rainfall through the year. It lies outside the typhoon belt.
NATURAL RESOURCES Aside from its forestland and fertile fields, Southern Mindanao has mineral resources of chrornite, iron, nickel, and manganese, gold, copper and other non-metallic minerals. Five of the major fishing grounds of the Philippines are located in the region.
ECONOMY While the region’s economy is predominantly agri-based. it is now developing into a center for agro-industrial business, trade and tourism. Its competitive advantage is in agri-industry as its products, bananas, pineapples, fresh asparagus, and fish products are exported abroad. The region can be a vital link to markets in other parts of Mindanao, Brunei Darussalam and parts of Malaysia and Indonesia.
There is a gradual shift to industrialization as shown with industry’s growth rate of 8.1% in 1996. Other economic activities are mining, fishery, forestry and agriculture.
FACILITIES The region’s principal ports are the Sasa International Seaport in Sasa, Sta. Ana Pier in the Chinatown District, Panabo Seaport in Davao del Norte, and Mati Seaport in Davao Oriental. Infrastructure developments in the cities within the region are considered excellent.
The airport in Davao City is the largest and most developed in Mindanao. The region is accessible by land, air and sea. The region has adequate communications facilities, reliable power and an abundant water supply.
Related History of Kalagan or Calagan People
[edit] History
The history of Caraga can be traced back to the 15th century when explorers discovered the existence of "Kalagans", believed to be of Visayan Origin in one of the three districts in Mindanao. The word Caraga originated from the Visayan word Kalagan: kalag meaning soul or people, and a meaning land. The Kalagans have a long history of being brave and fearless. Thus, the region was called by early chroniclers as the "Land of the Brave and Fierce People".
The "Kalagans", called "Caragans" by the Spaniards, occupied the district composed of the two provinces of Surigao, the northern part of Davao Oriental and eastern Misamis Oriental. The two Agusan Provinces were later organized under the administrative jurisdiction of Surigao and became the independent Agusan province in 1914. In 1960, Surigao was divided into Norte and Sur, and in June 1967, Agusan followed suit. While Butuan then was just a town of Agusan, the logging boom in the 1950s drew business to the area. On August 2, 1950, by virtue of Republic Act 523, the City Charter of Butuan was approved.
It is reported that during the early years of the Caraga region, its inhabitants came from mainland Asia, followed by Malayans, Arabs, Chinese, Japanese, Spanish and Americans. Migrants from the Visayan and Luzon provinces later settled in the area. Most of its inhabitants speak Cebuano and reside in the rural areas.
source:www.wikipedia.com
The history of Caraga can be traced back to the 15th century when explorers discovered the existence of "Kalagans", believed to be of Visayan Origin in one of the three districts in Mindanao. The word Caraga originated from the Visayan word Kalagan: kalag meaning soul or people, and a meaning land. The Kalagans have a long history of being brave and fearless. Thus, the region was called by early chroniclers as the "Land of the Brave and Fierce People".
The "Kalagans", called "Caragans" by the Spaniards, occupied the district composed of the two provinces of Surigao, the northern part of Davao Oriental and eastern Misamis Oriental. The two Agusan Provinces were later organized under the administrative jurisdiction of Surigao and became the independent Agusan province in 1914. In 1960, Surigao was divided into Norte and Sur, and in June 1967, Agusan followed suit. While Butuan then was just a town of Agusan, the logging boom in the 1950s drew business to the area. On August 2, 1950, by virtue of Republic Act 523, the City Charter of Butuan was approved.
It is reported that during the early years of the Caraga region, its inhabitants came from mainland Asia, followed by Malayans, Arabs, Chinese, Japanese, Spanish and Americans. Migrants from the Visayan and Luzon provinces later settled in the area. Most of its inhabitants speak Cebuano and reside in the rural areas.
source:www.wikipedia.com
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