Philippines

The Republic of the Philippines is a country in Southeast Asia in the western Pacific Ocean. To its north across the Luzon Strait lies Taiwan. West across the South China Sea sits Vietnam. The Sulu Sea to the southwest lies between the country and the island of Borneo, and to the south the Celebes Sea separates it from other islands of Indonesia. It is bounded on the east by the Philippine Sea. Its location on the Pacific Ring of Fire and its tropical climate make the Philippines prone to earthquakes and typhoons but have also endowed the country with natural resources and made it one of the richest areas of biodiversity in the world. An archipelago comprising 7,107 islands, the Philippines is categorized broadly into three main geographical divisions: Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao. Its capital city is Manila.

With an estimated population of about 92 million people, the Philippines are the world’s 12th most populous country. An additional 11 million Filipinos live overseas. Multiple ethnicities and cultures are found throughout the islands. In prehistoric times, Negritos were some of the archipelago’s earliest inhabitants. They were followed by successive waves of Austronesian peoples who brought with them influences from Malay, Hindu, and Islamic cultures. Trade introduced Chinese cultural influences.

The arrival of Ferdinand Magellan in 1521 marked the beginning of an era of Spanish interest and eventual dominance. Manila emerged as the Asian hub of the Manila–Acapulco galleon fleet. Missionary work led to widespread Christianity. As the 19th century gave way to the 20th, there followed in quick succession the short-lived Philippine Revolution, the Spanish-American War, and the Philippine-American War. In the aftermath, the United States replaced Spain as the dominant power. Aside from the period of Japanese occupation, the United States retained sovereignty over the islands until the end of World War II when the Philippines gained independence. The United States bequeathed to the Philippines the English language and a stronger affinity for Western culture. Since independence the Philippines has had an often tumultuous experience with democracy, with popular “People Power” movements overthrowing a dictatorship in one instance but also underlining the institutional weaknesses of its constitutional republic in others.

:: Background of Philippines ::

The Philippine Islands became a Spanish colony during the 16th century; they were ceded to the US in 1898 following the Spanish-American War. In 1935 the Philippines became a self-governing commonwealth. Manuel QUEZON was elected president and was tasked with preparing the country for independence after a 10-year transition. In 1942 the islands fell under Japanese occupation during World War II, and US forces and Filipinos fought together during 1944-45 to regain control. On 4 July 1946 the Republic of the Philippines attained its independence. A 20-year rule by Ferdinand MARCOS ended in 1986, when a “people power” movement in Manila (“EDSA 1?) forced him into exile and installed Corazon AQUINO as president. Her presidency was hampered by several coup attempts that prevented a return to full political stability and economic development. Fidel RAMOS was elected president in 1992. His administration was marked by increased stability and by progress on economic reforms. In 1992, the US closed its last military bases on the islands. Joseph ESTRADA was elected president in 1998. He was succeeded by his vice-president, Gloria MACAPAGAL-ARROYO, in January 2001 after ESTRADA’s stormy impeachment trial on corruption charges broke down and another “people power” movement (“EDSA 2?) demanded his resignation. MACAPAGAL-ARROYO was elected to a six-year term as president in May 2004. Her presidency was marred by several corruption allegations but the Philippine economy was one of the few to avoid contraction following the 2008 global financial crisis, expanding each year of her administration. Benigno AQUINO III was elected to a six-year term as president in May 2010. The Philippine Government faces threats from several groups on the US Government’s Foreign Terrorist Organization list. Manila has waged a decades-long struggle against ethnic Moro insurgencies in the southern Philippines, which has led to a peace accord with the Moro National Liberation Front and on-again/off-again peace talks with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front. The decades-long Maoist-inspired New People’s Army insurgency also operates through much of the country.

:: Geography of Philippines ::

Location: Southeastern Asia, archipelago between the Philippine Sea and the South China Sea, east of Vietnam

Geographic coordinates: 13 00 N, 122 00 E

Area:
total: 300,000 sq km
land: 298,170 sq km
water: 1,830 sq km

Area – comparative: slightly larger than Arizona
Land boundaries: 0 km
Coastline: 36,289 km

Maritime claims:
territorial sea: irregular polygon extending up to 100 nm from coastline as defined by 1898 treaty; since late 1970s has also claimed polygonal-shaped area in South China Sea up to 285 nm in breadth.
exclusive economic zone: 200 nm
continental shelf: to depth of exploitation

Climate: tropical marine; northeast monsoon (November to April); southwest monsoon (May to October)
Terrain: mostly mountains with narrow to extensive coastal lowlands

Elevation extremes:
lowest point: Philippine Sea 0 m
highest point: Mount Apo 2,954 m

Natural resources: timber, petroleum, nickel, cobalt, silver, gold, salt, copper

Land use:
arable land: 19%
permanent crops: 16.67%
other: 64.33% (2005)
Irrigated land: 15,500 sq km (2003)
Total renewable water resources: 479 cu km (1999)
Freshwater withdrawal (domestic/industrial/agricultural):
total: 28.52 cu km/yr (17%/9%/74%)
per capita: 343 cu m/yr (2000)

Natural hazards: astride typhoon belt, usually affected by 15 and struck by five to six cyclonic storms per year; landslides; active volcanoes; destructive earthquakes; tsunamis
volcanism: the Philippines experience significant volcanic activity; Taal (elev. 311 m, 1,020 ft), which has shown recent unrest and may erupt in the near future, has been deemed a “Decade Volcano” by the International Association of Volcanology and Chemistry of the Earth’s Interior, worthy of study due to its explosive history and close proximity to human populations; Mayon (elev. 2,462 m, 8,077 ft), the country’s most active volcano, erupted in 2009 forcing over 33,000 to be evacuated; other historically active volcanoes include Biliran, Babuyan Claro, Bulusan, Camiguin, Camiguin de Babuyanes, Didicas, Iraya, Jolo, Kanlaon, Makaturing, Musuan, Parker, Pinatubo and Ragang

Environment – current issues: uncontrolled deforestation especially in watershed areas; soil erosion; air and water pollution in major urban centers; coral reef degradation; increasing pollution of coastal mangrove swamps that are important fish breeding grounds

Environment – international agreements: party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 83, Tropical Timber 94, Wetlands, Whaling; signed, but not ratified: Air Pollution-Persistent Organic Pollutants
Geography – note: the Philippine archipelago is made up of 7,107 islands; favorably located in relation to many of Southeast Asia’s main water bodies: the South China Sea, Philippine Sea, Sulu Sea, Celebes Sea, and Luzon Strait

:: People of Philippines ::

Population: 101,833,938 (July 2011 est.)
Age structure:
0-14 years: 34.6% (male 17,999,279/female 17,285,040)
15-64 years: 61.1% (male 31,103,967/female 31,097,203)
65 years and over: 4.3% (male 1,876,805/female 2,471,644) (2011 est.)

Median age:
total: 22.9 years
male: 22.4 years
female: 23.4 years (2011 est.)

Population growth rate: 1.903% (2011 est.)
Birth rate: 25.34 births/1,000 population (2011 est.)
Death rate: 5.02 deaths/1,000 population (July 2011 est.)
Net migration rate: -1.29 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2011 est.)
Urbanization:
urban population: 49% of total population (2010)
rate of urbanization: 2.3% annual rate of change (2010-15 est.)

Sex ratio:
at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female
under 15 years: 1.04 male(s)/female
15-64 years: 1 male(s)/female
65 years and over: 0.76 male(s)/female
total population: 1 male(s)/female (2011 est.)

Infant mortality rate:
total: 19.34 deaths/1,000 live births
male: 21.84 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 16.71 deaths/1,000 live births (2011 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:
total population: 71.66 years
male: 68.72 years
female: 74.74 years (2011 est.)

Total fertility rate: 3.19 children born/woman (2011 est.)
HIV/AIDS – adult prevalence rate: less than 0.1% (2009 est.)
HIV/AIDS – people living with HIV/AIDS: 8,700 (2009 est.)
HIV/AIDS – deaths: fewer than 200

Nationality: noun: Filipino(s) adjective: Philippine
Ethnic groups: Tagalog 28.1%, Cebuano 13.1%, Ilocano 9%, Bisaya/Binisaya 7.6%, Hiligaynon Ilonggo 7.5%, Bikol 6%, Waray 3.4%, other 25.3% (2000 census)
Religions: Roman Catholic 80.9%, Muslim 5%, Evangelical 2.8%, Iglesia ni Kristo 2.3%, Aglipayan 2%, other Christian 4.5%, other 1.8%, unspecified 0.6%, none 0.1% (2000 census)

Languages: Filipino (official; based on Tagalog) and English (official); eight major dialects – Tagalog, Cebuano, Ilocano, Hiligaynon or Ilonggo, Bicol, Waray, Pampango, and Pangasinan
Literacy:
definition: age 15 and over can read and write
total population: 92.6%
male: 92.5%
female: 92.7% (2000 est.)

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education):
total: 12 years
male: 12 years
female: 12 years (2008)
Education expenditures: 2.6% of GDP (2007)

Geography of Philippines: Important Geographical Information about Philippines

The Philippines is an archipelago of 7,107 islands with a total land area, including inland bodies of water, of approximately 300,000 square kilometers (116,000 square miles). Its 36,289 kilometers (22,549 miles) of coastline makes it the country with the 5th longest coastline in the world. It is located between 116° 40′, and 126° 34′ E. longitude and 4° 40′ and 21° 10′ N. latitude and borders the Philippine Sea on the east, the South China Sea on the west, and the Celebes Sea on the south. The island of Borneo is located a few hundred kilometers southwest and Taiwan is located directly to the north. The Moluccas and Sulawesi are located to the south-southwest and Palau is located to the east of the islands.

Most of the mountainous islands are covered in tropical rainforest and volcanic in origin. The highest mountain is Mount Apo. It measures up to 2,954 meters (9,692 feet) above sea level and is located on the island of Mindanao. The Galathea Depth in the Philippine Trench is the deepest point in the country and the 3rd in the world. The trench is located in the Philippine Sea. The longest river is the Cagayan River in northern Luzon. Manila Bay, upon the shore of which the capital city of Manila lies, is connected to Laguna de Bay, the largest lake in the Philippines, by the Pasig River. Subic Bay, the Davao Gulf, and the Moro Gulf are other important bays. The San Juanico Strait separates the islands of Samar and Leyte but it is traversed by the San Juanico Bridge.

Due to its location in the western fringes of the Pacific Ring of Fire, the Philippines experiences frequent seismic and volcanic activity. The Benham Plateau to the east in the Philippine Sea is an undersea region active in tectonic subduction. Around 20 earthquakes are registered daily, though most are too weak to be felt. The last major earthquake was the 1990 Luzon earthquake. There are many active volcanoes such as the Mayon Volcano, Mount Pinatubo, and Taal Volcano. The eruption of Mount Pinatubo in June 1991 produced the second largest terrestrial eruption of the 20th century. Not all notable geographic features are so violent or destructive. A more serene legacy of the geological disturbances is the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River. The white sand beaches that make Boracay a popular vacation getaway are made of coral remnants.

Due to the volcanic nature of the islands, mineral deposits are abundant. The country is estimated to have the second-largest gold deposits after South Africa and one of the largest copper deposits in the world. It is also rich in nickel, chromite, and zinc. Despite this, poor management, high population density, and environmental consciousness have resulted in these mineral resources remaining largely untapped. Geothermal energy, however, is another product of volcanic activity that the country has harnessed more successfully. The Philippines is the world’s second-biggest geothermal producer behind the United States, with 18% of the country’s electricity needs being met by geothermal power.

The Philippines’ rainforests and its extensive coastlines make it home to a diverse range of birds, plants, animals, and sea creatures. It is one of the ten most biologically mega-diverse countries and is at or near the top in terms of biodiversity per unit area. Around 1,100 land vertebrate species can be found in the Philippines including over 100 mammal species and 170 bird species not thought to exist elsewhere. Endemic species include the tamaraw of Mindoro, the Visayan spotted deer, the Philippine mouse deer, the Visayan warty pig, the Philippine flying lemur, and several species of bats. With an estimated 13,500 plant species in the country, 3,200 of which are unique to the islands, Philippine rainforests boast an array of flora, including many rare types of orchids and rafflesia. The narra is considered as the most important type of hardwood.

Philippine maritime waters encompass as much as 2.2 million square kilometers (850,000 square miles) producing unique and diverse marine life and is an important part of the Coral Triangle. There are 2,400 fish species and over 500 species of coral. The Apo Reef is the country’s largest contiguous coral reef system and the second-largest in the world. Philippine waters also sustain the cultivation of pearls, crabs, and seaweeds.

Deforestation, often the result of illegal logging, is an acute problem in the Philippines. Forest cover declined from 70% of the country’s total land area in 1900 to about 18.3% in 1999. Many species are endangered and scientists say that Southeast Asia, which the Philippines is part of, faces a catastrophic extinction rate of 20% by the end of the century. According to Conservation International, “the country is one of the few nations that is, in its entirety, both a hotspot and a megadiversity country, placing it among the top priority hotspots for global conservation.”

Information about the Philippine Flag: Colors and Meaning of the Flag of Philippines

The national flag of the Philippines contains two equal horizontal bands of blue (top) and red; a white equilateral triangle is based on the hoist side; the center of the triangle displays a yellow sun with eight primary rays; each corner of the triangle contains a small, yellow, five-pointed star. The design of the flag dates to 1897.

Note: In wartime the flag is flown upside down with the red band at the top.

Each corner of the triangle contains a small, yellow, five-pointed star; blue stands for peace and justice, red symbolizes courage, the white equal-sided triangle represents equality; the rays recall the first eight provinces that sought independence from Spain, while the stars represent the three major geographical divisions of the country: Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao.

Extensive List of Languages of Philippines: Spoken and Extinct Languages

:: List of Languages ::

Adasen [tiu] 4,000 (NTM). Ethnic population: 5,715. Luzon, northeast Abra Province. Alternate names:Addasen, Addasen Tinguian, Itneg Adasen. Dialects: Eastern Addasen, Western Addasen. Comprehension of Isnag [isd] 74%. Classification: Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Philippine, Northern Luzon, Northern Cordilleran, Cagayan Valley, Isnag

Agta, Alabat Island[dul] 30 (2000 S. Wurm). Ethnic population: 75. Luzon, east of Quezon Province. Alternate names:Alabat Island Dumagat. Classification: Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Philippine, Greater Central Philippine, Umiray Dumaget Nearly extinct.

Agta, Camarines Norte[abd] 150 (2000 S. Wurm). Ethnic population: 300. Luzon, Santa Elena and Labo, Camarines Norte. Alternate names: Abiyan, Manide. Dialects: Lexical similarity: 67% with Alabat Agta [dul], 35% with Mt. Iriga Agta [agz]. Classification: Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Philippine, Greater Central Philippine, Umiray Dumaget

Agta, Casiguran Dumagat [dgc] 610 (2000 T. Headland). Luzon east coast, Aurora Province. Alternate names: Casiguran Dumagat. Dialects: Intelligibility with Paranan [agp] 83%. Classification: Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Philippine, Northern Luzon, Northern Cordilleran, Northeastern Luzon, Northern

Agta, Central Cagayan [agt] 780 (2000). Ethnic population: 820. Northeast Luzon. Alternate names: Labin Agta. Classification: Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Philippine, Northern Luzon, Northern Cordilleran, Cagayan Valley, Ibanagic, Gaddangic

Agta, Dicamay [duy] Extinct. Luzon, Isabela Province, near Jones. Alternate names: Dicamay Dumagat. Classification: Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Philippine, Northern Luzon, Northern Cordilleran, Northeastern Luzon, Northern

Agta, Dupaninan[duo] 1,200 (1986 SIL). Ethnic population: 1,500 (2007 L. Reid). Northeast Luzon, from below Divilacan Bay in the south to Palaui Island in the north. Alternate names: Eastern Cagayan Agta, Dupaningan Agta. Dialects: Yaga, Tanglagan, Santa Ana-Gonzaga, Barongagunay, Palaui Island, Camonayan, Valley Cove, Bolos Point, Peñablanca, Roso (Southeast Cagayan), Santa Margarita. Intelligibility of Yaga dialect 83%. Yaga and Central Cagayan Agta [agt] are 63% intelligible. Lexical similarity: 51% between Central Cagayan Agta and Tanglagan dialect, 66% between Yaga and Central Cagayan Agta. Classification: Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Philippine, Northern Luzon, Northern Cordilleran, Northeastern Luzon, Northern

Agta, Isarog [agk] 6 (2000 S. Wurm). Ethnic population: 1,000 (1984 SIL). Luzon, Bicol Province, Mt. Isarog east of Naga City. Classification: Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Philippine, Greater Central Philippine, Central Philippine, Bikol, Coastal, Naga Nearly extinct.

Agta, Mt. Iraya [atl] 150 (2000 S. Wurm). Ethnic population: 375. Luzon, Bicol Province, East of Lake Buhi.Alternate names: East, Inagta of Mt. Iraya, Itbeg Rugnot, Lake Buhi, Rugnot of Lake Buhi East. Dialects: 54%–86% comprehension of the Naga dialect of Central Bicolano [bcl], 94% comprehension of Mt. Iriga Agta [agz], Iriga City dialect. Lexical similarity: 85%–90% with Bicolano; 70% with Mt. Iriga Agta, Iriga City dialect, 93% among four dialects. Classification: Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Philippine, Greater Central Philippine, Central Philippine, Bikol, Coastal, Naga

Agta, Mt. Iriga [agz] 1,500 (1979 SIL). Luzon, Bicol Province, East of Iriga City, west of Lake Buhi. Alternate names: Lake Buhi West, Mt. Iriga Negrito, San Ramon Inagta. Dialects: 86% intelligibility of Iriga City Bicolano [agz], 82% of Mt. Iraya Agta [atl], 72% of Central Bicolano [bcl] (Naga dialect). Intelligibility of Naga Bicolano for Mt. Iriga Agta is doubtful. Lexical similarity: 76% with Iriga City Bicolano, 66% with Mt. Iraya Agta, 66% with Central Bicolano [bcl] (Naga dialect). Classification:Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Philippine, Greater Central Philippine, Central Philippine, Bikol, Inland

Agta, Umiray Dumaget [due] 3,000 (1994 SIL), decreasing. Luzon, Quezon Province. Alternate names: Umiray Agta, Umirey Dumagat. Dialects: Polillo Island Agta, Anglat Agta. Classification: Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Philippine, Greater Central Philippine, Umiray Dumaget

Agta, Villa Viciosa [dyg] Extinct. Luzon, Abra Province. Classification: Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Philippine

Agutaynen [agn] 15,000 (2007 SIL). Agutaya Island, 5 smaller surrounding islands; Roxas, San Vicente, and Brooke’s Point, Palawan municipalities. A few on Mindoro, in Taytay, Linapacan, and Manila.Alternate names: Agutayno, Agutaynon. Dialects: Lexical similarity: 52% with Cuyonon [cyo]; 71% with Calamian Tagbanwa [tbk]. Classification: Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Philippine, Kalamian

Alangan [alj] 7,690 (2000). North central Mindoro. Classification: Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Philippine, North Mangyan

Alta, Northern [aqn] 200 (2000 S. Wurm). Ethnic population: 400. Eastern Luzon, Aurora Province, Bayanihan, San Luis; Diteki. Alternate names: Baler Negrito, Ditaylin Alta, Ditaylin Dumagat, Edimala. Dialects: Not similar to other languages (1992 L. Reid). Lexical similarity: 34% with Southern Alta [agy]. Classification: Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Philippine, Northern Luzon, Meso-Cordilleran, Alta

Alta, Southern [agy] 1,000 (1982 SIL). Quezon Province coastal areas, east Nueva Ecija, Sierra Madre, San Miguel town; Bulacan Province, a large community in remote San Miguel. North of the Umiray Dumaget [due]. Alternate names: Baluga, Ita, Kabulowan, Kabuluen, Kabuluwan, Kabuluwen, Pugot. Dialects: Not similar to other languages. Lexical similarity: 34% with Northern Alta [aqn]. Classification: Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Philippine, Northern Luzon, Meso-Cordilleran, Alta

Arta [atz] 15 (2000 S. Wurm). 12 in Villa Santiago, 1 in Villa Gracia, 3 or 4 in Nagtipunan (1992 L. Reid). Ethnic population: 150. Quirino Province, Aglipay town, Villa Santiago, Villa Gracia, Nagtipunan town. Dialects: Not similar to any other language (1992 L. Reid). Classification:Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Philippine, Northern Luzon, Arta Nearly extinct.

Ata [atm] 4 (2000 S. Wurm). Mabinay, Negros Oriental. Classification: Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Philippine, Greater Central Philippine, Central Philippine Nearly extinct.

Ati [atk] 1,500 (1980 SIL). Panay Island, small groups in all provinces. Alternate names: Inati. Dialects: Malay, Barotac Viejo Nagpana. Classification: Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Philippine, Greater Central Philippine, Central Philippine, Bisayan, Central, Peripheral

Atta, Faire [azt] 300 (2000 S. Wurm). Ethnic population: 600. Luzon, Cagayan Province, near Faire-Rizal.Alternate names: Southern Atta. Dialects: Lexical similarity: 81% with Pudtol Atta [atp]; 60% with Isnag [isd]; 66% with Central Cagayan Agta [agt]; 82% with Pamplona Atta [att]; 90% with Rizal Atta; 72% with Ibanag [ibg]. Classification: Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Philippine, Northern Luzon, Northern Cordilleran, Cagayan Valley, Ibanagic

Atta, Pamplona [att] 1,000 (1998 SIL). Ethnic population: 1,000. Luzon, Northwest Cagayan Province. Alternate names: Northern Cagayan Negrito. Dialects: Comprehension of Ibanag North [ibg] 97%, of Itawit [itv] 52%. Lexical similarity: 91% with Ibanag North; 63% with Ilocano [ilo]; 69% with Itawit. Classification: Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Philippine, Northern Luzon, Northern Cordilleran, Cagayan Valley, Ibanagic

Atta, Pudtol [atp] 710 (2000). Luzon, Apayao Province, Pudtol, on Abulog River south of Pamplona. Dialects:Lexical similarity: 86% with Pamplona Atta [att]; 75% with Ibanag [ibg]; 63% with Isnag [isd]; 81% with Faire Atta [azt]; 42% with Ilocano [ilo]. Classification: Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Philippine, Northern Luzon, Northern Cordilleran, Cagayan Valley, Ibanagic

Ayta, Abellen [abp] 3,000 (2005 SIL). Luzon, Tarlac Province, San Jose, Mayantoc, Capas. Alternate names:Abenlen, Aburlen Negrito, Ayta Abellen Sambal. Dialects: Lexical similarity: 66% with Botolan Sambal [sbl], 49% with Tina Sambal [xsb], 38%–44% with Ilocano [ilo], Pangasinan [pag], Filipino [fil], Pampangan [pam]. Classification: Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Philippine, Central Luzon, Sambalic

Ayta, Ambala [abc] 1,660 (1986 SIL). Zambales: San Marcelino, Subic City, Olongapa, Castillejos barrios; Luzon, Bataan Province, Dinalupinan barrio. Alternate names: Ambala Agta, Ambala Sambal. Dialects: Ambala Ayta speakers’ comprehension of Botolan Sambal [sbl] is 60%, of Mag-Indi Ayta [blx] is 54%, of Mag-Anchi Ayta [sgb] is 60%, of Bataan Ayta [ayt] is 70%. Lexical similarity: 70% with Botolan Sambal, 55% with Filipino [fil]. Classification: Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Philippine, Central Luzon, Sambalic

Ayta, Bataan [ayt] 500 (2000 S. Wurm). Ethnic population: 1,000. Luzon, Bataan Province, Mariveles. Alternate names: Bataan Ayta, Bataan Sambal, Mariveles Ayta. Dialects: Lexical similarity: 63% with Botolan Sambal [sbl] and Filipino [fil]. Classification: Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Philippine, Central Luzon, Sambalic

Ayta, Mag-Anchi [sgb] 8,200 (1992 SIL). Central Luzon, East side of Mt. Pinatubo, Botolan Sambal area, near Tarlac-Pampanga border, barrios in: Capas, Tarlac, Bamban, Tarlac, San Marcelino, Zambales, 2 of Castillejos, Zambales, 2 of Mabalacat, Pampanga, Sapang Bato, Angeles City. Alternate names: Mag-Anchi Sambal. Dialects: 77% intelligibility with Mag-Indi Ayta [blx], 65% with Ambala Ayta [abc], 46% with Pampangan [pam]. Lexical similarity: 76% with Botolan Sambal [sbl], 50% with Filipino [fil], 46% with Pampangan. Classification: Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Philippine, Central Luzon, Sambalic

Ayta, Mag-Indi [blx] 5,000 (1998 SIL), increasing. Luzon, Pampanga Province, barrios and communities in Florida Blanca and Porac; Zambales, San Marcelino. Alternate names: Baloga, Indi Ayta, Mag-Indi Sambal. Dialects: 46% comprehension of Botolan Sambal [sbl], 50% of Ambala Ayta [abc], 59% of Pampangan [pam], 32% of Mag-Anchi Ayta [sgb]. Lexical similarity: 66%–73% with Botolan Sambal, 44% with Filipino [fil], 73%–81% with Mag-Anchi Ayta [blx]. Classification:Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Philippine, Central Luzon, Sambalic

Ayta, Sorsogon [ays] 18 (2000 S. Wurm). Ethnic population: 180. Sorsogon Province, Prieto Diaz. Classification:Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Philippine, Greater Central Philippine, Central Philippine Nearly extinct.

Ayta, Tayabas [ayy] Extinct. Luzon, Quezon Province, Tayabas. Classification: Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Philippine, Greater Central Philippine, Central Philippine

Balangao [blw] 21,300 (2000), decreasing. No monolinguals. Luzon, east Bontoc Province. Alternate names: Balangao Bontoc, Balangaw, Farangao. Classification: Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Philippine, Northern Luzon, Meso-Cordilleran, South-Central Cordilleran, Central Cordilleran, North Central Cordilleran, Nuclear Cordilleran, Balangaw

Balangingi [sse] 80,000 in Philippines (2007 SIL). Population total all countries: 84,000. Western Mindanao, Sulu Archipelago northeast of Jolo, islands and coastal areas of Zamboanga coast peninsula and Basilan Island. Possibly on Luzon and Palawan. Northern Sama on Luzon at White Beach near Subic Bay; Lutangan in western Mindanao, Olutangga Island. Also in Malaysia (Sabah). Alternate names: Baangingi’, Balanguingui, Bangingi Sama, Northern Sama, Northern Sinama, Sama. Dialects: Lutangan (Lutango), Sibuco-Vitali (Sibuku), Sibuguey (Batuan), Balangingi, Daongdung, Kabinga’an. Most Lutangan understand Balangingi, the prestige dialect. Intelligibility with Central Sama [sml] 71%, 83% with Lutangan, 85% with Sibuco-Vitali. Lexical similarity: 77% with Lutangan, 75% with Sibuco-Vitali. Classification: Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Greater Barito, Sama-Bajaw, Sulu-Borneo, Inner Sulu Sama

Bantoanon [bno] 200,000 (2002 SIL), decreasing. 500 to 1,000 monolinguals. Romblon Province, west Visayas. Dialects: Banton, Calatravanhon, Odionganon, Sibalenhon (Sibale), Simaranhon. 63% intelligibility with Hiligaynon [hil]; 92% with Inonhan [loc]. The Odionganon dialect is preferred for literature. Lexical similarity: 83% with Romblomanon [rol] (Zorc 1977). Classification:Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Philippine, Greater Central Philippine, Central Philippine, Bisayan, Banton

Batak [bya] 200 (2000 S. Wurm). Ethnic population: 2,041 (1990 census). Alternate names: Babuyan, Palawan Batak, Tinitianes. Classification: Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Philippine, Greater Central Philippine, Palawanic

Bicolano, Albay [bhk] 1,900,000 (2000). 4,583,034 all Bikol languages (2000 census). Luzon, west Albay Province and Buhi, Camarines Sur. Dialects: Buhi (Buhi’non), Daraga, Libon, Oas, Ligao. Classification:Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Philippine, Greater Central Philippine, Central Philippine, Bikol, Inland, Buhi-Daraga

Bicolano, Central [bcl] 2,500,000 (1990 census). 4,583,034 all Bikol languages (2000 census). Luzon, Camarines Norte and Sur, south Catanduanes, north Sorsogon, Albay. Naga City and Legaspi City are centers. Alternate names: Bikol. Dialects: Naga, Legaspi. Classification: Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Philippine, Greater Central Philippine, Central Philippine, Bikol, Coastal, Naga

Bicolano, Iriga [bto] 234,000 (2000). 4,583,034 all Bikol languages (2000 census). Luzon, Camarines Sur, Iriga City, Baao, Nabua, Bato. Alternate names: Rinconada Bicolano. Classification: Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Philippine, Greater Central Philippine, Central Philippine, Bikol, Inland, Iriga

Bicolano, Northern Catanduanes [cts] 122,000 (2000). 4,583,034 all Bikol languages (2000 census). Luzon, north Catanduanes, east of Bicol. Alternate names: Pandan. Dialects: 68% comprehension of the Naga dialect of Central Bicolano [bcl], 66% comprehension of Filipino [fil] narrative. Classification: Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Philippine, Greater Central Philippine, Central Philippine, Bikol, Pandan

Bicolano, Southern Catanduanes [bln] 85,000 (1981 SIL). 4,583,034 all Bikol languages (2000 census). Luzon, south Catanduanes, east of Bicol. Alternate names: Virac. Dialects: Population samples had 85% comprehension of Central Bicolano [bcl] and Filipino [fil] narrative. Intelligibility of Northern Catanduanes [cts] 91%. Virac dialect is preferable for literature. Classification: Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Philippine, Greater Central Philippine, Central Philippine, Bikol, Coastal, Virac

Bikol [bik] A macrolanguage. Population total all countries: 4,842,303.

Binukid [bkd] 100,000 (1987 SIL). North central Mindanao, Agusan del Sur, south Bukidnon, northeast Cotabato. Alternate names: Binokid, Binukid Manobo, Bukidnon. Dialects: Similar to Higaonon [mba]. Classification: Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Philippine, Greater Central Philippine, Manobo, North

Blaan, Koronadal [bpr] 150,000 (2007 SIL). 40,000 monolinguals. Mindanao, South Cotabato and Sarangani provinces. Alternate names: Baraan, Bilanes, Biraan, Koronadal Bilaan, Tagalagad. Classification: Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Philippine, Bilic, Blaan

Blaan, Sarangani [bps] 90,800 (2000). Mindanao, South Cotabato Province, Sarangani; Davao Del Sur Province.Alternate names: Balud, Bilaan, Tumanao. Classification: Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Philippine, Bilic, Blaan

Bolinao [smk] 50,000 (1990), increasing. 500 monolinguals. Luzon, West Pangasinan Province; Bolinao and Anda municipalities. Alternate names: Binubulinao, Bolinao Sambal, Bolinao Zambal. Classification: Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Philippine, Central Luzon, Sambalic

Bontoc, Central [bnc] 540,000 (2007 SIL). 10,000 monolinguals. Luzon, central Mountain Province. Alternate names: Bontoc, Bontoc Igorot. Dialects: Sadanga, Guinaang, Bontoc. Intelligibility with Ilocano [ilo] 58%, Finallig [bkb] 56%. Classification: Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Philippine, Northern Luzon, Meso-Cordilleran, South-Central Cordilleran, Central Cordilleran, North Central Cordilleran, Nuclear Cordilleran, Bontok-Kankanay, Bontok

Buhid [bku] 8,000 (1991 OMF). South Mindoro. Alternate names: Bangon, Batangan, Bukil. Classification: Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Philippine, Greater Central Philippine, South Mangyan, Buhid-Taubuid

Butuanon [btw] 34,500 (1990 census). Mindanao, Butuan City. Dialects: Lexical similarity: 70% with Kamayo [kyk]; 69% with Surigaonon [sul]. Classification: Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Philippine, Greater Central Philippine, Central Philippine, Bisayan, South, Butuan-Tausug

Caluyanun [clu] 30,000 (1994 SIL). Antique, Caluya Islands. Alternate names: Caluyanen, Caluyanhon. Dialects: Semirara. A sample scored 69% on Hiligaynon [hil] narrative comprehension; 62% on Cuyonon [cyo]. Classification: Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Philippine, Greater Central Philippine, Central Philippine, Bisayan, West

Capiznon [cps] 639,000 (2000). Northeast Panay. Alternate names: Capisano, Capiseño. Dialects: A population sample had 91% comprehension of Hiligaynon [hil] narrative. Classification:Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Philippine, Greater Central Philippine, Central Philippine, Bisayan, Central, Peripheral

Cebuano [ceb] 15,800,000 in Philippines (2000 census). Population total all countries: 15,807,260. Negros, Cebu, Bohol, Visayas and parts of Mindanao. Also in United States. Alternate names: Binisaya, Bisayan, Sebuano, Sugbuanon, Sugbuhanon, Visayan. Dialects: Cebu, Boholano, Leyte, Mindanao Visayan. Boholano is sometimes considered a separate language. Classification:Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Philippine, Greater Central Philippine, Central Philippine, Bisayan, Cebuan

Chavacano [cbk] 293,000 (1990 census). 155,000 Zamboangueño (Holm 1989), 27,841 Caviten, 3,750 Ternateño (1975 census), 5,473 Cotabato Chavacano (Wurm and Hattori 1981). Zamboanga, Basilan, Kabasalan, Siay, Margosatubig, Ipil, Malangas, Lapuyan, Buug, Tungawa, Alicia, Isabela, Lamitan, Maluso, Malamawi, Cotabato City, Mindanao; Cavite, Ternate, and Ermita near Manila. The 1970 census listed speakers in 60 of the 66 provinces. Alternate names: Chabakano, Zamboangueño. Dialects: Caviteño, Ternateño (Ternateño Chavacano), Ermitaño (Ermiteño), Davawenyo Zamboanguenyo (Abakay Spanish, Davao Chavacano, Davaoeño, Davaweño), Cotobato Chavacano (Cotabateño), Zamboangueño (Chavacano). A creole with predominantly Spanish vocabulary and Philippine-type grammatical structure. Classification: Creole, Spanish based

Chinese, Mandarin [cmn] 550 in Philippines. All ethnic Chinese are 53,273 (1990 census). Classification: Sino-Tibetan, Chinese

Chinese, Min Nan [nan] 592,000 in Philippines. 98.7% of Chinese population in the Philippines (1982). Alternate names: Min Nan. Classification: Sino-Tibetan, Chinese

Chinese, Yue [yue] 9,780 in Philippines (2000). Classification: Sino-Tibetan, Chinese

Cuyonon [cyo] 123,000 (1990 census). Palawan coast, Cuyo Islands between Palawan and Panay.Alternate names: Cuyo, Cuyono, Cuyunon, Kuyonon, Kuyunon. Dialects: Similar to Ratagnon [btn]. Classification: Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Philippine, Greater Central Philippine, Central Philippine, Bisayan, West, Kuyan

Davawenyo [daw] 147,000 (1990 census). Mindanao, Davao Oriental, Davao del Sur. Alternate names:Davaoeño, Davaweño, Matino. Dialects: Synthesis of Filipino [fil], Cebuano [ceb], other Visayan dialects. Some Spanish words. Not a Spanish creole. Different from Davaweño dialect of Chavacano [cbk]. Two dialects: East Coast with 90% of speakers, and Davao City and environs (Whinnom 1956). Lowland Davaweño have 89% intelligibility with Kamayo [kyk]. Classification:Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Philippine, Greater Central Philippine, Central Philippine, Mansakan, Davawenyo

English [eng] 3,400,000 in Philippines (2000 census). Classification: Indo-European, Germanic, West, English

Filipino [fil] 25,000,000 (2007). Widespread. Classification: Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Philippine, Greater Central Philippine, Central Philippine, Tagalog

Finallig [bkb] 5,000 (1998 SIL). Luzon, central Mountain Province. Alternate names: Eastern Bontoc, Kadaklan-Barlig Bontoc, Southern Bontoc. Dialects: Lias, Barlig, Kadaklan. Intelligibility with Ilocano [ilo] 53%; Balangao [blw] 49%. Classification: Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Philippine, Northern Luzon, Meso-Cordilleran, South-Central Cordilleran, Central Cordilleran, North Central Cordilleran, Nuclear Cordilleran, Bontok-Kankanay, Bontok

Ga’dang [gdg] 6,000 (2002 SIL). Very few monolinguals. Paracelis, Mt. Province, Luzon; Potia, Ifugao.Alternate names: Baliwon, Gaddang, Ginabwal. Dialects: Related to Gaddang [gad], Itawit [itv], Yogad [yog], Ibanag [ibg], Isnag [isd]. Lexical similarity: 80% with Gaddang. Classification:Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Philippine, Northern Luzon, Northern Cordilleran, Cagayan Valley, Ibanagic, Gaddangic

Gaddang [gad] 30,000 (1984 SIL). Luzon, Central Isabela, and Bagabag, Solano; Nueva Vizcaya, Bayombong. Alternate names: Cagayan. Dialects: Less than 80% intelligibility of Ga’dang [gdg]. Lexical similarity: 80% with Ga’dang. Classification: Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Philippine, Northern Luzon, Northern Cordilleran, Cagayan Valley, Ibanagic, Gaddangic

Giangan [bgi] 55,000 (1990 census). Mindanao, Davao City; Davao del Sur, east slopes of Mt. Apo.Alternate names: Atto, Bagobo, Clata, Eto, Guanga, Gulanga, Jangan. Dialects: 69% comprehension of Tagabawa [bgs]; 79% of Obo Manobo [obo]. Lexical similarity: 34% with Tagabawa, 35% with Obo Manobo; 43% with Blaan [bpr]. Classification: Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Philippine, Bilic

Hanunoo [hnn] 13,000 (2000). Southern Oriental Mindoro. Alternate names: Hanonoo. Dialects: Gubatnon (Gubat, Sorsogonon), Binli, Kagankan, Waigan, Wawan, Bulalakawnon. Classification:Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Philippine, Greater Central Philippine, South Mangyan, Hanunoo

Higaonon [mba] 30,000 (1996 NTM). North central Mindanao, Misamis Oriental, south of Ginoog City.Alternate names: Misamis Higaonon Manobo. Dialects: Related to Binukid [bkd] with 77%–81% intelligibility. Classification: Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Philippine, Greater Central Philippine, Manobo, North

Hiligaynon [hil] 5,770,000 in Philippines (2000 census). Iloilo and Capiz provinces, Panay, Negros Occidental, Visayas. Also in United States. Alternate names: Hiligainon, Illogo, Ilonggo. Dialects:Hiligaynon, Kawayan, Bantayan, Kari. Classification: Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Philippine, Greater Central Philippine, Central Philippine, Bisayan, Central, Peripheral

Ibaloi [ibl] 111,000 (1990 census). Luzon, central and south Benguet Province, west Nueva Vizcaya Province. Alternate names: Benguet-Igorot, Ibadoy, Ibaloy, Igodor, Inibaloi, Nabaloi. Dialects:Daklan, Kabayan, Bokod. Classification: Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Philippine, Northern Luzon, Meso-Cordilleran, South-Central Cordilleran, Southern Cordilleran, West Southern Cordilleran, Nuclear Southern Cordilleran, Ibaloy

Ibanag [ibg] 500,000 (1990 SIL). Luzon, Isabela and Cagayan provinces. Alternate names: Ybanag. Dialects: North Ibanag, South Ibanag. Intelligibility with Itawit [itv] 69%. Classification:Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Philippine, Northern Luzon, Northern Cordilleran, Cagayan Valley, Ibanagic

Ibatan [ivb] 1,350 (2000 SIL), increasing. No monolinguals. Babuyan Island, north of Luzon; Northern Luzon (a few students). Alternate names: Babuyan, Ibataan, Ivatan. Dialects: Intelligibility with Itbayaten Ivatan [ivv] 64%; Basco Ivatan [ivv] 31%. Lexical similarity: 72% with Itbayaten Ivatan, 74% with Basco Ivatan. Classification: Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Philippine, Bashiic, Ivatan

Ifugao, Amganad [ifa] 27,100 (2000 SIL). 10,000 monolinguals. 167,503 all Ifugao (1990 census). Ethnic population: 25,500. Luzon, Central Ifugao Province. Alternate names: Amganad, Ifugaw. Dialects: Burnay Ifugao, Banaue Ifugao. Intelligibility of Burnay dialect 81%. Lexical similarity: 83% with Burnay dialect. Classification: Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Philippine, Northern Luzon, Meso-Cordilleran, South-Central Cordilleran, Central Cordilleran, North Central Cordilleran, Nuclear Cordilleran, Ifugaw

Ifugao, Batad [ifb] 43,000 (1987 SIL). Luzon, Ifugao Province. Alternate names: Batad, Ifugaw. Dialects:Ayangan Ifugao, Batad Ifugao, Ducligan Ifugao. Intelligibility of Batad Ifugao: Ayangan dialect 87%; Mayoyao [ifu] 86%–94%. Lexical similarity: 81% between Batad and Ayangan dialects, with Ducligan 89%, with Mayoyao 79%. Classification: Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Philippine, Northern Luzon, Meso-Cordilleran, South-Central Cordilleran, Central Cordilleran, North Central Cordilleran, Nuclear Cordilleran, Ifugaw

Ifugao, Mayoyao [ifu] 30,000 (2007 SIL). Luzon, Ifugao Province. Alternate names: Ifugaw, Mayaoyaw, Mayoyao. Dialects: 86%–94% intelligibility of Batad [ifb]. Grammatical markers are different. Lexical similarity: 79% with Batad Ifugao, 85% with Ayangan [ifb]. Classification: Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Philippine, Northern Luzon, Meso-Cordilleran, South-Central Cordilleran, Central Cordilleran, North Central Cordilleran, Nuclear Cordilleran, Ifugaw

Ifugao, Tuwali [ifk] 30,000 (2000 SIL), increasing. Only those below grade school age are monolingual. Luzon, south Ifugao Province. Alternate names: Gilipanes, Ifugaw, Kiangan Ifugao, Quiangan. Dialects:Hapao Ifugao, Hungduan Ifugao, Lagawe Ifugao. 77% intelligibility of Amganad Ifugao [ifa], 78% with Batad [ifb]. Hapao dialect has 88% intelligibility with Tuwali, Hungduan 85% with Kiangan. Lexical similarity: 80% with Amganad Ifugao [ifa], 72% with Batad Ifugao [ifb], 78% with Hapao dialect, 86% with Hungduan dialect. Classification: Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Philippine, Northern Luzon, Meso-Cordilleran, South-Central Cordilleran, Central Cordilleran, North Central Cordilleran, Nuclear Cordilleran, Ifugaw

Ilocano [ilo] 6,920,000 in Philippines (2000 census). Population total all countries: 6,996,600. Northwest Luzon, La Union and Ilocos provinces, Cagayan Valley, Babuyan, Mindoro, Mindanao. Also in United States. Alternate names: Ilokano, Iloko. Dialects: A pidginized form is used in northern Luzon highlands. Classification: Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Philippine, Northern Luzon, Ilocano

Ilongot [ilk] 50,800 (1990 census). Luzon, east Nueva Vizcaya, Western Quirino. Alternate names:Bugkalut, Bukalot, Lingotes. Dialects: Abaka (Abaca), Egongot, Ibalao (Ibilao), Italon, Iyongut. Classification: Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Philippine, Northern Luzon, Meso-Cordilleran, South-Central Cordilleran, Southern Cordilleran, Ilongot

Inabaknon [abx] 21,400 (2000 SIL), increasing. 4,000 monolinguals (almost all children). The population increased by 300–500 per year. About 500 per year leave to find opportunities elsewhere. San Bernardino Strait, Capul Island, Northwest Samar; west Samar coast facing the island; Manila.Alternate names: Abaknon, Abaknon Sama, Capul, Capuleño, Kapul, Sama. Classification:Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Greater Barito, Sama-Bajaw, Abaknon

Inakeanon [akl] 395,000 (1990 census). Aklan Province, north Panay. Alternate names: Aklan, Aklano, Aklanon, Aklanon-Bisayan, Panay. Dialects: 66% intelligibility with Hiligaynon [hil]. Lexical similarity: 68% with Hiligaynon. Classification: Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Philippine, Greater Central Philippine, Central Philippine, Bisayan, West, Aklan

Inonhan[loc] 85,800 (2000). Romblon Province, South Tablas Island, Mindoro Oriental, Mindoro Occidental. Alternate names: Loocnon, Looknon, “Unhan”. Dialects: Bulalakaw, Dispoholnon, Looknon, Alcantaranon. Lexical similarity: 70% with Odionganon [bno] (Bantuanon), 93% with Aklanon [akl], 86% with Caluyanun [clu]. Classification: Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Philippine, Greater Central Philippine, Central Philippine, Bisayan, West, North Central

Iraya [iry] 10,000 (1991 OMF). North Mindoro. Dialects: Abra-De-Ilog, Alag-Bako, Pagbahan, Palauan-Calavite, Pambuhan, Santa Cruz. Classification: Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Philippine, North Mangyan

Isinai [inn] 5,520 (1990 census). Luzon, Nueva Vizcaya, Bambang, Dupax, and Aritao. Alternate names: Inmeas, Insinai, Isinay, Isnay. Dialects: Not similar to other languages. Lexical similarity: 47% with Ilocano [ilo]. Classification: Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Philippine, Northern Luzon, Meso-Cordilleran, South-Central Cordilleran, Central Cordilleran, Isinai

Isnag [isd] 30,000 (1994 SIL). Luzon, north Apayao. Alternate names: Dibagat-Kabugao-Isneg, Isneg, Maragat. Dialects: Bayag, Dibagat-Kabugao, Calanasan, Karagawan (Daragawan), Talifugu-Ripang (Tawini). Calanasan dialect 94% intelligibility with Dibagat dialect, 88% with Ilocano [ilo]; Talifugu-Ripang 89% with Dibagat, 71% with Ilocano. Classification: Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Philippine, Northern Luzon, Northern Cordilleran, Cagayan Valley, Isnag

Itawit [itv] 134,000 (1990 census). 119,584 Itawit, 14,542 Malaweg. Luzon, south Cagayan. Alternate names: Itawes, Itawis, Tawit. Dialects: Malaweg (Malaueg), Itawis. Related to Ibanag languages; 72% intelligibility with South Ibanag [ibg]; 68% with Ilocano [ilo]. Lexical similarity: 53% with Ilocano. Classification: Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Philippine, Northern Luzon, Northern Cordilleran, Cagayan Valley, Ibanagic

Itneg, Banao [bjx] 3,500 (2003 SIL). Unknown number in the Malibcong dialect area. Luzon, east Abra Province. Alternate names: Banao, Banaw, Itneg, Timggian, Tinguian. Dialects: Malibcong Banao, Banao Pikekj, Gubang Itneg. Lexical similarity: Malibcong Banao 58% with Ilocano [ilo], 81% with Lubuagan Kalinga [knb], 73% with Limos Kalinga [kmk]; Banao Pikek (Daguioman) dialect 62% with Ilocano, 83% with Masadiit and Boliney Itneg [tis], 79% with Masadiit and Sallapadan Itneg [tis], 78% with the Banao dialect of Malibcong, and 73% with Binongan Itneg [itb]. Classification: Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Philippine, Northern Luzon, Meso-Cordilleran, South-Central Cordilleran, Central Cordilleran, North Central Cordilleran, Kalinga-Itneg, Kalinga

Itneg, Binongan [itb] 7,500 (2003 SIL). 46,405 in all Itneg varieties (1990 census). Luzon, Ba-ay Valley and Licuan Abra Province. Alternate names: Tingguian, Tinguian. Dialects: Lexical similarity: 69% with Ilocano [ilo], 79% with Masadiit Itneg [tis]. Classification: Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Philippine, Northern Luzon, Meso-Cordilleran, South-Central Cordilleran, Central Cordilleran, North Central Cordilleran, Kalinga-Itneg, Itneg

Itneg, Inlaod [iti] 9,000 (2003 SIL). Northern Luzon, Abra Province, a few barangays of Penarubia, Lagangilang, Danglas, and Langiden; southwest of Binongan Itneg [itb], northwest of Masadiit Itneg [tis]. Alternate names: Tinggian, Tinguian. Dialects: Lexical similarity: Inlaod of Langiden 73% with Ilocano [ilo]; Inlaod of Danglas 71% with Ilocano, 75%–77% with Binongan Itneg [itb], 75%–76% with Masadiit [tis] of Sallapadan, 74%–75% with Moyadan Itneg [ity]. Inlaod of Langiden and Inlaod of Danglas 86% with each other. Classification: Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Philippine, Northern Luzon, Meso-Cordilleran, South-Central Cordilleran, Central Cordilleran, North Central Cordilleran, Kalinga-Itneg, Itneg

Itneg, Maeng [itt] 18,000 (2003 SIL). Ethnic population: 18,000. Luzon, south Abra Province, Luba, Tubo, Villavisciosa municipalities. Alternate names: Luba-Tiempo Itneg, Southern Itneg. Dialects:Lexical similarity: Tubo area 60% with Ilocano [ilo], 68% with Northern Kankanaey [kne]; Villavisciosa area 76% with Ilocano, 61% with Northern Kankanaey. Classification: Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Philippine, Northern Luzon, Meso-Cordilleran, South-Central Cordilleran, Central Cordilleran, North Central Cordilleran, Kalinga-Itneg, Itneg

Itneg, Masadiit [tis] 7,500. 45,000 all Itnegs in Abra Province. Luzon, Abra Province, Sallapadan and Bucloc, Boliney. Dialects: Masadiit Boliney, Masadiit Sallapadan. Lexical similarity: 62% with Ilocano [ilo], 70% with Guinaang Kalinga [knb], 86% with Binongan Itneg [itb]. Classification: Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Philippine, Northern Luzon, Meso-Cordilleran, South-Central Cordilleran, Central Cordilleran, North Central Cordilleran, Kalinga-Itneg, Itneg

Itneg, Moyadan [ity] 12,000 (2003 SIL). Luzon, Abra Province. Alternate names: Tinggian, Tinguian. Dialects:Lexical similarity: 68% with Ilocano [ilo], 85% with Masadiit Sallapadan [tis], 80% with Masadiit Boliney [tis], 76% with Binongan Itneg [itb], 75% with Inlaod Danglas [iti], 74% with Inlaod Langiden [iti], 73% with Maeng [itt] of Tubo. Classification: Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Philippine, Northern Luzon, Meso-Cordilleran, South-Central Cordilleran, Central Cordilleran, North Central Cordilleran, Kalinga-Itneg, Itneg

Ivatan [ivv] 35,000 (1998 SIL), increasing. 3,448 Itbayatan (1996 census). Batanes Islands. Many relocated to Mindanao near Bukidnon, Lanao del Sur, and Cotabato; Manila, Luzon, Palawan, other countries. Dialects: Itbayaten, Basco Ivatan, Southern Ivatan. Classification: Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Philippine, Bashiic, Ivatan

I-wak [iwk] 3,260 (2000). Luzon, Benguet Province, extreme east Itogon, reportedly in Tojongan, Bakes, Lebeng, Domolpos, Bujasjas, Kayo-ko, Salaksak (in Kayapa) villages. Also in Capintalan in Nueva Ecija, but speak only Kallahan [kak]. Alternate names: Iwaak. Dialects: Related to Karao [kyj], Ibaloi [ibl], Kallahan [kak]. Classification: Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Philippine, Northern Luzon, Meso-Cordilleran, South-Central Cordilleran, Southern Cordilleran, West Southern Cordilleran, Nuclear Southern Cordilleran, Ibaloy

Kagayanen [cgc] 30,000 (2007 SIL), increasing. Few monolinguals. Ethnic population: 25,000. Palawan Province, Cagayan Island, between Negros and Palawan; Palawan coastal communities; south Palawan, Balabac island, Quezon and Rizal communities; north Palawan, Busuanga region, Coron Municipality. Subgroupings in Iloilo Province, Silay, Negros, and Manila. Alternate names:Cagayano, Kagay-anen, Kinagayanen. Dialects: Calamian Kagayanen. Classification:Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Philippine, Greater Central Philippine, Manobo, North

Kalagan [kqe] 21,400 (1990 census). Davao del Sur and Davao Oriental, east and west shores of Davao Gulf. Dialects: Isamal, Piso, Tumuaong, Lactan. A population sample scored 87% on Cebuano [ceb] narrative text. Lexical similarity: 72% between Piso dialect and Kagan [kll], 74% with Mansaka [msk]; 83% with Sangab Mandaya [myt]. Classification: Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Philippine, Greater Central Philippine, Central Philippine, Mansakan, Western

Kalagan, Kagan[kll] 6,000 (1981 SIL). Mindanao, Davao City. Alternate names: Kaagan, Kagan Kalagan. Dialects: 82% intelligibility with Piso Kalagan [kqe] dialect. Classification: Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Philippine, Greater Central Philippine, Central Philippine, Mansakan, Western

Kalagan, Tagakaulu [klg] 83,000 (2000 census). 40,000 monolinguals. Ethnic population: 100,000. South Mindanao, Sarangani Province, Davao Del Sur. Alternate names: Tagakaolo. Dialects: Related to Mandaya, Kalagan, and Kamayo [kyk]. About 85% intelligibility with Mansaka [msk]. Classification:Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Philippine, Greater Central Philippine, Central Philippine, Mansakan, Western

Kalinga, Butbut [kyb] 8,000 (1998). Luzon, Butbut, Tinglayan, Kalinga Province. Alternate names: Butbut. Dialects: 72% intelligibility with Limos Kalinga [kmk]; 44% with Ilocano [ilo]; 70% with Guinaang [knb], 47% with Tanudan [kml], 74% with Bangad (Southern) Kalinga [ksc]. Lexical similarity: 82% with Southern Kalinga, 78% with Guinaang and Tanudan. Classification: Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Philippine, Northern Luzon, Meso-Cordilleran, South-Central Cordilleran, Central Cordilleran, North Central Cordilleran, Kalinga-Itneg, Kalinga

Kalinga, Limos [kmk] 20,000 (1977 SIL). Luzon, Kalinga Province. Alternate names: Limos-Liwan Kalinga, Northern Kalinga. Classification: Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Philippine, Northern Luzon, Meso-Cordilleran, South-Central Cordilleran, Central Cordilleran, North Central Cordilleran, Kalinga-Itneg, Kalinga

Kalinga, Lower Tanudan [kml] 11,200 (1998 SIL). Under 10% monolinguals. Luzon, south Kalinga Province. Alternate names: Lower Tanudan. Dialects: Minangali, Tinaloctoc, Pinangol. Intelligibility of Limos Kalinga [kmk], 79%, Guinaang 66% [knb]. Lexical similarity: 97% with Pangul, 80% with Madukayang [kmd]. Classification: Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Philippine, Northern Luzon, Meso-Cordilleran, South-Central Cordilleran, Central Cordilleran, North Central Cordilleran, Kalinga-Itneg, Kalinga

Kalinga, Lubuagan [knb] 14,000 (2000). Ethnic population: 15,000. Luzon, Kalinga-Apayao provinces. Dialects:Guinaang, Balbalasang, Lubuagan, Ableg-Salegseg, Balatok-Kalinga (Balatok-Itneg). Intelligibility of Balbalasang dialect 81%, Sumadel [ksc] 82%, Limos [kmk] 70%, 48% comprehension of Ilocano [ilo] narrative. Lexical similarity: 81% with Balbalasang and Limos. Classification:Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Philippine, Northern Luzon, Meso-Cordilleran, South-Central Cordilleran, Central Cordilleran, North Central Cordilleran, Kalinga-Itneg, Kalinga

Kalinga, Mabaka Valley [kkg] Luzon, southeast Kalinga Province. Alternate names: Kal-Uwan, Mabaka, Mabaka Itneg. Classification: Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Philippine, Northern Luzon, Meso-Cordilleran, South-Central Cordilleran, Central Cordilleran, North Central Cordilleran, Kalinga-Itneg, Kalinga

Kalinga, Madukayang [kmd] 1,500 (1990 SIL). Luzon, south Mountain Province, Luzon. Alternate names: Majukayong. Dialects: 83% intelligibility with Limos Kalinga [kmk] and Balangao [blw], 86% with Mangali. Lexical similarity: 80% with Tanudan Kalinga [kgh], 68% with Limos Kalinga, 65% with Balangao, 80% with Mangali. Classification: Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Philippine, Northern Luzon, Meso-Cordilleran, South-Central Cordilleran, Central Cordilleran, North Central Cordilleran, Kalinga-Itneg, Kalinga

Kalinga, Southern [ksc] 13,000 (2000 SIL), increasing. 58% are monolingual. Luzon, Kalinga Province. 13 villages; some in Tabuk. Alternate names: Tinglayan Kalinga. Dialects: Mallango, Sumadel, Bangad, Tinglayan. Intelligibility of Guinaang Kalinga [knb] 63%, Mangali 51%. Classification:Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Philippine, Northern Luzon, Meso-Cordilleran, South-Central Cordilleran, Central Cordilleran, North Central Cordilleran, Kalinga-Itneg, Kalinga

Kalinga, Upper Tanudan [kgh] 3,000 (1991 SIL). Luzon, Kalinga Province, south end of Tanudan Valley. Alternate names:Upper Tanudan. Classification: Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Philippine, Northern Luzon, Meso-Cordilleran, South-Central Cordilleran, Central Cordilleran, North Central Cordilleran, Kalinga-Itneg, Kalinga

Kallahan, Kayapa [kak] 15,000 (1991 UBS). Luzon, west Nueva Vizcaya, northeast Pangasinan, west Ifugao.Alternate names: Akab, Ikalahan, Kalangoya, Kalangoya-Ikalahan, Kalanguya, Kalkali, Kayapa. Classification: Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Philippine, Northern Luzon, Meso-Cordilleran, South-Central Cordilleran, Southern Cordilleran, West Southern Cordilleran, Nuclear Southern Cordilleran, Kallahan

Kallahan, Keley-i [ify] 8,000 (2000 SIL). Napayo, Kiangan Ifugao Province, northwest of Aritao, Nueva. Alternate names: Antipolo Ifugao, Hanalulo, Keley-i, Keley-i Kalanguya, Keleyqiq Ifugao. Dialects:Bayninan, Ya-Tuka. Classification: Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Philippine, Northern Luzon, Meso-Cordilleran, South-Central Cordilleran, Southern Cordilleran, West Southern Cordilleran, Nuclear Southern Cordilleran, Kallahan

Kallahan, Tinoc [tne] Luzon, Hungduan, Tinoc barrio. Alternate names: Tinoc Kalangoya. Dialects: Intelligibility with Akab 95%, Tinoc 89%. Classification: Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Philippine, Northern Luzon, Meso-Cordilleran, South-Central Cordilleran, Southern Cordilleran, West Southern Cordilleran, Nuclear Southern Cordilleran, Kallahan

Kamayo [kyk] 7,570 (2000 WCD). Mindanao, Surigao del Sur between Marihatag and Lingig. Dialects:North Kamayo, South Kamayo. Intelligibility with Surigaonon [sul] 92%, with Butuanon [btw] 87%, with Mansaka [msk] 82%. Lexical similarity: 66% with Surigaonon, 70% with Butuanon. Classification: Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Philippine, Greater Central Philippine, Central Philippine, Mansakan, Northern

Kankanaey [kne] 150,000 (1991 SIL). All Kankanai 218,279 (1990 census). Luzon, north Benguet Province, southwest Mountain Province, southeast Ilocos Sur, northeast La Union. Alternate names:Central Kankanaey, Kankanai, Kankanay. Dialects: Mankayan-Buguias, Kapangan, Bakun-Kibungan, Guinzadan. Classification: Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Philippine, Northern Luzon, Meso-Cordilleran, South-Central Cordilleran, Central Cordilleran, North Central Cordilleran, Nuclear Cordilleran, Bontok-Kankanay, Kankanay

Kankanay, Northern [xnn] 70,000 (1987 SIL). Luzon, west Mountain Province, southeast Ilocos Sur. Alternate names:Sagada Igorot, Western Bontoc. Classification: Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Philippine, Northern Luzon, Meso-Cordilleran, South-Central Cordilleran, Central Cordilleran, North Central Cordilleran, Nuclear Cordilleran, Bontok-Kankanay, Kankanay

Karao [kyj] 1,400 (1998 SIL). Luzon, east Benguet Province, Karao, Ekip, Bokod. Alternate names:Karaw. Dialects: Limited comprehension testing showed 85% comprehension of Kayapa Kallahan [kak]; 78% of Ilocano [ilo]. Lexical similarity: 90% with Ibaloi [ibl]. Classification:Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Philippine, Northern Luzon, Meso-Cordilleran, South-Central Cordilleran, Southern Cordilleran, West Southern Cordilleran, Nuclear Southern Cordilleran, Karaw

Karolanos [kyn] 15,100 (2000). Kabankalan, mid-central Negros. Dialects: Similar to Magahat [mtw]. Classification: Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Philippine, Greater Central Philippine, Central Philippine

Kasiguranin [ksn] 10,000 (1975 SIL). Luzon, Aurora Province, Casiguran. Alternate names: Casiguranin. Dialects: 82% intelligibility with Paranan [agp]. Lexical similarity: 52% with Tagalog [tgl], 75% with Paranan. Classification: Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Philippine, Northern Luzon, Northern Cordilleran, Northeastern Luzon, Northern

Katabaga [ktq] Extinct. Luzon, Bondoc Peninsula. Classification: Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Unclassified

Kinaray-a [krj] 378,000 (1994 SIL). Iloilo and Antique provinces, west Panay. Alternate names: Antiqueño, Ati, Hamtiknon, Hinaray-a, Karay-a, Kiniray-a, Panayano, Sulud. Dialects: Pandan, Hamtik, Anini-y, Pototan, Lambunao, Miag-Ao, Guimaras Island (Gimaras). Antique area has 67% comprehension of Filipino [fil]; 61% of Hiligaynon [hil]; Iloilo area, 78% of Hiligaynon; 85% of Antique. Classification: Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Philippine, Greater Central Philippine, Central Philippine, Bisayan, West, Kinarayan

Magahat [mtw] 7,570 (2000). Southwestern Negros, Mt. Arniyo near Bayawan, upper Tayaban, Bayawan (Tolong), Tanjag, Santa Catalina, and Siaton provinces. Alternate names: Ata-Man, Bukidnon. Dialects: Similar to Karolanos [kyn]. Reported to include a heavy mixture of Cebuano [ceb] and Hiligaynon [hil]. Classification: Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Philippine, Greater Central Philippine, Central Philippine

Maguindanao [mdh] 1,000,000 (Wiesenfeld 1999). 766,565 Maguindanao (1990 census), 241,000 Iranun (1981 SIL). Maguindanao, North Cotabato, South Cotabato, Sultan Kuderat, and Zamboanga del Sur provinces; Iranun also in Bukidnon, Mindanao. Alternate names: Magindanaon, Magindanaw, Maguindanaw. Dialects: Laya, Ilud, Biwangan, Sibugay, Iranun (Ilanon, Illanon, Ilanum, Iranon), Tagakawanan. 84% intelligibility of the Iranun dialect, 60% with Maranao [mrw]; 96% with Illanun [ill] of Sabah, Malaysia, and 95% with Maranao [mrw]. Comprehension of Filipino [fil] is low. Subdialects of Iranun: Iranun and Isebanganen. Classification: Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Philippine, Greater Central Philippine, Danao, Magindanao

Malaynon [mlz] 8,500 (1973 SIL). Malay, northwest Aklan Province, lowland, Panay. Dialects: Lexical similarity: 93% with Aklanon. Classification: Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Philippine, Greater Central Philippine, Central Philippine, Bisayan, West, Aklan

Mamanwa [mmn] 5,150 (1990 census). Agusan del Norte and Surigao provinces, Mindanao. Alternate names: Mamanwa Negrito, Minamanwa. Classification: Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Philippine, Greater Central Philippine, Central Philippine, Mamanwa

Mandaya, Cataelano [mst] 19,000 (1980 census). 34,317 all Mandaya (1990 census). Town of Cateel, Davao Oriental, Mindanao. Alternate names: Cateelenyo. Classification: Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Philippine, Greater Central Philippine, Central Philippine, Mansakan, Eastern, Mandayan

Mandaya, Karaga [mry] 3,000 (1982 SIL). Lamiyawan area, Davao Oriental, Mindanao. Alternate names: Carraga Mandaya, Manay Mandayan, Mangaragan Mandaya. Dialects: Lexical similarity: 89% with Mansaka [msk]. Classification: Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Philippine, Greater Central Philippine, Central Philippine, Mansakan, Eastern, Caraga

Mandaya, Sangab [myt] 7,570 (2000). Carraga River head, Banlalaysan area, highland, Davao del Norte, Mindanao.Alternate names: Sangab. Dialects: 77% intelligibility with Mansaka [msk]. Lexical similarity: 83% with Tumuwaong (Kalagan) [kqe], 79% with Boston, 72% with Boso. Classification: Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Philippine, Greater Central Philippine, Central Philippine, Mansakan, Eastern, Mandayan

Manobo, Agusan [msm] 60,000 (2002 SIL). 157,408 all Manobo (1990 census). Agusan del Norte, Agusan del Sur, Surigao del Sur, Mindanao. Alternate names: Agusan. Dialects: Umayam, Adgawan, Surigao, Omayamnon. 83% intelligibility with Dibabawon. Lexical similarity: 80% between the Omayamnon dialect and other dialects, 85% with Dibabawon Manobo [mbd]. Classification: Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Philippine, Greater Central Philippine, Manobo, Central, East

Manobo, Ata [atd] 26,700 (2000 census). Mindanao, northwestern Davao. Alternate names: Ata of Davao, Atao Manobo, Langilan. Classification: Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Philippine, Greater Central Philippine, Manobo, Central, South, Ata-Tigwa

Manobo, Cinamiguin [mkx] 60,000 (1973 SIL). Camiguin Island, north of Mindanao. Alternate names: Cinamiguin, Kamigin, Kinamigin. Classification: Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Philippine, Greater Central Philippine, Manobo, North

Manobo, Cotabato [mta] 30,000 (2007 SIL), increasing. 5,000 monolinguals. Ethnic population: 30,000. Sultan Kudarat Province, Mindanao. Alternate names: Dulangan Manobo. Dialects: Tasaday, Blit. Classification: Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Philippine, Greater Central Philippine, Manobo, South

Manobo, Dibabawon[mbd] 10,000 (1978 SIL). Manguagan, Davao del Norte, Mindanao. Alternate names: Debabaon, Dibabaon, Mandaya. Classification: Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Philippine, Greater Central Philippine, Manobo, Central, East

Manobo, Ilianen [mbi] 14,600 (2000). Few monolinguals. Northern Cotabato, Mindanao. Being pushed more north and east up to Obo Manobo country. Alternate names: Ilianen. Dialects: Livunganen, Puleniyan, Arkan Valley. Classification: Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Philippine, Greater Central Philippine, Manobo, Central, West

Manobo, Matigsalug [mbt] 30,000 (2002 SIL). 5,000 monolinguals. Ethnic population: 30,000. Davao del Norte, southeast Bukidnon, Mindanao. Alternate names: Matig-Salug Manobo. Dialects: Kulamanen, Tigwa, Tala Ingod, Matig-Salug. Tigwa has marginal intelligibility with Matig-Salug. Tala Ingod may have adequate intelligibility with Matig-Salug. Classification: Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Philippine, Greater Central Philippine, Manobo, Central, South, Ata-Tigwa

Manobo, Obo [obo] 60,000 (2007 SIL). 20,000 monolinguals. Northeastern slope of Mt. Apo, between Davao del Sur and North Cotabato, Mindanao. Alternate names: Bagobo, Kidapawan Manobo, Obo Bagobo. Dialects: Kidapawan Manobo, Magpet Manobo, Arakan Manobo, Marilog. 69% intelligibility of Tigwa (Matigsalug Manobo [mbt]; most similar), 60% of Tagabawa [bgs]. Lexical similarity: 63% with Tagabawa [bgs] and Ilianen Manobo [mbi], 35% with Cebuano [ceb]. Classification: Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Philippine, Greater Central Philippine, Manobo, Central, South, Obo

Manobo, Rajah Kabunsuwan[mqk] 7,570 (2000). Southern Surigao del Sur. Alternate names: Rajah Kabungsuan Manobo. Dialects: Intelligibility with Dibabawon Manobo [mbd] 80%, San Miguel Calatugan Agusan [msm] 81%. Lexical similarity: 82% with Dibabawon Manobo [mbd], 76% with Sagunto dialect of Agusan Manobo [msm] and San Miguel Calatugan dialect of Agusan Manobo [msm]. Classification:Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Philippine, Greater Central Philippine, Manobo, Central, East

Manobo, Sarangani [mbs] 58,000 (2000 census). Southern and eastern Davao, Mindanao. Dialects: Governor Generoso Manobo. Classification: Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Philippine, Greater Central Philippine, Manobo, South

Manobo, Western Bukidnon [mbb] 19,000 (2000). Mindanao, southern Bukidnon Province. Dialects: Ilentungen, Kiriyenteken, Pulangiyen. Classification: Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Philippine, Greater Central Philippine, Manobo, Central, West

Mansaka [msk] 57,800 (2000). Eastern Davao and Davao Oriental provinces, Mindanao. Alternate names:Mandaya Mansaka. Dialects: Lexical similarity: 80% with Bislig-Mati, 89% with Karaga Mandaya, 84% with Mati, 74% with Piso (Kalagan). Classification: Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Philippine, Greater Central Philippine, Central Philippine, Mansakan, Eastern, Mandayan

Mapun [sjm] 40,600 in Philippines (2000). Population total all countries: 42,470. Cagayan de Sulu and Palawan islands. Also in Malaysia (Sabah). Alternate names: Bajau Kagayan, Cagayan, Cagayan de Sulu, Cagayanen, Cagayano, Cagayanon, Jama Mapun, Kagayan, Orang, Sama Mapun. Dialects: Intelligibility of Central Sama [sml] 59%. Classification: Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Greater Barito, Sama-Bajaw, Sulu-Borneo, Borneo Coast Bajaw

Maranao [mrw] 776,000 (1990 census). Mindanao, Lanao del Norte and Lanao del Sur provinces. Alternate names: Maranaw, Ranao. Dialects: Intelligibility of Iranun [mdh] (see Magindanaon) 87%; of Maguindanao 52%. Classification: Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Philippine, Greater Central Philippine, Danao, Maranao-Iranon

Masbatenyo [msb] 350,000 (2002 SIL), increasing. 50,000 monolinguals mostly children. Ethnic population: 700,000. Masbate Province, 3 islands. Alternate names: Masbateño, Minasbate. Dialects:Related to Hiligaynon [hil] and Capiznon [cps]. Lexical similarity: 79% with Capiznon [cps], 76% with Hiligaynon [hil]. Classification: Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Philippine, Greater Central Philippine, Central Philippine, Bisayan, Central, Peripheral

Molbog [pwm] 6,680 in Philippines (1990 census). Population total all countries: 13,360. Balabac Island, southern Palawan. Also in Malaysia (Sabah). Alternate names: Molbog Palawan. Dialects:Brooke’s Point Palawano [plw] has 27% intelligibility of Molbog; South Palawano 55%. Lexical similarity: 69% with Quezon Palawano [plc] (Central). Classification: Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Philippine, Greater Central Philippine, Palawanic

Palawano, Brooke’s Point [plw] 14,400 (2000). South Palawan island, east side from just south of Abu Abu to Bataraza, mostly along upland rivers, with a few living along the coast. Alternate names: Brooke’s Point Palawan, Palawan, Palawanun, Palaweño. Dialects: South Palawano (Bugsuk Palawano). Intelligibility of Quezon Palawano [plc] (Central) 76%; of Southwest Palawano [plv] 68%; of South Palawano 87%. Low comprehension of Filipino [fil]. Lexical similarity: 82% with Quezon Palawano [plc] (Central), 85% with Southwest Palawano [plv], 83% with South Palawano. Classification:Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Philippine, Greater Central Philippine, Palawanic

Palawano, Central [plc] 12,000 (1981 UBS). 40,549 all Palawano (1990 census). Southern Palawan island, on the west side from north of Quezon to just north of Rizal, also around Abu Abu on the east side, mostly along upland rivers, with a few living along the coast. Alternate names: Palawanen, Palaweño, Quezon Palawano. Dialects: Intelligibility of Brooke’s Point Palawano [plw] 95%, of Southwest Palawano [plv] 46%. Comprehension of Filipino [fil] low. Lexical similarity: 82% with Brooke’s Point Palawano [plw], 78% with Southwest Palawano [plv]. Classification: Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Philippine, Greater Central Philippine, Palawanic

Palawano, Southwest [plv] 12,000 (2005 W. Davis). South Palawan Island, west side from north of Rizal to the south tip, on east side from Bataraza south, mostly along upland rivers, with a few living along the coast.Dialects: Intelligibility of Quezon Palawano [plc] (Central) 75%, of Brooke’s Point [plw] 76%. Low comprehension of Filipino [fil]. Lexical similarity: 85% with Brooke’s Point Palawano [plw], 78% with Quezon Palawano [plc] (Central). Classification: Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Philippine, Greater Central Philippine, Palawanic

Pampangan [pam] 1,900,000 in Philippines (1990 census). Population total all countries: 1,905,550. Pampanga, Tarlac, and Bataan provinces, Luzon. Also in United States. Alternate names: Kapampangan, Pampango, Pampangueño. Classification: Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Philippine, Central Luzon, Pampangan

Pangasinan[pag] 1,160,000 in Philippines (1990 census). Population total all countries: 1,162,040. Pangasinan Province, Luzon. Also in United States. Classification: Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Philippine, Northern Luzon, Meso-Cordilleran, South-Central Cordilleran, Southern Cordilleran, West Southern Cordilleran

Paranan [agp] 16,700 (2007 SIL). 15,000 Lowland Paranan. East coast, Isabela Province, Luzon; surrounded by hills. Isolated. Alternate names: Palanenyo, Palanan. Dialects: Palanan Dumagat (Palanan Valley Agta, Palanan Valley Dumagat), Casiguran Dumagat. Intelligibility of Casiguran Dumagat Agta [dgc] dialect 76%, Palanan Dumagat intelligibility of Paranan Agta dialect 98%, of Casiguran Dumagat 94%. Lexical similarity: 85% with Palanan Dumagat, 87% with Casiguran Dumagat. Classification: Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Philippine, Northern Luzon, Northern Cordilleran, Northeastern Luzon, Northern

Philippine Sign Language [psp] 100,000 deaf persons (Van Cleve 1986). Alternate names: Filipino Sign Language, FSL, Local Sign Language. Dialects: Reportedly very similar to American Sign Language [ase]. Classification: Deaf sign language

Porohanon [prh] 23,000. Camotes Islands. Alternate names: Camotes. Dialects: Barely intelligible with Cebuano [ceb] (1967 J. Wolff). More similar to Masbatenyo [msb] and Hiligaynon [hil]. Lexical similarity: 87% with Cebuano [ceb](1967 J. Wolff). Classification: Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Philippine, Greater Central Philippine, Central Philippine, Bisayan, Central, Peripheral

Ratagnon [btn] 2 (2000 S. Wurm). Ethnic population: 2,000 (1997 SIL). Southern tip of western Mindoro.Alternate names: Aradigi, Datagnon, Lactan, Latagnun, Latan. Dialects: Ratagnon, Santa Teresa. Similar to Cuyonon. Classification: Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Philippine, Greater Central Philippine, Central Philippine, Bisayan, West, Kuyan Nearly extinct.

Romblomanon [rol] 200,000 (2007 SIL). Romblon and Sibuyan Islands, parts of eastern Tablas Island, north of Panay. Alternate names: Romblon. Dialects: Sibuyan, Romblon, Basiq. Sibuyan Island has 70% intelligibility of Aklanon, 73% of Hiligaynon [hil], 94% of the Romblon dialect. Classification:Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Philippine, Greater Central Philippine, Central Philippine, Bisayan, Central, Romblon

Sama, Central [sml] 90,000 (2000). Sulu Province. Alternate names: Central Sinama, Samal, Siasi Sama, Sinama. Dialects: Dilaut-Badjao. Intelligibility of Tausug [tsg] 59%; of Balangingi [sse] 79%. Classification: Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Greater Barito, Sama-Bajaw, Sulu-Borneo, Inner Sulu Sama

Sama, Pangutaran [slm] 35,200 (2000). West central Sulu, Pangutaran Island, west of Jolo, Mindanao. Also southern Palawan, Cagayan de Tawi-Tawi. Alternate names: Siyama. Dialects: Intelligibility of Central Sama [sml] 65%. Classification: Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Greater Barito, Sama-Bajaw, Sulu-Borneo, Western Sulu Sama

Sama, Southern [ssb] 200,000 in Philippines (2007 SIL), increasing. 5,000 to 10,000 monolinguals. Population total all countries: 319,000. Archipelago northeast of Borneo, southern Sulu. Tawi-Tawi Island group includes Tawi-Tawi, Simunul, Sibutu, and other major islands. Also in Malaysia (Sabah). Alternate names: Sama Sibutu’, Sama Tawi-Tawi. Dialects: Sibutu’ (Sibutu), Simunul, Tandubas, Obian, Balimbing, Bongao, Sitangkai, Languyan, Sapa-Sapa. Sibutu intelligibility of Sama Central [sml] 77%, of the Simunul dialect 89%. Simunul intelligibility of Sama Central [sml] 77%, of the Sibutu dialect 80%. Classification: Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Greater Barito, Sama-Bajaw, Sulu-Borneo, Inner Sulu Sama

Sambal, Botolan [sbl] 32,900 (2000 SIL), increasing. Central Luzon, Zambales Province, Botolan and Cabangan municipalities. People were affected by Mt. Pinatubo eruption. Alternate names: Aeta Negrito, Ayta Hambali, Botolan Zambal. Dialects: Ayta Hambali (Hambali Botolan), Sambali Botolan. Among themselves, Ayta Hambali use some words that are similar to Ayta Mag-anchi [sgb]. Classification: Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Philippine, Central Luzon, Sambalic

Sambal, Tinà [xsb] 70,000 (2000 SIL), decreasing. No monolinguals. Ethnic population: 70,000. Luzon, northern Zambales Province, 5 towns, 2 villages in Pangasinan Province, and village of Panitian, Quezon on Palawan Island. Alternate names: Sambali, Tina. Dialects: Santa Cruz, Masinloc, Iba. 70% intelligibility with Botolan. Classification: Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Philippine, Central Luzon, Sambalic

Sangil [snl] 15,000 (1996 SIL). Balut Island, Sarangani Island, Mindanao. Alternate names: Sanggil, Sangiré. Dialects: Sarangani, Mindanao. Lexical similarity: 90% with Sangir [sxn]. Classification:Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Philippine, Sangiric, Northern

Sangir [sxn] 55,000 in Philippines (1981 SIL). Balut and Sarangani islands off of Mindanao. Alternate names: Sangihé, Sangirese. Classification: Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Philippine, Sangiric, Northern

Sinauna [agv] 2,530 (2000). Luzon; Santa Inez, Rizal Province; Paimohuan, General Nakar, Quezon Province. Alternate names: Hatang-Kayey, Remontado Agta. Dialects: Lexical similarity: 73% with Filipino [fil], 37% with Umiray Dumaget Agta [due]. Classification: Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Philippine, Central Luzon, Sinauna

Sorsogon, Masbate [bks] 85,000 (1975 census). Luzon, Sorsogon, Casiguran and Juban, Sorsogon Province.Alternate names: Northern Sorsogon, Sorsogon Bicolano. Classification: Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Philippine, Greater Central Philippine, Central Philippine, Bisayan, Central, Warayan

Sorsogon, Waray[srv] 185,000 (1975 census). Southern Sorsogon Province. Alternate names: Bikol Sorsogon, Gubat, Southern Sorsogon. Dialects: Comprehension of Masbatenyo [msb] 63%–91%; of Central Bicolano [bcl] (Naga) 71%–82%; of Filipino [fil] 85%–91%. Similar to Waray-Waray [war]. Classification: Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Philippine, Greater Central Philippine, Central Philippine, Bisayan, Central, Warayan, Gubat

Spanish [spa] 2,660 in Philippines (1990 census). Mainly in Manila. Classification: Indo-European, Italic, Romance, Italo-Western, Western, Gallo-Iberian, Ibero-Romance, West Iberian, Castilian

Subanen, Central [syb] 140,000 (2000), increasing. Eastern Zamboanga Peninsula, Mindanao, Sulu Archipelago.Alternate names: Sindangan Subanun. Dialects: Eastern Kolibugan (Eastern Kalibugan). Intelligibility with Lapuyan [laa] 71%. Lexical similarity: 79% with Western Subanen [suc]. Classification: Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Philippine, Greater Central Philippine, Subanon, Eastern

Subanen, Northern [stb] 10,000 (1985 SIL). Tuboy: Sergio Osmeña, Mutia; Zamboanga del Norte; Salog: Misamis Occidental, Mindanao. Alternate names: Tuboy Subanon. Dialects: Dapitan, Salog (Salug), Dikayu. 63% intelligibility with Sindanga, 40% with Lapuyan [laa]. Lexical similarity: 87% with Sindanga. Classification: Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Philippine, Greater Central Philippine, Subanon, Eastern

Subanon, Kolibugan [skn] 20,000 (1998 SIL). Mindanao, Zamboanga Peninsula, southern Zamboanga del Norte and Zamboanga del Sur provinces. Alternate names: Calibugan, Kalibugan, Kolibugan. Dialects:Similar to Western Subanon [suc], but there are limitations on inherent intelligibility between the two. Lexical and grammatical differences. Classification: Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Philippine, Greater Central Philippine, Subanon, Eastern

Subanon, Western [suc] 75,000 (1997 SIL). Mindanao, Zamboanga Peninsula. Alternate names: Siocon. Dialects:Siocon, Western Kolibugan (Western Kalibugan). Lexical similarity: 89% between the Siocon and Western Kolibugan dialects. Classification: Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Philippine, Greater Central Philippine, Subanon, Eastern

Subanun, Lapuyan [laa] 25,000 (1978 SIL). Subpeninsulas of eastern Zamboanga del Sur, Mindanao. Alternate names: Lapuyen, Margosatubig, Subanen. Dialects: Lapuyan Subanun speakers understand Central Subanen [syb] (85%), but not vice versa. Classification: Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Philippine, Greater Central Philippine, Subanon, Eastern

Sulod [srg] 14,000 (1980 SIL). Tapaz, Capiz Province; Lambunao, Iloilo Province; Valderrama, Antique Province, Panay. Alternate names: Bukidnon, Mondo. Classification: Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Philippine, Greater Central Philippine, Central Philippine

Surigaonon [sul] 345,000 (1990 census). Surigao, Carrascal, Cantilan, Madrid, Lanusa. Dialects: Jaun-Jaun, Cantilan (Kantilan), Naturalis, Surigaonon. Lexical similarity: 82% with Dibabawon Manobo [mbd], 81% with Agusan Manobo [msm], 69% with Butuanon [btw]. Classification: Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Philippine, Greater Central Philippine, Central Philippine, Bisayan, South, Surigao

Tadyawan [tdy] 4,150 (2000). East central Mindoro. Alternate names: Balaban, Pula, Tadianan. Classification: Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Philippine, North Mangyan

Tagabawa [bgs] 43,000 (1998 SIL). Mindanao, Davao City, slopes of Mt. Apo. Alternate names: Tagabawa Bagobo, Tagabawa Manobo. Dialects: Comprehension of Tigwa Manobo [mbt] 45%; low comprehension of Cebuano [ceb]. Lexical similarity: 62% with Sarangani Manobo [mbs]; 34% with Giangan [bgi]. Classification: Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Philippine, Greater Central Philippine, Manobo, South

Tagalog [tgl] 21,500,000 in Philippines (2000 census). Population total all countries: 23,853,200. Manila, most of Luzon, and Mindoro. Also in Canada, Guam, Libya, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, United States. Dialects: Lubang, Manila, Marinduque, Bataan, Batangas, Bulacan, Puray, Tanay-Paete, Tayabas. Classification: Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Philippine, Greater Central Philippine, Central Philippine, Tagalog

Tagbanwa [tbw] 10,000 (2002 SIL). 5% monolinguals. Palawan, in scattered communities ranging from about 120 kms. south to 60 kms. north of Puerto Princesa, on both sides of the island. Alternate names:Aborlan Tagbanwa, Apurawnon, Tagbanua. Dialects: Intelligibility with Central Palawano [plc] 66%, with Cuyonon [cyo] 77%. Lexical similarity: 65% with Central Palawano [plc], 71% with Batak [bya], 54% with Cuyonon [cyo]. Classification: Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Philippine, Greater Central Philippine, Palawanic

Tagbanwa, Calamian [tbk] 10,000 (2007 SIL), increasing. Calamian Group and Linapacan Group in northern part of Palawan Province; also 3 Tagbanwa communities on northeastern coast of Palawan Island.Dialects: Baras. Closely related to Kinalamianen and Binusuanganen; Baras dialect on Palawan Island 94% intelligibility with Calamian Tagbanwa. Lexical similarity: 80% between the Calamian and Baras dialects. Classification: Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Philippine, Kalamian

Tagbanwa, Central [tgt] 2,000 (1985 SIL). Northern Palawan. Dialects: Intelligibility with Tagbanwa [tbw] (Lamane) 29%, with Calamian Tagbanwa 56%, with Cuyonon [cyo] 61%. Low comprehension of Filipino [fil]. Lexical similarity: 56% with Tagbanwa [tbw] (Lamane), 57% with Calamian Tagbanwa [tbk], 48% with Cuyonon [cyo], 40% with Tagalog [tgl]. Classification: Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Philippine, Greater Central Philippine, Palawanic

Tausug [tsg] 900,000 in Philippines (2000 SIL), increasing. 250,000 monolinguals. Population total all countries: 1,062,000. Jolo, Sulu Archipelago. Palawan Island, Basilan Island, Zamboanga City and environs. Also in Indonesia (Kalimantan), Malaysia (Sabah). Alternate names: Bahasa Sug, Moro Joloano, Sinug, Sulu, Suluk, Tausog, Taw Sug. Classification: Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Philippine, Greater Central Philippine, Central Philippine, Bisayan, South, Butuan-Tausug

Tawbuid, Eastern [bnj] 7,190 (2000). Central Mindoro. Alternate names: Bangon, Barangan, Batangan, Binatangan, Fanawbuid, Suri, Tabuid, Taubuid, Tiron. Dialects: Western Tawbuid [twb] is distinct. Classification: Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Philippine, Greater Central Philippine, South Mangyan, Buhid-Taubuid

Tawbuid, Western [twb] 6,810 (2000). Central Mindoro; Occidental Mindor, mainly Sablayan and Calintaan municipalities; Oriental Mindoro, Bongabon Municipality. Alternate names: Batangan Taubuid, Fanawbuid, Western Taubuid. Dialects: Eastern Tawbuid [bnj] is distinct. Most similar to Buhid [bku]. Classification: Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Philippine, Greater Central Philippine, South Mangyan, Buhid-Taubuid

Tboli [tbl] 95,300 (2000). 10,000 monolinguals. Ethnic population: 100,000 to 120,000. South Cotabato Province, Southwestern Mindanao. Alternate names: T’boli, “Tagabili” , Tiboli. Dialects: Central Tboli, Western Tboli, Southern Tboli. Classification: Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Philippine, Bilic, Tboli

Tiruray [tiy] 50,000 (2002 SIL). Ethnic population: 50,000. Upi, Cotabato, Mindanao. Alternate names:Teduray, Tirurai. Classification: Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Philippine, Bilic

Waray-Waray [war] 2,570,000 (2000 census). Northern and eastern Samar-Leyte. Alternate names: Binisaya, Samar-Leyte, Samaran, Samareño, Waray. Dialects: Waray, Samar-Leyte, Northern Samar, Utudnon, Baybay, Leyte. Several dialects. Classification: Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Philippine, Greater Central Philippine, Central Philippine, Bisayan, Central, Warayan, Samar-Waray

Yakan [yka] 106,000 in Philippines (1990 census), increasing. 33% monolinguals. 86,926 in Basilan Province. Population total all countries: 107,000. Sulu Archipelago, Basilan Island and small surrounding islands, Sakol Island, east coast of Zamboanga peninsula, western Mindanao. They live more concentrated away from the coast. Also in Malaysia (Sabah). Alternate names: Yacan. Classification: Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, North Borneo, Sabahan, Paitanic

Yogad [yog] 16,000 (1990 census). Echague and several nearby towns, Isabela Province, Luzon.Dialects: Related to Ibanag [ibg] and Gaddang [gad]. Lexical similarity: 52% with Ilocano [ilo], 66% with Itawit [itv], 63% with Ibanag [ibg]. Classification: Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Philippine, Northern Luzon, Northern Cordilleran, Cagayan Valley, Ibanagic

:: Reference ::
Gordon, Raymond G., Jr. (ed.), 2005. Ethnologue: Languages of the World, Fifteenth edition. Dallas, Tex.: SIL International. Online version: http://www.ethnologue.com/

Famous Filipino People: Filipino Artists, Scientists, Leaders, Musicians, Politicians and Athletes

The Philippines is a melting pot of cultures and ethnicities with outstanding individuals who made a difference with their remarkable achievements. Below you will find some brief stories of remarkable Filipino people with one thing in common: they are not easy to stereotype.

:: List of Famous People from Philippines ::

José Rizal
José Rizal was a Filipino polymath, patriot and the most prominent advocate for reforms in the Philippines during the Spanish colonial era. He is considered a national hero of the Philippines, and the anniversary of Rizal’s death is commemorated as a Philippine holiday called Rizal Day. Rizal’s 1896 military trial and execution made him a martyr of the Philippine Revolution.

Epifanio de los Santos
Epifanio de los Santos was a prominent Filipino historian, literary critic, artist, scholar, civil servant and patriot. He was appointed Director of the Philippine Library and Museum by Governor General Leonard Wood in 1925. He was considered one of the best Filipino writers in Spanish of his time and regarded as a literary genius. Epifanio de los Santos was the first Filipino to become a member of the Spanish Royal Academy of Language, Spanish Royal Academy of Literature and Spanish Royal Academy of History in Madrid.

Benigno Aquino III
Benigno Aquino III is the 15th and current President of the Philippines since June 2010. Aquino is a fourth-generation politician: his great-grandfather, Servillano “Mianong” Aquino, served as a delegate to the Malolos Congress; his grandfather, Benigno Aquino, Sr., held several legislative positions from 1919 to 1944; and his parents were President Corazon Aquinoand Senator Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino, Jr. Aquino is a member of the Liberal Party. In the Liberal Party, Aquino held various positions such as Secretary General and Vice President for Luzon. Aquino is currently the Chairman of the Liberal Party.

Ferdinand Marcos
Ferdinand Marcos was the tenth President of the Philippines from 1965 to 1986. He was a lawyer, member of the Philippine House of Representatives (1949–1959) and a member of the Philippine Senate (1959–1965). He was Senate President from 1963-1965. As Philippine president and strongman, his greatest achievement was in the fields of infrastructure development and international diplomacy. However, his administration was marred by massive authoritarian corruption, despotism, nepotism, political repression, and human rights violations. In 1983, his government was implicated in the assassination of his primary political opponent, Benigno Aquino, Jr. The implication caused a chain of events, including a tainted presidential election that served as the catalyst for the People Power Revolution in February 1986 that led to his removal from power and eventual exile in Hawaii. It was later alleged that he and his wife Imelda Marcos had moved billions of dollars of embezzled public funds to the United States, Switzerland,and other countries, as well as into alleged corporations during his 20 years in power.

Benigno Aquino, Jr.
Benigno Aquino, Jr. was a Philippine Senator, Governor of Tarlac, and an opposition leader against President Ferdinand Marcos. He was assassinated at the Manila International Airport (later renamed in his honor) upon returning home from exile in the United States. His death catapulted his widow, Corazon Aquino, to the limelight and subsequently to the presidency, replacing the 20-year Marcos presidency. In 2004, the anniversary of his death was proclaimed as a national holiday now known as Ninoy Aquino Day.

Corazon Aquino
Corazon Aquino was the 11th President of the Philippines and the first woman to hold that office in Philippine history. She is best remembered for leading the 1986 People Power Revolution, which toppled Ferdinand Marcos and restored democracy in the Philippines. She is considered an icon of democracy, and was titled by TIME Magazine in 1986 as its ‘Woman of the Year’.

Henry Sy
Henry Sy is a Chinese Filipino businessman and the founder of SM Group and chairman of SM Prime Holdings, the largest retailer and shopping mall operator in the Philippines. He earned his Associate of Arts degree in Commercial Studies at Far Eastern University in 1950. Acknowledged as the country’s “Retail King,” he has come a long way from the modest shoe store he set up in Quiapo in 1946, to become Asia’s biggest shopping mall operator with over 30 malls throughout the Philippines.

Joseph Estrada
Joseph Estrada was the 13th President of the Philippines, serving from 1998 until 2001. Estrada was the only president to have resigned from office – under allegations of corruption which spawned an impeachment trial at the Senate – and was the first person in the Post-EDSA era to be elected both to the presidency and vice-presidency. Estrada gained popularity as a film actor, playing the lead role in over 100 films in an acting career spanning 33 years. He leveraged his popularity as an actor to make gains in politics, serving as mayor of San Juan for seventeen years, as Senator for one term, then as Vice President of the Philippines under the administration of President Fidel Ramos.

Manny Pacquiao
Manny Pacquiao, is a Filipino professional boxer and politician. He is an eight-division world champion, the first boxer in history to win ten world titles in eight different weight divisions. He is also the first boxer in history to win the lineal championship in four different weight classes.[5]He was named “Fighter of the Decade” for the 2000’s by the Boxing Writers Association of America (BWAA). He is also a three-time The Ring and BWAA “Fighter of the Year”, winning the award in 2006, 2008, and 2009.

Gloria Macapagal Arroyo
Gloria Macapagal Arroyo served as the 14th President of the Philippines from 2001 to 2010, as the 12th Vice President of the Philippines from 1998 to 2001, and is currently a member of the House of Representatives representing the 2nd District of Pampanga. She was the country’s second female president (after Corazon Aquino), and the daughter of former President Diosdado Macapagal.

Charice Pempengco
Charice Pempengco, often known just as Charice, is a Filipina recording artist who rose to popularity through YouTube. Dubbed by Oprah Winfrey as the Most Talented Girl in the World, she is the first and only Asian singer in history to land in the Top 10 of the Billboard 200 album chart. Crossing over to television acting, she has appeared on the second season of the hit TV series Glee as Sunshine Corazon.

Lea Salonga-Chien
Lea Salonga is a Filipino singer and actress. She is best known for her musical role Kim in Miss Saigon, for which she won the Olivier, Tony, Drama Desk, Outer Critics and Theatre World Awards. She was the first Asian to play Éponine as well as the first Asian to play Fantine in the musical Les Misérables on Broadway and was the singing voice of Princess Jasmine from Aladdin (1992) and Fa Mulan from Mulan (1998) and Mulan II (2004).