Mythologies of the Caluyanon/Cuyonon Tribe

Cuyonon refers to an ethnic group populating the Cuyo Islands, along with northern and central Palawan. The Cuyonons hail originally from Cuyo and the surrounding Cuyo Islands, a group of islands and islets in the northern Sulu Sea, to the north east of Palawan. They are considered an elite class among the hierarchy of native Palaweños. They are part of the wider Visayan ethnolinguistic group, who constitute the largest Filipino ethnolinguistic group. The Cuyonon jurisdictions during Pre-Hispanic times include Cuyo under the powerful Datu Magbanua, Taytay under the gracious Cabaylo Royal Family who met the remnants of Magellan's fleet who fled Mactan after Ferdinand Magellan died in battle, Paragua (Palawan) under Datu Cabangon who ruled south of Taytay and Busuanga under the peaceful Datu Macanas. During Spanish colonization of the Philippines, Cuyo was one of the territories of Palawan that had the strongest Spanish presence, even being the capital of the entire Palawan province as one point. Although the Cuyonon language is so closely related to Kinaray-a in Panay, very few Cuyonons actually live or speak Cuyonon in Panay, they instead settled west to the island of Palawan where the ethnic group is so closely associated now, this being the Province of Palawan declared Cuyonon as its official language. The fact also remains that most of the other ethnic groups of Palawan can fluently speak this language because Cuyonon had been the lingua franca of the Province of Palawan for many centuries already.

“Cuyunon,” also “Cuyunin,” “Cuyuno,” and “Taga-Cuyo,” refers to the people and culture of the occupants of Busuanga Island, Agutaya, and Cuyo, an archipelago of some 35 islets in the middle of the Sulu Sea, east of Palawan and southwest of Panay. Comprising Busuanga Island are the towns of Busuanga in the west and Coron in the east, the latter being inclusive of an island of the same name and about 50 other islets. Cuyo Island includes Magsaysay and Cuyo towns. It is located 281.2 kilometers northeast of Puerto Princesa City. The term “cuyo” refers to a species of seashells. In 1990, a population of 15,175 was spread over the 50-square kilometer Cuyo Island, which is defined by a rocky terrain with numerous hills. Three of these hills are the Aguado in Igabas, Kayamamis in Lucbuan, and Bonbon in Rizal. In 2010, the total population of Cuyo Island was 21,847; that of the whole Cuyo archipelago, 46,000. The Cuyunon language is accentuated by the peppet sound—the stress combined with the terminal glottal stop—and contains monosyllabic word forms like kut (touch something), sut (go into), but (suffocate), el (get), buk (hair), and bag (loincloth). There is neither a Cuyunon grammar nor dictionary, although a few prayer books have been written in the language.

Also called Cuyunin, the Cuyunon tribe has called Palawan’s Cuyo Islands and surrounding areas home for centuries. With a population around 100,000, they are one of the largest indigenous groups in Palawan. Their roots lie in the Austronesian migrations that brought the first inhabitants to the Philippines. This heritage makes them relatives of countless cultural groups throughout Southeast Asia and the Pacific Islands. Their distinct language instantly sets the Cuyunon apart. While related to Tagalog, it boasts unique vocabulary and grammar – a linguistic treasure. Traditionally passed down through storytelling and everyday conversation, Cuyunon elders and language revitalization programs fight to preserve this echo of their ancestors. The Cuyunon way of life centers on a deep respect for their island environment. Fishing and farming are done sustainably, ensuring bounty for generations to come. Their traditional homes, often built on stilts near the water, reflect this intimate connection with the sea. This isn’t just about survival; their beliefs intertwine nature with the spiritual realm. Each fishing trip and harvest is filled with a sense of gratitude to the world around them. Unfortunately, even this resilient tribe faces modern pressures. Urbanization, environmental threats, and a globalized world can erode traditions. But the Cuyunon aren’t passive victims of change. Community projects document oral histories, revitalize ancestral skills, and ensure younger generations feel pride in their unique heritage.

Caluyanon refers to an ethnic group populating the Cuyo Islands, along with northern and central Palawan. The Cuyonons hail originally from Cuyo and the surrounding Cuyo Islands, a group of islands and islets in the northern Sulu Sea, to the north east of Palawan. They are considered an elite class among the hierarchy of native Palaweños. They are part of the wider Visayan ethnolinguistic group, who constitute the largest Filipino ethnolinguistic group. The Cuyonon jurisdictions during Pre-Hispanic times include Cuyo under the powerful Datu Magbanua, Taytay under the gracious Cabaylo Royal Family who met the remnants of Magellan's fleet who fled Mactan after Ferdinand Magellan died in battle, Paragua (Palawan) under Datu Cabangon who ruled south of Taytay and Busuanga under the peaceful Datu Macanas. During Spanish colonization of the Philippines, Cuyo was one of the territories of Palawan that had the strongest Spanish presence, even being the capital of the entire Palawan province as one point.

The speakers of this language are found on the Caluya Islands of Antique Province in the Western Visayas Region. Many Caluyanon speakers use Hiligaynon as their second language. Hiligaynon is the everyday language of Antiquenos, although they are also fluent in Tagalog, English and some other Visayan language. According to a recent survey, around 30,000 people speak Caluyanon. Caluya Island is famous for its white and pinkish beaches, different kinds of edible seaweeds and coconut crabs, and a very exotic marine life.

The Caluyanon are an indigenous group from the Caluya Islands in Antique, Philippines. They rely on farming and fishing for sustenance. The tribe performs rituals to ensure success and harmony with nature. Despite modern influences, they strive to maintain their cultural traditions and way of life. Pagtawas (Divination Ritual): A spiritual healer performs divination using melted wax or eggs to interpret messages from spirits regarding illness or misfortune. Pamanao sa Isla (Island Pilgrimage): A pilgrimage to sacred spots before planting or fishing expeditions, offering gifts to sea and land spirits for a bountiful harvest. Ancestral Harvest Ritual: A ceremony at the end of the harvest season to thank spirits for a bountiful harvest, including offerings and prayers led by a spiritual leader. Guardian Spirits of the Land (Tagbantay ng Lupa): Each piece of land has a guardian spirit, and rituals are performed to seek their blessings for successful farming. Spirits of the Rice Fields: Special rituals are conducted before and after the rice planting season to honor the spirits inhabiting the fields. Pag-ampo sa Uma (Prayer in the Field): A prayer ceremony before field work to appease spirits and ensure good crop yields. Caluyanon houses are primarily made from nipa palm, bamboo, and cogon grass. Known as bahay kubo or nipa huts, these houses are designed to be sustainable and suitable for the tropical climate. Elevated Structures: Houses are built on stilts for protection from flooding, better ventilation, and pest control.

The Cuyonon tribe is from the island of Cuyo, in northern and central Palawan. They originate from one of the oldest and most important settlements in Palawan. The Cuyonon people were famous for their advanced agricultural practices and were respected by neighboring tribes. Before Spanish colonization, they lived in organized communities led by Datu Cabangon (local chiefs) and followed indigenous religious practices centered on nature and spirits. Cuyo Island in the northern part of Palawan province hosts a tribe with an amazing history, unique customs and traditions. Lesser trodden islands show the true spirit of Palawan that lies in its people. As a whole, the Philippines is home to numerous tribes, each of which has its own distinctive and attractive culture and traditions. The diversity of tribes in this country fascinates visitors. The Cuyonon tribe, which is one of the largest ethnic-linguistic group in the Visayan, is an integral part of the cultural heritage of the Philippines.