Mythologies of the Ata Manobo Tribe

The Ata Manobo can be found in the northwestern portion of Davao del Norte, as well as in Bukidnon and Compostela Valley. They are further subdivided by the National Commission for Culture and the Arts into three groups, namely, Dugbatang, Talaingod, and Tagauanum. Generally identified as the Atas of Davao, they are concentrated mainly in the municipalities of Talaingod, Asuncion, and Kapalong, with an estimated population of more than 30,000. The Datu or chieftain is a recognized village leader and holds the utmost authority over his people. Some of the Atas resemble the typical facial characteristics of the Aeta in Luzon, although a 1997 report by Heide Gloria and Fe Magpayo concluded that they are not the same as the Aeta or Negritos. Rather, the Ata are a mix of Negrito and Malay people. This perhaps explains why some have dark skin and curly hair, while others have fair skin and straight hair. Though they are divided into different subgroups, they speak a shared language called Ata and can fully identify with each other. According to anthropologist Fay-Cooper Cole, the name “Ata” refers to a person who dwells in very high places or at the peak of the mountain. Most of the territories of the Ata are underdeveloped, although recent provincial government efforts have been established in some communities, particularly in Talaingod. Slash-and-burn agriculture was once practiced by the tribe, but due to the deterioration of the land and depletion of food sources in the surrounding areas, the majority turned to trade and contour farming. Additional sources of income include abaca gathering and basket-weaving or liyang.

The Ata Manobo, also known as Ataas or Agtas, are found in the northern part of the municipality of Kapalong, Davao del Norte. Many of them, however, identify themselves simply as Manobo or by their toponyms such as Matiglondig, meaning “from Londig;” Matigkapugi, “from Kapugi;” or Matigmisulung, “from Misulung.” Historically, “Ata” was a derogatory term used by the Spaniards to refer to all peoples living in upland areas, regardless of cultural or linguistic differences. It is not even in the Ata Manobo vocabulary; thus, it is meaningless to them. The Ata Manobo language is identified as a subgroup under the Manobo group of languages, specifically categorized by Dr. Richard Elkins as Proto-East-Central Manobo. There are three identifiable Ata Manobo tribes: the Matigsalug, the Talaingod, and the Matig-Langilan. The Matigsalug, meaning “people of the river,” are in the municipalities of Kitaotao and San Fernando in Bukidnon; in Arakan Valley, North Cotabato; and in the Marilog and Paquibato Districts in Davao City. In 2000, their population was estimated at 26,700. The Talaingud, meaning “people of the land,” are in the municipality of Talaingod in Davao del Norte, its borders touching Kapalong, Bukidnon, Davao City, and Santo Tomas. The population estimate of the Talaingod in 2010 was 25,566, but this figure was based largely on their population in the municipality of Talaingod alone and may not have taken into account those who have spread to other regions because of migration or forced evacuation. Subgroups of the Talaingod are called Talalangilan or Matig-Langilan, meaning “from Langilan.” The scattered groups living around Mount Misimulong are called the Talakoilawan or Kaylawan, meaning “from the forest.” In Cotabato alone, the Ata Manobo were estimated at 41,862 in the year 2000.

The Ata-Manobo no longer want to be called by that name, and are further divided into the Langilan and Tala-ingod tribes. They are found in the region west and northwest of Mt. Apo, the headwater of the Davao, Lasang and Libuganon rivers. There is now a town called Tala-ingod in Davao del Norte. The recognized village leaders are the Datu, Barangay Captain, Purok leaders and religious leaders. They also recognize government leaders especially if the mayor is also the Tribal Council Chief. Social structure is based on kin relationship, and in the past leadership was given to the oldest married family member. Now they have set some qualifications. The datu is given more respect and has more authority. Marriages are arranged with the bride price as the main concern. Conflicts are settled through peace offerings. Until 1994 the Atas relied mainly on farming for daily subsistence, supplemented with hogs, chickens and other livestock products. Animism permeates the Ata way of life. However, acculturation has caused some changes especially among the younger generation. Like the Matisalugs, they believe that "Manama" is the supreme god but there are others who do Manama's bidding. These gods must be appeased.

The Ata tribe, a subgroup of the Manobo people, is indigenous to Davao City, particularly in the Paquibato and Marilog districts of Davao del Norte and Bukidnon in the Philippines. The name "Ata" signifies their dwelling in high places, often atop mountains. Like the Matigsalog tribe, they are part of the broader indigenous cultural communities in the Philippines, preserving unique traditions, beliefs, and language. Despite challenges, including the threat of displacement due to development projects, the Ata people have shown resilience, forming community organizations like Lolopongan to mo Igbuyag to pog-uyan to Ingod (LIPI) Inc. to protect their heritage and livelihoods. They have a rich history, folklore, and agricultural practices. Notably, they are known for their natural shyness, kindness, and quickness to anger.

It's possible that "Aeta" is derived from the Malay term "hitam," which means "black," or from its cousin in the Philippine languages, "itom or itim," which means "people." Aeta, also known as Ayta, Alta, Atta, Ita, and Ati in early ethnographic records of the people, were sometimes referred to as "little blacks" because of their dark skin. Short and slender, the Aeta are also dark-skinned; their typical height is 1.35 to 1.5 meters; their frame is petite; their hair is kinky; and they have large black eyes. Later migrants are thought to have driven them into the highlands and hinterlands of the Philippines, where they are thought to have been the country's earliest settlers or aborigines. Negritos are a diverse group of people who dominate the Philippines' archipelago from north to south, despite a perceived lack of inclusive terms to describe them. Philippine Negrito groups is the best term to use when referring to the Agta and Aeto in northeastern Luzon; the Aeta, Ayto and Alta in Central Luzon; the Ati or Ata in Panay and Negros; the Batak in Palawan; and Iraya Mangyan in Mindoro. Remontado of Rizal province, the Remontado of Sibuyan Island in Romblon province, and the Ati are also included in this group. Baluga or Ita is also known as Remontado or Ita in the provinces of Pampanga and Zambales; in Tarlac they are named Kulaman, Baluga or Sambal, while on Panay they are known by the names Ita or Ati. Aeta also goes by the names Kofun, Diango, Paranan, Assao, Ugsing, and Aita in the province of Cagayan. It is common for non-locals to refer to the Agat and Agtan people of the Philippines as "Dumagat" (meaning "seafaring people"). They are known as Mamanwa in Mindanao's northern provinces of Surigao and Agusan. the words man (first) and banwa (forest) combine to form mamanua, which means "forest inhabitants" (forest). However, the Mamanwa have also been referred to as "Kongking," which translates to "conquered" in Spanish.