Intangible cultural heritage (ICH) includes traditions and living expressions that are passed down from generation to generation within a particular community.
The Philippines, with the National Commission for Culture and the Arts[1] as the de facto Ministry of Culture,[2] ratified the 2003 Convention after its formal deposit in August 2006.[3] This implies that there is an obligation to carry out the objectives of the convention to ensure the safeguarding of intangible cultural heritage. This includes identifying and documenting viable ICH elements, safeguarding and promoting viable ICH, fostering scientific, technical and artistic studies, and provide technical assistance and training in the field of ICH.
Prior to the 2003 Convention, the Philippines was invited by UNESCO to nominate intangible heritage elements for the inclusion to the Proclamation of Masterpieces of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity. This prompted the proclamation of the Hudhud chant of the Ifugao[4] in 2001 and Darangen epic chant of the Maranao[5] in 2005. After the establishment of the 2003 Convention, all entries to the Proclamation of Masterpieces were incorporated in the Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity[6] in 2008. A third inscription was made in 2015 through a multinational nomination between Cambodia, the Philippines, the Republic of Korea, and Viet Nam for the Tugging Rituals and Games,[7] wherein the punnuk tugging ritual of the Ifugao was included.
As part of the objective of the Convention, the government of President Noynoy Aquino through the National Commission for Culture and the Arts' Intangible Cultural Heritage unit and in partnership with ICHCAP,[8] published the Pinagmulan: Enumeration from the Philippine Inventory of Intangible Cultural Heritage[9] in 2012. The publication contains an initial inventory of 335 ICH elements with elaborate discussions on 109 ICH elements. This initiative-based publication became the official basis for the government's intangible heritage programs and nominations to UNESCO. The elements listed are the first batch of continuous updating process initiated by the government, UNESCO, and other stakeholders. In 2014, the Pinagmulan was a finalist under the category of the Elfren S. Cruz Prize for Best Book in the Social Sciences in the National Book Awards organized by the National Book Development Board.[10] The Philippine inventory is currently being updated as a measure to safeguard more intangible cultural heritage elements in the country. The updating began in 2013 and results may be released in 5–10 years after the scientific process finishes the second batch of element documentations. According to UNESCO, it is not expected by a country or state party to have a completed inventory. On the contrary, the development and updating of inventories is an ongoing process that can never be finished.[11]
Between 2015 and 2017, UNESCO's Intangible Cultural Heritage Courier of Asia and the Pacific featured the darangen epic chant,[12] punnuk tugging ritual,[13] and at least three kinds of traditional healing practices in the Philippines, including the manghihilot and albularyo healing practices and belief of buhay na tubig (living water) of the Tagalog people of 20th century Quezon city,[14] the baglan and mandadawak healing practices and stone beliefs of the Itneg people in Abra,[14] and the mantatawak healing practices of the Tagalog people of Marinduque.[14]
By 2016, according to the ICH Unit, National Commission for Culture and the Arts, there were 367 elements listed under the Philippine Inventory of Intangible Cultural Heritage (PIICH), the official ICH inventory of the Philippines. All elements under the PIICH are listed in Philippine Registry of Cultural Property (PRECUP), the official cultural property inventory of the country, which includes both tangible and intangible cultural properties.[15] In April 2018, the buklog of the Subanen people was nominated by the National Commission for Culture and the Arts in the list for urgent safeguarding.[16]
As defined by UNESCO, the bearers of intangible cultural heritage are to be known internationally as Living Human Treasures. The Filipino counterparts of this title are the Gawad sa Manlilikha ng Bayan (GAMABA) awardees. There are currently sixteen declared GAMABA awardees, all of which have exemplified the highest standard in their respective field of expertise. The award is only given to individuals or groups that have exhibited the highest possible standard in intangible cultural heritage. A master of the heritage does not automatically qualify an individual or group for the award as the craft of the master should exude a higher meaning to the highest standard set by the highly critical council of the GAMABA board. Due to this lengthy and critical process, most masters are not yet declared as GAMABA awardees. The National Living Treasures of the Philippines are as follow:
See main article: List of Intangible Cultural Heritage elements in the Philippines. The Philippines has a total of six intangible cultural heritage elements inscribed in the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage Lists. These are four elements inscribed in the Representative List: the Darangen epic of the Maranao people of Lake Lanao, Hudhud chants of the Ifugao, Tugging rituals and games –shared with Cambodia, South Korea, and Vietnam–, and Aklan piña handloom weaving. There is one element inscribed in the Register of Good Safeguarding Practices, The School of Living Traditions (SLT), and there is one element inscribed in the List in Need of Urgent Safeguarding, Buklog, thanksgiving ritual of the Subanen people.
Numerous elements are being proposed for nomination by the Philippines for inclusion in the intangible cultural heritage lists within the coming few years. Among these elements are:
The Philippines is a member of the committee on intangible cultural heritage since 2016, and will end its term in 2019. In 2017, the Ambassador of the Philippines to France and UNESCO urged the Philippine government to nominate the Metal and wood craftsmanship of the Maranao of Lanao in the list in need for urgent safeguarding for 2018.[35] [36] [16] On February 20, 2018, the government and the stakeholders of Aklan met for the preparation of the dossier of the Kalibo piña weaving intangible cultural heritage.[37] Additionally, on April 9, 2018, the NCCA nominated the buklog rituals of the Subanen people to the list in need for urgent safeguarding. UNESCO set the nomination of buklog for the 2019 inscription cycle.[16]
The National Commission for Culture and the Arts through its UNESCO-backed Pinagmulan book, inventory of Philippine intangible cultural heritage initiated the first part of the country's intangible heritage inventory. Elements highlighted with light blue are UNESCO-inscribed intangible heritage, while elements highlighted in red are UNESCO-inscribed elements that are in need of urgent safeguarding. Presently, there are 367 elements listed under the Philippine Inventory of Intangible Cultural Heritage (PIICH), which is under the Philippine Registry of Cultural Property (PRECUP). According to UNESCO, intangible cultural heritage has five domains, namely: oral traditions and expressions, including language as a vehicle of the intangible cultural heritage; performing arts; social practices, rituals and festive events; knowledge and practices concerning nature and the universe; and traditional craftsmanship.[15]
The indigenous peoples of the Philippines consist of a large number of Austronesian ethnic groups, as well as Negritos. They are the bearers of the majority of intangible cultural heritage elements deemed as significant to the Filipino psyche. They are the descendants of the original Austronesian inhabitants of the Philippines, that settled in the islands thousands of years ago, and in the process have retained their Indigenous customs and traditions.[38]
In 1990, more than 100 highland peoples constituted approximately three percent of the Philippine population. Over the centuries, the isolated highland peoples have retained their indigenous cultures. The folk arts of these groups were, in a sense, the last remnants of Indigenous traditions that flourished throughout the Philippines before the Islamic and Spanish contacts.
The highland peoples are a primitive ethnic group like other Filipinos, although they did not, as a group, have as much contact with the outside world. These peoples displayed a variety of native cultural expressions and artistic skills. They showed a high degree of creativity such as the production of bowls, baskets, clothing, weapons and spoons. These peoples ranged from various groups of Igorot people, a group that includes the Bontoc, Ibaloi, Ifugao, Isneg, Kalinga and Kankana-ey, who built the Rice Terraces thousands of years ago. They have also covered a wide spectrum in terms of their integration and acculturation with Christian Filipinos. Other Indigenous peoples include the Lumad peoples of the highlands of Mindanao. These groups have remained isolated from Western and Eastern influences.
Due to the influx of Christianity, Islam, and other world religions in traditional communities, the indigenous practices, rituals, and spiritual performances and knowledge of indigenous Filipinos are fast disappearing. Cultural workers in the country suggest the Paiwan Model, which was made by the Taiwanese government to preserve indigenous religions, to save the Philippines' own indigenous religions. The indigenous practices and shamanism of the Paiwan people of Taiwan was the fastest declining religion in the country. This prompted the Taiwanense government to preserve the religion and to push for the establishment of the Paiwan School of Shamanism where religious leaders teach their apprentices the native religion so that it will never be lost. It became an effective medium in preserving, and even uplifting the Paiwan people's indigenous religion. In the Philippines, shamanism is referred as dayawism, meaning 'gallant religions that give thanks to all living and non-living things'. As of 2018, there is no established school of dayawism in the Philippines, making the hundreds of indigenous religions in the country in great peril from extinction due to the influx of colonial-era religions. Each indigenous religion in the Philippines is distinct from each other, possessing unique epics, pantheons, belief systems, and other intangible heritage pertaining to religious beliefs. Due to this immense diversity in indigenous religions, a singular school of dayawism is not feasible. Rather, hundreds of schools of dayawism pertaining to an ethno-linguistic tribe is a better supplement to the current religious landscape in the Philippines.[39]
| Intangible cultural element | Practicing ethnic group/s and geographic areas where element is practiced | Short description | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hudhud Epic Chant | Ifugao people of Ifugao province | The element was declared by UNESCO as one of the representative intangible elements of humanity in 2001. It was later inscribed as a UNESCO intangible heritage element in 2008. The element was properly documented from 2008 to December 2009 by the National Commission of the Philippines and the U.S. embassy in the Philippines.[40] | |
| Biag ni Lam-ang Epic | Ilokano people of the provinces of Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, and Abra | The national epic of the Ilokano people. | |
| Diwata Kasinebangan | Maguindanaon ethnic groups in Maguindanao province | ||
| Darangen Epic Chant | Maranao/Maguindanaon people of Lanao del Sur and neighboring areas | The element was declared by UNESCO as one of the representative intangible elements of humanity in 2005. It was later inscribed as a UNESCO intangible heritage element in 2008. | |
| Dimakaling | Maranao/Maguindanao peoples of Lanao del Sur and neighboring areas | ||
| Diwata Kasaripan | Maranao/Maguindanao peoples of Lanao del Sur and neighboring areas | ||
| Radia Indarapatra | Maranao people of Lanao del Sur | ||
| Salsila | Tausug people of the three Sulu archipelago provinces | ||
| Ag Tubog Keboklogan | Subanon/Subanen people of the provinces of Zamboanga region | ||
| Kudaman, Tuwaang Epic Cycle | Manobo people of Central Mindanao | ||
| Uwaging (also Agyu) | Manobo, Agusan people of Northern Mindanao | ||
| Alim Epic | Ifugao people of Ifugao province | The Alim Epic was properly documented from 2008 to December 2009 by the National Commission of the Philippines and the U.S. embassy in the Philippines, making it more viable to be nominated in the UNESCO intangible cultural heritage list in the future. | |
| Ulalim Epic | Kalinga people of Kalinga province | ||
| Ulahingan | Manobo, Livunganen/Aroman people of the Livungan Valley and Cotabato | ||
| Ulaging Epic | Talaandig Manobo of Bukidnon province | ||
| Dulimaman Epic | Itneg people of Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, and Abra | In 2016, the U.S. embassy in the Philippines and the National Commission for Culture and the Arts began recording a complete version of the Dulimaman Epic of the Itneg people. Once finished, the epic will be transcribed and translated by native speakers and will be turned into book with English translation. The project will end in September 2019. Once finished, the epic is expected to be nominated to the UNESCO list of intangible cultural heritage.[41] | |
| Mi'Raj | Sama Dilaut people of Tawi-tawi province | ||
| Silungan Baltapa (a Kata-Kata) | Sama Dilaut people of Tawi-tawi province | ||
| Ginem/Ginum | Bagobo people of the Cotabato and Davao regions | ||
| Ambahan Poetry | Hanunoo Mangyan of the Mindoro provinces | From 2012 to September 2013, the Mangyan Heritage Center, Inc. and the U.S. Embassy in the Philippines administered the conservation program for the Ambahan Poetry and the Hanunoo Mangyan script. The program included the continued teaching of the script and ambahan poetry to 10 Hanunoo Mangyan schools in Mindoro.[42] Another preservation program was launched by the same institutions in 2016 for the conservation and documentation of the Hanunuo script, along with the Buhid script. The program is expected to conclude in September 2021.[43] | |
| Bantugan | Maguindanao people of Maguindanao province and neighboring Cotabato provinces | ||
| Maharadia Lawana | Maranao people of the Lanao provinces | ||
| Parang Sabil | Tausug people of Sulu, Basilan, and Tawi-tawi | ||
| Biwag anni Malana | Gaddang people of Mountain Province | ||
| Lumalindaw Epic | Gaddang people of Mountain Province | ||
| Kanag Kababagowan | Itneg people of Abra province | ||
| Agyu Epic | Manobo people of North Cotabato province | ||
| Guman Epic | Subanon people of the Zamboanga region | ||
| Hinilawod Epic (Humadapnon) | Sulod people of Panay provinces, specifically Antique | ||
| Hinilawod Epic (Labaw Donggon) | Sulod people of Panay provinces, specifically Antique | ||
| Sondayo Epic | Subanon people of the Zamboanga region | ||
| Loa | Tagalog people of Batanga province and Zamboanga provinces | ||
| “Upuan” Etymology | Itneg people of Abra province | ||
| Kudaman Epic | Tagbanwa/Pala'wan people of Palawan province | ||
| Ikalahan Origin Myth | Ikalahan people of Nueva Viscaya province | ||
| Laji | Ivatan people of Batanes province | ||
| Bangus Banter | Tagalog people of Bulacan province |
| Intangible cultural element | Practicing ethnic group/s and geographic areas where element is practiced | Short description | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arakyo | Tagalog people of Nueva Ecija province | ||
| Sagayan | Maranao/Maguindanao people of Lanal del Sur and Maguindanao provinces | ||
| Zarzuela – Musical Theatre | Tagalog people countrywide | The zarzuela musical theatre is currently being pushed by the government to be declared as a UNESCO intangible cultural heritage element. The performing art may be nominated together with Spain, Mexico, and Cuba. This is widely supported by various zarzuela dance, music, and theatre companies in the Philippines. | |
| Singkil Dance | Maranao people of Lanao del Sur | ||
| Moro y Cristianos Street Drama | Tagalog people countrywide | ||
| Pasion | Tagalog people of Marinduque province | ||
| Moriones Festival | Tagalog people of Marinduque province | ||
| Kuratsa Dance | Waray people of Samar provinces and Leyte province | ||
| Kambuyok/Kambuyoka Song Joust | Maranao people of Lanao del Sur |
| Intangible cultural element | Practicing ethnic group/s and geographic areas where element is practiced | Short description | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bogwa | Ifugao people of Ifugao province | ||
| Sayo | Bicolano people of Camarines Sur province | ||
| Buklog Rites | Subanon people of Zamboanga provinces | The Buklog Rites was nominated by the National Commission for Culture and the Arts for inscription in the UNESCO List for Urgent Safeguarding in April 2018. The element is widely supported by all provincial governments in the Zamboanga region, along with ethnic Subanen leaders and shamans throughout the region. | |
| Panlisig-Panumanod Ritual | Umayamnon Manobo people of the eastern sections of Bukidnon province | ||
| Ifugao Agricultural Rituals (1) | Ifugao people of Ifugao province | ||
| Ifugao Agricultural Rituals (2) | Ifugao people of Ifugao province | ||
| Ifugao Agricultural Rituals (3) | Ifugao people of Ifugao province | ||
| Uyaue (Baiya) Ritual | Ifugao people of Ifugao province | ||
| Ifugao Agricultural Rituals (4) | Ifugao people of Ifugao province | ||
| Bullul Rituals | Ifugao people of Ifugao province | ||
| Balog | Ifugao people of Ifugao province | ||
| Uyauy Ritual | Ifugao people of Ifugao province | ||
| Hagabi Rites | Ifugao, Tuwali people of Ifugao province | ||
| Pechen (Peace Pact) | Bontoc people of Mountain Province | ||
| Bontoc Agricultural Rituals (1) | Bontoc people of Mountain Province | ||
| Rain Rituals | Bontoc people of Mountain Province | ||
| Scare Crow Ritual | Bontoc people of Mountain Province | ||
| Tengao (Days of Rest) | Bontoc people of Mountain Province | ||
| Kankanay Agricultural Rites | Kankanay people of Mountain Province | ||
| Nalandangan | Umayamnon Manobo people of the eastern portions of Bukidnon province | ||
| Bowag Mock Battle | Kankanay people of Sagada in Mountain Province | ||
| Bagbagto (Mock War) | Bontoc people of Mountain Province | ||
| Kalinga Life Cycle Rites | Kalinga people of Kalinga province | ||
| Kontad Rituals | Kalinga people of Kalinga province | ||
| Kalinga Pechen/Pud'on/Budong (Peace Pact) | Kalinga people of Kalinga province | ||
| Kodama Ritual (Death Rites) | Kalinga people of Kalinga province | ||
| Dap'ay (Ab'abungan, Abong, Ato, Ator, Avuwan, Dalipuy) | Bontoc people of Mountain Province | ||
| Patay Ritual | Bontoc people of Mountain Province | ||
| Bagobo Agricultural Rituals | Bagobo people of Davao and Cotabato provinces | ||
| Hanunoo Mangyan Burial Rituals | Hanunoo Mangyan people of Mindoro provinces | ||
| Panudlak Agricultural Rituals | Hanunoo Mangyan people of Mindoro provinces | ||
| T'boli Marriage Rituals | T'boli people of South Cotabato province | ||
| Maguindanao Marriage Rituals (1) | Maguindanaon people of Maguindanao province | ||
| Sulod Burial Practices | Sulod people of Panay provinces | ||
| Pala'wan (Tagbanwa) Runsay | Pala'wan people of Palawan province | ||
| Subanon Harvest Rituals | Subanon people of Zamboanga region | ||
| Pagdiwata Ritual | Tagbanwa people of Palawan province | ||
| Lambay Ritural | Tagbanwa people of Palawan province | ||
| Sungrud Ritual | Tagbanwa people of Palawan province | ||
| Sandugo | Tagbanwa people of Palawan province | ||
| Ilocano Agricultural Rituals | Ilocano people of Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, and La Union provinces | ||
| Ilocano Marriage Rituals | Ilocano people of Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, and La Union provinces | ||
| Atang – Ilocano Appeasement Ritual | Ilocano people of Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, and Abra provinces | ||
| B'laan (Danlag) Agricultural Cycle | B'laan people of South Cotabato province | ||
| B'laan (Danlag) Marriage Ritual | B'laan people of South Cotabato province | ||
| B'laan (Sal Naong) Agricultural Cycle | B'laan people of Sultan Kudarat province | ||
| B'laan (Datal Blao) Agricultural Cycle | B'laan people of Sultan Kudarat province | ||
| Manobo Marriage Rituals | Western Bukidnon Manobo people of Bukidnon province | ||
| Pangnga Ritual | Ifugao people of Ifugao province | ||
| Ifugao (Ayangan) Agricultural Rituals | Ayangan, Ifugao people of Ifugao province | ||
| Pa'hang Ritual | Ayangan, Ifugao people of Ifugao province | ||
| Pu'al Rite (Death Rites) | Ifugao people of Ifugao province | ||
| Baltong | Ifugao people of Ifugao province | ||
| Ifugao Marriage Ceremonials | Ifugao people of Ifugao province | ||
| Kankanay Death/Burial Rituals | Kankanay people of Mountain Province | ||
| Kankanay Marriage Rituals (1) | Kankanay people of Mountain Province | ||
| Harvest Rituals in Hapao | Tuwali Ifugao people of Ifugao province | ||
| T'boli Death and Burial Rites | T'boli people of South Cotabato province | ||
| Apayao Ritual Feast for Anitos | Apayao (Isneg) people of Apayao province | ||
| Say'am Ritual | Apayao people of Apayao province | ||
| Cal-las (Death Ritual) | Itneg people of Abra province | ||
| Ibaloy Pedit | Ibaloy people of Benguet province | ||
| Kankanay/Kankanai Pedit (Prestige Feast) | Kankanay people of Benguet province | ||
| Pakde | Ibaloy people of Benguet province | ||
| Lawit (Appeasement Rites) | Ibaloy people of Benguet province | ||
| Ibaloy Rituals (Listing Briefs) | Ibaloy people of Benguet province | ||
| Lifon Agricultural Rituals | Bontoc people of Mountain Province | ||
| Mangmang Birth Ritual | Bontoc people of Mountain Province | ||
| Bontoc Death Rituals | Bontoc people of Mountain Province | ||
| Bontoc Agricultural Rituals 2 | Bontoc people of Mountain Province | ||
| Bontoc House-building Rituals | Bontoc people of Mountain Province | ||
| Bontoc Terracing Rituals | Bontoc people of Mountain Province | ||
| Bontoc Fire Ritual | Bontoc people of Mountain Province | ||
| Sayang | Itneg people of Abra province | ||
| Palpaliwat | Kalinga people of Kalinga province | ||
| Maranao Agricultural Rites | Maranao people of Lanao del Sur province | ||
| Pag-gunting Rites | Tausug people of Sulu, Basilan, and Tawi-tawi provinces | ||
| Tausug Marriage Rituals | Tausug people of Sulu, Basilan, and Tawi-tawi provinces | ||
| Tausug Pag-Islam | Tausug people of Sulu, Basilan, and Tawi-tawi provinces | ||
| Tausug Pag-Tammat Rituals | Tausug people of Sulu, Basilan, and Tawi-tawi provinces | ||
| Kalilang Festival | Maranao people of Lanao del Sur province | ||
| Jama Mapun Rites of Passage | Jama Mapun people of Tawi-tawi province | ||
| Hamboki'an | Ikalahan people of Nueva Viscaya province | ||
| Ikalahan Ritual Format | Ikalahan people of Nueva Viscaya province | ||
| Pagkombiti Marriage Ritual | Mamanua/Mamanwa people of Surigao del Norte province | ||
| Mamanwa Kahimonan (Pig Ritual) | Mamanua/Mamanwa people of Surigao del Norte province | ||
| Lekat (Ritual Massage) | Maguindanaon peoples of Maguindanao province | ||
| Kanggunting Rite of Passage | Maguindanao peoples of Maguindanao and Cotabato province | ||
| Bilang Ceremonies | Tagbanwa people of Palawan province | ||
| Tagbanwa Agricultural Rituals | Tagbanwa people of Palawan province | ||
| Pagbuy'is Ritual | Tagbanwa people of Palawan province | ||
| Sama Mortuary Rituals | Sama people of Tawi-taiw province | ||
| Itneg Rice Rituals | Itneg people of Abra province | ||
| Itneg Birth Cycle Rituals | Itneg people of Abra province | ||
| Itneg Marriage Rituals | Itneg people of Abra province | ||
| Itneg Death and Burial Rituals | Itneg people of Abra province | ||
| Itneg Dawak Ritual | Itneg people of Abra province | ||
| Pinaing/Pinading Ritual | Itneg people of Abra province | ||
| Saloko Ritual | Itneg people of Abra province | ||
| Bakid Ritual | Itneg people of Abra province | ||
| Sangasang Ritual | Itneg people of Abra province | ||
| Sagobay Ritual | Itneg people of Abra province | ||
| Ngorong'or Rites | Itneg people of Abra province | ||
| Pala-an Ritual | Itneg people of Abra province | ||
| Tangpap Ritual | Itneg people of Abra province | ||
| Kalangan Ritual | Itneg people of Abra province | ||
| Pinasal Ritual | Itneg people of Abra province | ||
| Binukwau Ritual | Itneg people of Abra province | ||
| Kalanguya Sapsap Burial Rituals | Kalanguya Ifugao people of Ifugao province | ||
| Kalanguya Agricultural Rituals | Kalanguya Ifugao people of Ifugao province | ||
| Kalinga Marriage Ritual | Kalinga people of Kalinga province | ||
| Kalinga Death Rituals | Kalinga people of Kalinga province | ||
| Kankanay Birth Rituals | Kankanay people of Mountain Province | ||
| Kankanay Marriage Rituals (2) | Kankanay people of Mountain Province | ||
| Kankanay Death Rituals | Kankanay people of Mountain Province | ||
| Bontoc Marriage Rituals | Bontoc people of Mountain Province | ||
| Bontoc Borth Rituals | Bontoc people of Mountain Province | ||
| Padapadakam Ritual | Ilocano people of Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, and Abra provinces | ||
| Begnas Ritual | Bontoc people of Mountain Province | ||
| Gaddang Rituals (Miscellaneous) | Gaddang people of Nueva Viscaya, Mountain Province, and Abra provinces | ||
| Mamattang/Makikeng Ritual | Ibanag people of Cagayan province | ||
| Maffusi Ritual (Corn Harvest) | Ibanag people of Cagayan province | ||
| Ifugao Marriage Rituals | Ifugao people of Ifugao province | Ifugao (Northern Luzon) | |
| Ifugao Death/After Death Rituals | Ifugao people of Ifugao province | ||
| Ifugao Sickness Rites | Ifugao people of Ifugao province | ||
| Ifugao Specialized Rituals | Ifugao people of Ifugao province | ||
| Ifugao Agricultural Rituals | Ifugao people of Ifugao province | ||
| Buayat Ritual | Ilongot people of Nueva Viscaya province | ||
| Kalinga Meat-sharing System | Kalinga people of Kalinga province | ||
| Panyang Ritual | Ilocano people of Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, and La Union provinces | ||
| Erwap (Rain Ritual) | Bontoc people of Mountain Province | ||
| Panulak Balah | Tausug people of Sulu, Basilan, and Tawi-tawi provinces | ||
| Hari Raya Puasa | Muslims of Philippine Islamic provinces | ||
| Shariff Kabunsuan | Maguindanao peoples of Maguindanao province | ||
| Peñafrancia Fluvial Festival | Bicolano people of Camarines Sur province | ||
| Bocaue Fluvial Festival | Tagalog people of Bulacan province | ||
| San Clemente Festival | Tagalog people of Rizal province | ||
| Sta. Clara Festival | Tagalog people of Bulacan province | ||
| Apung Iru | Kapampangan people of Pampanga province | ||
| Kuraldal Atlung Ari | Kapampangan people of Pampanga province | ||
| Mo-ninum Ritual | T'boli people of South Cotabato province | ||
| Moriones Festival | Tagalog people of Marinduque province | ||
| Tungo Ritual | Bontok Tadian people of Mountain Province | ||
| Palpaliwat (2) | Kalinga people of Kalinga province | ||
| Ati-atihan Festival | Aklanon people of Aklan province | ||
| Uhag Ritual | Ifugao, Tuwali people of Ifugao province | ||
| Him'ong/Him'ung | Ifugao people of Ifugao province | ||
| Kalinga Deities | Kalinga people of Kalinga province | ||
| Yabyab Rites | Kalinga people of Kalinga province | ||
| Kalinga Courtship/Marriage | Kalinga people of Kalinga province | ||
| Bukidnon Iloilo Agricultural Rites | Ilonggo people of Iloilo province | ||
| Isama Rites – Samal Island | Isamal people of Davao del Sur province | ||
| Kalagan Rites of Passage | Kalagan people of Davao del Sur province | ||
| Kalinga Meat-sharing System | Kalinga people of Kalinga province | ||
| Kalinga Transfer of Property | Kalinga people of Kalinga province | ||
| Igam Ritual | Kalinga people of Kalinga province | ||
| Adumba Rituals | Kalinga people of Kalinga province | ||
| Datum Rite | Kalinga people of Kalinga province | ||
| Kankanay Agricultural Rituals | Kankanay, Ibesao people of Mountain Province | ||
| Gobgobo Rituals (Kankanay Birth) | Kankanay, Ibesao people of Mountain Province | ||
| Dawdawak Ritual | Kankanay, Ibesao people of Mountain Province | ||
| Kankanay Death Rituals | Kankanay, Ibesao people of Mountain Province | ||
| Kankanay Specific Rituals | Kankanay people of Mountain Province | ||
| Kankanay Prayers for Healing | Kankanay people of Mountain Province | ||
| Kankanay Prayers of Supplication | Kankanay people of Mountain Province | ||
| Kankanay Prayers of Thanks | Kankanay people of Mountain Province | ||
| Kankanay Prayers Related to Animals | Kankanay people of Mountain Province | ||
| Kankanay Prayers for Illness Caused by Spirits | Kankanay people of Mountain Province | ||
| Kankanay Prayers for Illness of Psychological Cause | Kankanay people of Mountain Province | ||
| Kankanay Prayers as Preventive Measures | Kankanay people of Mountain Province | ||
| Gomek Gomanan | Bagobo Tagabawa people of Davao del Sur province | ||
| Antipo Ritual | Tagalog people of Marinduque province | ||
| Pupuwa Ritual | Tagalog people of Marinduque province | ||
| Mangyan Exorcism Rites | Hanunoo Mangyan people of Mindoro provinces | ||
| Novicia/Novicio Practice | Tagalog people of Marinduque province | ||
| Hanunoo Mangyan Secondary Burial Rites | Hanunoo Mangyan people of Mindoro provinces | ||
| Kapayvanuvanuwa Fishing Ritual | Ivatan people of Batanes province | The Kapayvanuvanuwa Fishing Ritual is currently undergoing a process for future nomination in UNESCO. | |
| Kapangdeng Ritual | Ivatan people of Batanes province | ||
| Echague Boat | Sama Balangingi people of Isabela province | ||
| Maranao Traditional Death Rituals | Maranao people of Lanao del Sur province | ||
| Maranao After-Birth Rituals | Maranao people of Lanao del Sur province | ||
| Kasemang (Visit to a Newly constructed House) | Maranao people of Lanao del Sur province | ||
| Itneg Rice Rituals | Itneg people of Abra province | ||
| Maranao Beliefs About Birth | Maranao people of Lanao del Sur province | ||
| Ba'i a Labi Coronation | Maranao people of Lanao del Sur province | ||
| Maranao Pagana (Traditional Feast) | Maranao people of Lanao del Sur province | ||
| Kapamangamay Totem Ritual | Maranao people of Lanao del Sur province | ||
| Punnuk (Traditional Tugging Ritual) | Tuwali, Ifugao people of Ifugao province | The element was declared by UNESCO as one of the representative intangible elements of humanity and inscribed as a UNESCO intangible heritage element in 2015 under the element of Tugging rituals and games, together with other tug-of-war games from other Asian countries. | |
| Holy Week Rituals in Camarines Sur | Bicolano people of Camarines Sur province | ||
| Kalinga Courtship and Marriage | Kalinga people of Kalinga province | ||
| Wearing Old Hats | All ethnic groups in the Philippines | ||
| Mangyan Betel-nut Chewing | Hanunoo Mangyan people of Mindoro provinces | ||
| Pasaka | Hanunoo Mangyan of Mindoro provinces | ||
| Angono Festivals | Tagalog people of Rizal province | ||
| Bagongonon | Kalinga people of Kalinga province | ||
| Kesiyahan | T'boli people of South Cotabato province | ||
| The Night the Fires Go Out | Kankanay people of Mountain Province | ||
| Putong/Putungan | Tagalog people of Marinduque province | ||
| Magpandipandi | Yakan people of Basilan province | ||
| Agsana – Salt-making | Ilocano people of Ilocos Norte province | ||
| Hanunoo Mangyan House-building | Hanunoo Mangyan people of Mindoro provinces | ||
| Ilocano Atang for the Dead | Ilocano people of Ilocos Norte province | ||
| Hanunoo Mangyan Life Cycles | Hanunoo Mangyan of Mindoro provinces | ||
| Hanunoo Mangyan Kinship | Hanunoo Mangyan people of Mindoro provinces |
| Intangible cultural element | Practicing ethnic group/s and geographic areas where element is practiced | Short description | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ifugao Deities | Ifugao people of Ifugao province | ||
| B'laan Astrology | B'laan people of Sultan Kudarat province | ||
| Hanunoo Mangyan Natural Phenomena Rituals | Hanunoo Mangyan of Mindoro provinces | ||
| Hanunoo Mangyan Cosmology | Hanunoo Mangyan of Mindoro provinces | ||
| Jama Mapun Constellation of Tanggong | Jama Mapun people of Tawi-tawi province | ||
| Tagbanwa/Pala'wan Cosmology | Tagbanwa/Pala'wan people of Palawan province | ||
| Tala'andig Cosmology | Tala'andig Manobo people of Bukidnon province | ||
| Klata Cosmology | Klata Manobo people of Bukidnon province | ||
| Manuvu Cosmology | Manuvu people of North Cotabato province | ||
| Matigsalug Cosmology | Matigsalug people of Bukidnon and Davao provinces | ||
| Kalagan Beliefs | Kalagan people of Davao del Sur province | ||
| Hanunoo Mangyan Supernaturals | Hanunoo Mangyan of Mindoro provinces | ||
| Mangyan Death Practices | Hanunoo Mangyan of Mindoro provinces | ||
| Punhugutan | Hanunoo Mangyan of Mindoro provinces | ||
| Tau't Batu Cosmology | Tau't Batu people of Palawan province | The Tau't Batu cosmology is currently being pushed by the government to be declared as a UNESCO intangible cultural heritage element. This is supported by the provincial government of Palawan and the ethnic Tau't Batu of the paleolithic site of Singnapan valley. | |
| Jama Mapun Constellations | Jama Mapun people of Tawi-tawi province | ||
| B'laan Sacred Trees | B'laan people of Davao del Sur province | ||
| B'laan Rain-making | B'laan of Davao del Sur province | ||
| Sacred Mountains | B'laan of Davao del Sur province | ||
| Pamitu'on/Pamateun – Astral Lore | Matigsalug Manobo people of Bukidnon province |
| Intangible cultural element | Practicing ethnic group/s and geographic areas where element is practiced | Short description | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Maranao Metak-casting with Wire Templates | Maranao people of Lanao del Sur province | ||
| Kalutang Instruments | Tagalog people of Marinduque province | ||
| Pis syabit | Tausug people of Basilan, Sulu, and Tawi-tawi provinces | ||
| Maranao Brass-casting | Maranao people of Lanao del Sur province | ||
| Maranao Brass-stamping | Maranao people of Lanao del Sur province | ||
| Maranao Goldsmithing | Tugaya Maranao people of Lanao del Sur province | ||
| Baor-making | Tugaya Maranao people of Lanao del Sur province | ||
| Tabo-making | Tugaya Maranao people of Lanao del Sur province | ||
| Maranao Weaving | Tugaya Maranao people of Lanao del Sur province | ||
| Traditional Boats in Batanes | Ivatan people of Batanes province | ||
| Sinadumparan Ivatan House Types | Ivatan people of Batanes province | ||
| Ivatan Basketry | Ivatan people of Batanes province | ||
| Torogan – Royalty House | Maranao people of Lanao del Sur province | The Torogan Royalty House has been cited as one of the traditional craftsmanship elements of the Philippines that may be nominated by the government for urgent safeguarding within the coming years. | |
| Salakot | Tagalog people in Tagalog provinces | ||
| Yakan Musical Instruments | Yakan people in Basilan province | ||
| Bubo and Other Fish Traps | Ilocano people of Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, Abra, and La Union provinces | ||
| Sarimanok | Maranao people of Lanao del Sur province | ||
| Back-strap Weaving | All ethnic groups throughout the country | ||
| Ikat Weaving | All ethnic groups throughout the country | Widespread | |
| Langkit: Tobira and Lakban | Maranao people of Lanao del Sur province | ||
| Lantaka | Maranao/Maguindanao people of Lanao and Maguindanao provinces | ||
| Morion Head Mask | Tagalog people of Marinduque province | ||
| Mountain Terraces | Ifugao people of Ifugao province | ||
| Maranao Woodworking | Maranao people of Lanao del Sur province | ||
| Ilocano Goldsmithing | Ilocano people of Ilocos Norte and Ilocos Sur provinces | ||
| Buntal Hat | Tagalog people of Quezon province | ||
| Yuvuk | Itbayat people of Batanes province | ||
| Pagkakayas | Tagalog people of Laguna province | ||
| Piña Loom-weaving | Aklanon people of Aklan province | ||
| Singkaban | Tagalog people of Bulacan province | ||
| Tepo Mat (Baluy Mat Weaving) | Sama people of Tawi-tawi province | ||
| Tikog Mat | Waray people of Samar provinces | ||
| Philippine Textile Weaving | Various ethnic groups countrywide | From 2012 to September 2013, the National Commission for Culture and the Arts and the U.S. Embassy in the Philippines initiated the documentation of Philippine textile art traditions. The program resulted into the publishing of "Journey of a Thousand Shuttles: The Philippine Weave", a book which comprehensively exhibits the documentation conducted by the two institutions.[44] | |
| Ivatan (Salakot) Hat Weaving | Ivatan/Itbayat people of Batanes province | ||
| Balaka – Nito Hat | Kankanay people of Quirino province | ||
| Saked – Broom-making | Kalinga people of Kalinga province |