Intangible Cultural Heritage of the Philippines

Intangible cultural heritage (ICH) includes traditions and living expressions that are passed down from generation to generation within a particular community.

The Philippines, with the National Commission for Culture and the Arts^[1] as the de facto Ministry of Culture,^[2] ratified the 2003 Convention after its formal deposit in August 2006.^[3] This implies that there is an obligation to carry out the objectives of the convention to ensure the safeguarding of intangible cultural heritage. This includes identifying and documenting viable ICH elements, safeguarding and promoting viable ICH, fostering scientific, technical and artistic studies, and provide technical assistance and training in the field of ICH.

Prior to the 2003 Convention, the Philippines was invited by UNESCO to nominate intangible heritage elements for the inclusion to the Proclamation of Masterpieces of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity. This prompted the proclamation of the Hudhud chant of the Ifugao^[4] in 2001 and Darangen epic chant of the Maranao^[5] in 2005. After the establishment of the 2003 Convention, all entries to the Proclamation of Masterpieces were incorporated in the Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity^[6] in 2008. A third inscription was made in 2015 through a multinational nomination between Cambodia, the Philippines, the Republic of Korea, and Viet Nam for the Tugging Rituals and Games,^[7] wherein the punnuk tugging ritual of the Ifugao was included.

As part of the objective of the Convention, the government of President Noynoy Aquino through the National Commission for Culture and the Arts' Intangible Cultural Heritage unit and in partnership with ICHCAP,^[8] published the Pinagmulan: Enumeration from the Philippine Inventory of Intangible Cultural Heritage^[9] in 2012. The publication contains an initial inventory of 335 ICH elements with elaborate discussions on 109 ICH elements. This initiative-based publication became the official basis for the government's intangible heritage programs and nominations to UNESCO. The elements listed are the first batch of continuous updating process initiated by the government, UNESCO, and other stakeholders. In 2014, the Pinagmulan was a finalist under the category of the Elfren S. Cruz Prize for Best Book in the Social Sciences in the National Book Awards organized by the National Book Development Board.^[10] The Philippine inventory is currently being updated as a measure to safeguard more intangible cultural heritage elements in the country. The updating began in 2013 and results may be released in 5–10 years after the scientific process finishes the second batch of element documentations. According to UNESCO, it is not expected by a country or state party to have a completed inventory. On the contrary, the development and updating of inventories is an ongoing process that can never be finished.^[11]

Between 2015 and 2017, UNESCO's Intangible Cultural Heritage Courier of Asia and the Pacific featured the darangen epic chant,^[12] punnuk tugging ritual,^[13] and at least three kinds of traditional healing practices in the Philippines, including the manghihilot and albularyo healing practices and belief of buhay na tubig (living water) of the Tagalog people of 20th century Quezon city,^[14] the baglan and mandadawak healing practices and stone beliefs of the Itneg people in Abra,^[14] and the mantatawak healing practices of the Tagalog people of Marinduque.^[14]

By 2016, according to the ICH Unit, National Commission for Culture and the Arts, there were 367 elements listed under the Philippine Inventory of Intangible Cultural Heritage (PIICH), the official ICH inventory of the Philippines. All elements under the PIICH are listed in Philippine Registry of Cultural Property (PRECUP), the official cultural property inventory of the country, which includes both tangible and intangible cultural properties.^[15] In April 2018, the buklog of the Subanen people was nominated by the National Commission for Culture and the Arts in the list for urgent safeguarding.^[16]

National Living Treasures

Main article: National Living Treasures Award (Philippines)

As defined by UNESCO, the bearers of intangible cultural heritage are to be known internationally as Living Human Treasures. The Filipino counterparts of this title are the Gawad sa Manlilikha ng Bayan (GAMABA) awardees. There are currently 25 declared GAMABA awardees, all of which have exemplified the highest standard in their respective field of expertise. The award is only given to individuals or groups that have exhibited the highest possible standard in intangible cultural heritage.

A master of the heritage does not automatically qualify an individual or group for the award as the craft of the master should exude a higher meaning to the highest standard set by the highly critical council of the GAMABA board. Due to this lengthy and critical process, most masters are not yet declared as GAMABA awardees.

The National Living Treasures of the Philippines are as follows:

• Ginaw Bilog (d. 2003), artist and poet, Mansalay, Oriental Mindoro Poetry (Ambahan), 1993^[17]
• Masino Intaray (d. 2013), musician and epic chanter, Brookes Point, Palawan, Poetry (Kulilal and Bagit)Music (Basal / Gong), 1993^[18]
• Samaon Sulaiman (d. 2011), Musician, Mama sa Pano, Maguindanao del Sur Music (Kutyapi), 1993^[19]
• Lang Dulay, (d. 2015) textile weaver, Lake Sebu, South Cotabato, Weaving (T'nalak), 1998^[20]
• Salinta Monon (d. 2009), weaver, Bansalan, Davao del Sur, Weaving (Abaca – ikat / Inabal), 1998^[21]
• Alonzo Saclag, musician and dancer, Lubugan, Kalinga Province, Music and Dance (Kalinga), 2000^[22]
• Frederico Caballero, epic chanter, Sulod- Bukidnon, Iloilo, Poetry / Epic Chant (Sugidanon), 2000^[23]
• Uwang Ahadas, musician, Lamitan, Basilan, music (Yakan specifically Kulintang, kwitangan kayu, gabbang, agung, and tuntungan), 2000^[24]
• Darhata Sawabi, (d. 2005), weaver, Parang, Sulu, weaving (Pis Syabit), 2004^[25]
• Eduardo Mutuc, metalsmith / metal sculptor, Apalit, Pampanga, Metalwork (Bronze and Silver), 2004^[26]
• Haja Amina Appi (d. 2013), weaver, Tandubas, Tawi-Tawi, Weaving (Mat), 2004^[27]
• Teofilo Garcia, casque maker, San Quintin, Abra, Casque Making (Tabungaw), 2012^[28]
• Magdalena Gamayo, master weaver, Pinili, Ilocos Norte, Weaving (Inabel), 2012^[29]
• Ambalang Ausalin, master weaver, Lamitan, Basilan, Weaving (Yakan tennun), 2016^[30]
• Estelita Tumandan Bantilan, master weaver, Malapatan, Sarangani, Weaving (B'laan igem), 2016^[31]
• Yabing Masalon Dulo, master weaver, Polomolok, South Cotabato, Weaving (Ikat), 2016^[32]
• Adelita Romualdo Bagcal, Bard, Banna, Ilocos Norte, Dallot and other Ilocano Oral traditions, 2023^[33]
• Abina Tawide Coguit, master embroiderer, La Paz, Agusan del Sur, Suyam embroidery tradition, 2023^[33]
• Sakinur-ain Mugong Delasas, traditional dance master, Bongao, Tawi-Tawi, Igal dance tradition, 2023^[33]
• Bundos Bansil Fara, Brasscaster, Lake Sebu, South Cotabato, T'boli temwel brasscasting tradition, 2023^[33]
• Marife Ravidas Ganahon, master mat weaver,Malaybalay, Bukidnon, Higanon ikaw mat weaving tradition, 2023^[33]
• Amparo Balansi Mabanag, master embroiderer,Paracelis, Mountain Province, Ga'dang manu'bak and ameru (beadworks and embroidery) 2023^[33]
• Samporonia Pagsac Madanlo, master weaver, Caraga, Davao Oriental, Mandaya dagmay (ikat weaving) tradition 2023^[33]
• Barbara Kibed Ofong, master weaver, Lake Sebu, South Cotabato, T'boli t'nalak (ikat weaving) tradition, 2023^[33]
• Rosie Godwino Sula, chanter, Lake Sebu, South Cotabato, T'boli lingon (chanting) tradition2023^[33]

UNESCO-inscribed ICH of the Philippines

Main article: List of Intangible Cultural Heritage elements in the Philippines

A woman chanting the Hudhud Chants of the Ifugao while harvesting grains in the Ifugao Rice Terraces. The oral tradition was declared by UNESCO as one of the "Eleven Masterpieces of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity" in 2001, and later inscribed in the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage Lists in 2008.

The Philippines has a total of six intangible cultural heritage elements inscribed in the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage Lists. These are four elements inscribed in the Representative List: the Darangen epic of the Maranao people of Lake Lanao, Hudhud chants of the Ifugao, Tugging rituals and games –shared with Cambodia, South Korea, and Vietnam–, and Aklan piña handloom weaving. There is one element inscribed in the Register of Good Safeguarding Practices, The School of Living Traditions (SLT), and there is one element inscribed in the List in Need of Urgent Safeguarding, Buklog, thanksgiving ritual of the Subanen people.

Proposed/ongoing nominations by the Philippines

A woman at the Kalibo Ati-Atihan Festival.

Numerous elements are being proposed for nomination by the Philippines for inclusion in the intangible cultural heritage lists within the coming few years. Among these elements are:

1. Kapayvanuvanuwa Fishing Ritual of the Ivatan of Batanes
2. Batek/Batok Tattoo-making Tradition of the Butbut People of Kalinga
3. Ati-atihan festival of the people of Aklan
4. Metal and wood craftsmanship of the Maranao of Lanao
5. Tepo mat weaving of the Sama people of Tawi-tawi
6. Traditional Boatbuilding and Maritime Culture of the peoples of Batanes and Tawi-tawi
7. Tradition of Atang of the Ilocano people
8. Cosmology of the Mangyans of Mindoro
9. Moriones festival of the people of Marinduque
10. Hinilawod Epics of the people of Panay
11. Ulaging Epic of the Talaandig Manobo of Bukidnon
12. Kudaman Epic of the Pala'wan people of Palawan
13. Buklog rituals of the Subanen people of Zamboanga Peninsula
14. Apung Iru fluvial festival of the Kapampangan people of Apalit
15. Kalibo piña weaving of the Aklanon people of Aklan^[34]
16. Digdiga Ni Tupayya courtship dance of the Kalinga people.^[35]

The Philippines is a member of the committee on intangible cultural heritage since 2016, and will end its term in 2019. In 2017, the Ambassador of the Philippines to France and UNESCO urged the Philippine government to nominate the Metal and wood craftsmanship of the Maranao of Lanao in the list in need for urgent safeguarding for 2018.^[36][37][16] On February 20, 2018, the government and the stakeholders of Aklan met for the preparation of the dossier of the Kalibo piña weaving intangible cultural heritage.^[38] Additionally, on April 9, 2018, the NCCA nominated the buklog rituals of the Subanen people to the list in need for urgent safeguarding. UNESCO set the nomination of buklog for the 2019 inscription cycle.^[16]

Intangible Cultural Heritage of the Philippines according to the Pinagmulan

The National Commission for Culture and the Arts through its UNESCO-backed Pinagmulan book, inventory of Philippine intangible cultural heritage initiated the first part of the country's intangible heritage inventory. Elements highlighted with light blue are UNESCO-inscribed intangible heritage, while elements highlighted in red are UNESCO-inscribed elements that are in need of urgent safeguarding. Presently, there are 367 elements listed under the Philippine Inventory of Intangible Cultural Heritage (PIICH), which is under the Philippine Registry of Cultural Property (PRECUP). According to UNESCO, intangible cultural heritage has five domains, namely: oral traditions and expressions, including language as a vehicle of the intangible cultural heritage; performing arts; social practices, rituals and festive events; knowledge and practices concerning nature and the universe; and traditional craftsmanship.^[15]

Indigenous groups

The indigenous peoples of the Philippines consist of a large number of Austronesian ethnic groups, as well as Negritos. They are the bearers of the majority of intangible cultural heritage elements deemed as significant to the Filipino psyche. They are the descendants of the original Austronesian inhabitants of the Philippines, that settled in the islands thousands of years ago, and in the process have retained their Indigenous customs and traditions.^[39]

In 1990, more than 100 highland peoples constituted approximately three percent of the Philippine population. Over the centuries, the isolated highland peoples have retained their indigenous cultures. The folk arts of these groups were, in a sense, the last remnants of Indigenous traditions that flourished throughout the Philippines before the Islamic and Spanish contacts.

The highland peoples are a primitive ethnic group like other Filipinos, although they did not, as a group, have as much contact with the outside world. These peoples displayed a variety of native cultural expressions and artistic skills. They showed a high degree of creativity such as the production of bowls, baskets, clothing, weapons and spoons. These peoples ranged from various groups of Igorot people, a group that includes the Bontoc, Ibaloi, Ifugao, Isneg, Kalinga and Kankana-ey, who built the Rice Terraces thousands of years ago. They have also covered a wide spectrum in terms of their integration and acculturation with Christian Filipinos. Other Indigenous peoples include the Lumad peoples of the highlands of Mindanao. These groups have remained isolated from Western and Eastern influences.

Due to the influx of Christianity, Islam, and other world religions in traditional communities, the indigenous practices, rituals, and spiritual performances and knowledge of indigenous Filipinos are fast disappearing. Cultural workers in the country suggest the Paiwan Model, which was made by the Taiwanese government to preserve indigenous religions, to save the Philippines' own indigenous religions. The indigenous practices and shamanism of the Paiwan people of Taiwan was the fastest declining religion in the country. This prompted the Taiwanense government to preserve the religion and to push for the establishment of the Paiwan School of Shamanism where religious leaders teach their apprentices the native religion so that it will never be lost. It became an effective medium in preserving, and even uplifting the Paiwan people's indigenous religion. In the Philippines, shamanism is referred as dayawism, meaning 'gallant religions that give thanks to all living and non-living things'. As of 2018, there is no established school of dayawism in the Philippines, making the hundreds of indigenous religions in the country in great peril from extinction due to the influx of colonial-era religions. Each indigenous religion in the Philippines is distinct from each other, possessing unique epics, pantheons, belief systems, and other intangible heritage pertaining to religious beliefs. Due to this immense diversity in indigenous religions, a singular school of dayawism is not feasible. Rather, hundreds of schools of dayawism pertaining to an ethno-linguistic tribe is a better supplement to the current religious landscape in the Philippines.^[40]

Domain 1: Oral Traditions and Expressions, including Language

Intangible cultural element[A]	Practicing ethnic group/s and geographic areas where element is practiced[B]	Short description[C]
Hudhud Epic Chant	Ifugao people of Ifugao province	The element was declared by UNESCO as one of the representative intangible elements of humanity in 2001. It was later inscribed as a UNESCO intangible heritage element in 2008. The element was properly documented from 2008 to December 2009 by the National Commission of the Philippines and the U.S. embassy in the Philippines.[41]
Biag ni Lam-ang Epic	Ilokano people of the provinces of Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, and Abra	The national epic of the Ilokano people.
Diwata Kasinebangan	Maguindanaon ethnic groups in the Maguindanao provinces
Darangen Epic Chant	Maranao/Maguindanaon people of Lanao del Sur and neighboring areas	The element was declared by UNESCO as one of the representative intangible elements of humanity in 2005. It was later inscribed as a UNESCO intangible heritage element in 2008.
Dimakaling	Maranao/Maguindanao peoples of Lanao del Sur and neighboring areas
Diwata Kasaripan	Maranao/Maguindanao peoples of Lanao del Sur and neighboring areas
Radia Indarapatra	Maranao people of Lanao del Sur
Salsila	Tausug people of the three Sulu archipelago provinces
Ag Tubog Keboklogan	Subanon/Subanen people of the provinces of Zamboanga region
Kudaman, Tuwaang Epic Cycle	Manobo people of Central Mindanao
Uwaging (also Agyu)	Manobo, Agusan people of Northern Mindanao
Alim Epic	Ifugao people of Ifugao province	The Alim Epic was properly documented from 2008 to December 2009 by the National Commission of the Philippines and the U.S. embassy in the Philippines, making it more viable to be nominated in the UNESCO intangible cultural heritage list in the future.[41]
Ulalim Epic	Kalinga people of Kalinga province
Ulahingan	Manobo, Livunganen/Aroman people of the Livungan Valley and Cotabato
Ulaging Epic	Talaandig Manobo of Bukidnon province
Dulimaman Epic	Itneg people of Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, and Abra	In 2016, the U.S. embassy in the Philippines and the National Commission for Culture and the Arts began recording a complete version of the Dulimaman Epic of the Itneg people. Once finished, the epic will be transcribed and translated by native speakers and will be turned into book with English translation. The project will end in September 2019. Once finished, the epic is expected to be nominated to the UNESCO list of intangible cultural heritage.[42]
Mi'Raj	Sama Dilaut people of Tawi-tawi province
Silungan Baltapa (a Kata-Kata)	Sama Dilaut people of Tawi-tawi province
Ginem/Ginum	Bagobo people of the Cotabato and Davao regions
Ambahan Poetry	Hanunoo Mangyan of the Mindoro provinces	From 2012 to September 2013, the Mangyan Heritage Center, Inc. and the U.S. Embassy in the Philippines administered the conservation program for the Ambahan Poetry and the Hanunoo Mangyan script. The program included the continued teaching of the script and ambahan poetry to 10 Hanunoo Mangyan schools in Mindoro.[43] Another preservation program was launched by the same institutions in 2016 for the conservation and documentation of the Hanunuo script, along with the Buhid script. The program is expected to conclude in September 2021.[44]
Bantugan	Maguindanao people of Maguindanao provinces and neighboring Cotabato provinces
Maharadia Lawana	Maranao people of the Lanao provinces
Parang Sabil	Tausug people of Sulu, Basilan, and Tawi-tawi
Biwag anni Malana	Gaddang people of Mountain Province
Lumalindaw Epic	Gaddang people of Mountain Province
Kanag Kababagowan	Itneg people of Abra province
Agyu Epic	Manobo people of North Cotabato province
Guman Epic	Subanon people of the Zamboanga region
Hinilawod Epic (Humadapnon)	Sulod people of Panay provinces, specifically Antique
Hinilawod Epic (Labaw Donggon)	Sulod people of Panay provinces, specifically Antique
Sondayo Epic	Subanon people of the Zamboanga region
Loa	Tagalog people of Batanga province and Zamboanga provinces
“Upuan” Etymology	Itneg people of Abra province
Kudaman Epic	Tagbanwa/Pala'wan people of Palawan province
Ikalahan Origin Myth	Ikalahan people of Nueva Viscaya province
Laji	Ivatan people of Batanes province
Bangus Banter	Tagalog people of Bulacan province

Domain 2: Performing Arts

Intangible cultural element[A]	Practicing ethnic group/s and geographic areas where element is practiced[B]	Short description[C]
Arakyo	Tagalog people of Nueva Ecija province
Sagayan	Maranao/Maguindanao people of Lanao del Sur and Maguindanao provinces
Zarzuela – Musical Theatre	Tagalog people countrywide	The zarzuela musical theatre is currently being pushed by the government to be declared as a UNESCO intangible cultural heritage element. The performing art may be nominated together with Spain, Mexico, and Cuba. This is widely supported by various zarzuela dance, music, and theatre companies in the Philippines.
Singkil Dance	Maranao people of Lanao del Sur
Moro y Cristianos Street Drama	Tagalog people countrywide
Pasion	Tagalog people of Marinduque province
Moriones Festival	Tagalog people of Marinduque province
Kuratsa Dance	Waray people of Samar provinces and Leyte province
Kambuyok/Kambuyoka Song Joust	Maranao people of Lanao del Sur

Domain 3: Social Practices, Rituals, and Festive Events

Intangible cultural element[A]	Practicing ethnic group/s and geographic areas where element is practiced[B]	Short description[C]
Bogwa	Ifugao people of Ifugao province
Sayo	Bicolano people of Camarines Sur province
Buklog Rites	Subanon people of Zamboanga provinces	The Buklog Rites was nominated by the National Commission for Culture and the Arts for inscription in the UNESCO List for Urgent Safeguarding in April 2018. The element is widely supported by all provincial governments in the Zamboanga region, along with ethnic Subanen leaders and shamans throughout the region.
Panlisig-Panumanod Ritual	Umayamnon Manobo people of the eastern sections of Bukidnon province
Ifugao Agricultural Rituals (1)	Ifugao people of Ifugao province
Ifugao Agricultural Rituals (2)	Ifugao people of Ifugao province
Ifugao Agricultural Rituals (3)	Ifugao people of Ifugao province
Uyaue (Baiya) Ritual	Ifugao people of Ifugao province
Ifugao Agricultural Rituals (4)	Ifugao people of Ifugao province
Bullul Rituals	Ifugao people of Ifugao province
Balog	Ifugao people of Ifugao province
Uyauy Ritual	Ifugao people of Ifugao province
Hagabi Rites	Ifugao, Tuwali people of Ifugao province
Pechen (Peace Pact)	Bontoc people of Mountain Province
Bontoc Agricultural Rituals (1)	Bontoc people of Mountain Province
Rain Rituals	Bontoc people of Mountain Province
Scare Crow Ritual	Bontoc people of Mountain Province
Tengao (Days of Rest)	Bontoc people of Mountain Province
Kankanaey Agricultural Rites	Kankanaey people of Mountain Province
Nalandangan	Umayamnon Manobo people of the eastern portions of Bukidnon province
Bowag Mock Battle	Kankanaey people of Sagada in Mountain Province
Bagbagto (Mock War)	Bontoc people of Mountain Province
Kalinga Life Cycle Rites	Kalinga people of Kalinga province
Kontad Rituals	Kalinga people of Kalinga province
Kalinga Pechen/Pud'on/Budong (Peace Pact)	Kalinga people of Kalinga province
Kodama Ritual (Death Rites)	Kalinga people of Kalinga province
Dap'ay (Ab'abungan, Abong, Ato, Ator, Avuwan, Dalipuy)	Bontoc people of Mountain Province
Patay Ritual	Bontoc people of Mountain Province
Bagobo Agricultural Rituals	Bagobo people of Davao and Cotabato provinces
Hanunoo Mangyan Burial Rituals	Hanunoo Mangyan people of Mindoro provinces
Panudlak Agricultural Rituals	Hanunoo Mangyan people of Mindoro provinces
T'boli Marriage Rituals	T'boli people of South Cotabato province
Maguindanao Marriage Rituals (1)	Maguindanaon people of the Maguindanao provinces
Sulod Burial Practices	Sulod people of Panay provinces
Pala'wan (Tagbanwa) Runsay	Pala'wan people of Palawan province
Subanon Harvest Rituals	Subanon people of Zamboanga region
Pagdiwata Ritual	Tagbanwa people of Palawan province
Lambay Ritural	Tagbanwa people of Palawan province
Sungrud Ritual	Tagbanwa people of Palawan province
Sandugo	Tagbanwa people of Palawan province
Ilocano Agricultural Rituals	Ilocano people of Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, and La Union provinces
Ilocano Marriage Rituals	Ilocano people of Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, and La Union provinces
Atang – Ilocano Appeasement Ritual	Ilocano people of Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, and Abra provinces
B'laan (Danlag) Agricultural Cycle	B'laan people of South Cotabato province
B'laan (Danlag) Marriage Ritual	B'laan people of South Cotabato province
B'laan (Sal Naong) Agricultural Cycle	B'laan people of Sultan Kudarat province
B'laan (Datal Blao) Agricultural Cycle	B'laan people of Sultan Kudarat province
Manobo Marriage Rituals	Western Bukidnon Manobo people of Bukidnon province
Pangnga Ritual	Ifugao people of Ifugao province
Ifugao (Ayangan) Agricultural Rituals	Ayangan, Ifugao people of Ifugao province
Pa'hang Ritual	Ayangan, Ifugao people of Ifugao province
Pu'al Rite (Death Rites)	Ifugao people of Ifugao province
Baltong	Ifugao people of Ifugao province
Ifugao Marriage Ceremonials	Ifugao people of Ifugao province
Kankanaey Death/Burial Rituals	Kankanaey people of Mountain Province
Kankanaey Marriage Rituals (1)	Kankanaey people of Mountain Province
Harvest Rituals in Hapao	Tuwali Ifugao people of Ifugao province
T'boli Death and Burial Rites	T'boli people of South Cotabato province
Apayao Ritual Feast for Anitos	Apayao (Isneg) people of Apayao province
Say'am Ritual	Apayao people of Apayao province
Cal-las (Death Ritual)	Itneg people of Abra province
Ibaloy Pedit	Ibaloy people of Benguet province
Kankanaey/Kankanai Pedit (Prestige Feast)	Kankanaey people of Benguet province
Pakde	Ibaloy people of Benguet province
Lawit (Appeasement Rites)	Ibaloy people of Benguet province
Ibaloy Rituals (Listing Briefs)	Ibaloy people of Benguet province
Lifon Agricultural Rituals	Bontoc people of Mountain Province
Mangmang Birth Ritual	Bontoc people of Mountain Province
Bontoc Death Rituals	Bontoc people of Mountain Province
Bontoc Agricultural Rituals 2	Bontoc people of Mountain Province
Bontoc House-building Rituals	Bontoc people of Mountain Province
Bontoc Terracing Rituals	Bontoc people of Mountain Province
Bontoc Fire Ritual	Bontoc people of Mountain Province
Sayang	Itneg people of Abra province
Palpaliwat	Kalinga people of Kalinga province
Maranao Agricultural Rites	Maranao people of Lanao del Sur province
Pag-gunting Rites	Tausug people of Sulu, Basilan, and Tawi-tawi provinces
Tausug Marriage Rituals	Tausug people of Sulu, Basilan, and Tawi-tawi provinces
Tausug Pag-Islam	Tausug people of Sulu, Basilan, and Tawi-tawi provinces
Tausug Pag-Tammat Rituals	Tausug people of Sulu, Basilan, and Tawi-tawi provinces
Kalilang Festival	Maranao people of Lanao del Sur province
Jama Mapun Rites of Passage	Jama Mapun people of Tawi-tawi province
Hamboki'an	Ikalahan people of Nueva Viscaya province
Ikalahan Ritual Format	Ikalahan people of Nueva Viscaya province
Pagkombiti Marriage Ritual	Mamanua/Mamanwa people of Surigao del Norte province
Mamanwa Kahimonan (Pig Ritual)	Mamanua/Mamanwa people of Surigao del Norte province
Lekat (Ritual Massage)	Maguindanaon peoples of the Maguindanao provinces
Kanggunting Rite of Passage	Maguindanao peoples of Maguindanao and Cotabato provinces
Bilang Ceremonies	Tagbanwa people of Palawan province
Tagbanwa Agricultural Rituals	Tagbanwa people of Palawan province
Pagbuy'is Ritual	Tagbanwa people of Palawan province
Sama Mortuary Rituals	Sama people of Tawi-taiw province
Itneg Rice Rituals	Itneg people of Abra province
Itneg Birth Cycle Rituals	Itneg people of Abra province
Itneg Marriage Rituals	Itneg people of Abra province
Itneg Death and Burial Rituals	Itneg people of Abra province
Itneg Dawak Ritual	Itneg people of Abra province
Pinaing/Pinading Ritual	Itneg people of Abra province
Saloko Ritual	Itneg people of Abra province
Bakid Ritual	Itneg people of Abra province
Sangasang Ritual	Itneg people of Abra province
Sagobay Ritual	Itneg people of Abra province
Ngorong'or Rites	Itneg people of Abra province
Pala-an Ritual	Itneg people of Abra province
Tangpap Ritual	Itneg people of Abra province
Kalangan Ritual	Itneg people of Abra province
Pinasal Ritual	Itneg people of Abra province
Binukwau Ritual	Itneg people of Abra province
Kalanguya Sapsap Burial Rituals	Kalanguya Ifugao people of Ifugao province
Kalanguya Agricultural Rituals	Kalanguya Ifugao people of Ifugao province
Kalinga Marriage Ritual	Kalinga people of Kalinga province
Kalinga Death Rituals	Kalinga people of Kalinga province
Kankanaey Birth Rituals	Kankanaey people of Mountain Province
Kankanaey Marriage Rituals (2)	Kankanaey people of Mountain Province
Kankanaey Death Rituals	Kankanaey people of Mountain Province
Bontoc Marriage Rituals	Bontoc people of Mountain Province
Bontoc Borth Rituals	Bontoc people of Mountain Province
Padapadakam Ritual	Ilocano people of Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, and Abra provinces
Begnas Ritual	Bontoc people of Mountain Province
Gaddang Rituals (Miscellaneous)	Gaddang people of Nueva Viscaya, Mountain Province, and Abra provinces
Mamattang/Makikeng Ritual	Ibanag people of Cagayan province
Maffusi Ritual (Corn Harvest)	Ibanag people of Cagayan province
Ifugao Marriage Rituals	Ifugao people of Ifugao province	Ifugao (Northern Luzon)
Ifugao Death/After Death Rituals	Ifugao people of Ifugao province
Ifugao Sickness Rites	Ifugao people of Ifugao province
Ifugao Specialized Rituals	Ifugao people of Ifugao province
Ifugao Agricultural Rituals	Ifugao people of Ifugao province
Buayat Ritual	Ilongot people of Nueva Viscaya province
Kalinga Meat-sharing System	Kalinga people of Kalinga province
Panyang Ritual	Ilocano people of Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, and La Union provinces
Erwap (Rain Ritual)	Bontoc people of Mountain Province
Panulak Balah	Tausug people of Sulu, Basilan, and Tawi-tawi provinces
Hari Raya Puasa	Muslims of Philippine Islamic provinces
Shariff Kabunsuan	Maguindanao peoples of the Maguindanao provinces
Peñafrancia Fluvial Festival	Bicolano people of Camarines Sur province
Bocaue Fluvial Festival	Tagalog people of Bulacan province
San Clemente Festival	Tagalog people of Rizal province
Sta. Clara Festival	Tagalog people of Bulacan province
Apung Iru	Kapampangan people of Pampanga province
Kuraldal Atlung Ari	Kapampangan people of Pampanga province
Mo-ninum Ritual	T'boli people of South Cotabato province
Moriones Festival	Tagalog people of Marinduque province
Tungo Ritual	Bontok Tadian people of Mountain Province
Palpaliwat (2)	Kalinga people of Kalinga province
Ati-atihan Festival	Aklanon people of Aklan province
Uhag Ritual	Ifugao, Tuwali people of Ifugao province
Him'ong/Him'ung	Ifugao people of Ifugao province
Kalinga Deities	Kalinga people of Kalinga province
Yabyab Rites	Kalinga people of Kalinga province
Kalinga Courtship/Marriage	Kalinga people of Kalinga province
Bukidnon Iloilo Agricultural Rites	Ilonggo people of Iloilo province
Isama Rites – Samal Island	Isamal people of Davao del Sur province
Kalagan Rites of Passage	Kalagan people of Davao del Sur province
Kalinga Meat-sharing System	Kalinga people of Kalinga province
Kalinga Transfer of Property	Kalinga people of Kalinga province
Igam Ritual	Kalinga people of Kalinga province
Adumba Rituals	Kalinga people of Kalinga province
Datum Rite	Kalinga people of Kalinga province
Kankanaey Agricultural Rituals	Kankanaey, Ibesao people of Mountain Province
Gobgobo Rituals (Kankanaey Birth)	Kankanaey, Ibesao people of Mountain Province
Dawdawak Ritual	Kankanaey, Ibesao people of Mountain Province
Kankanaey Death Rituals	Kankanaey, Ibesao people of Mountain Province
Kankanaey Specific Rituals	Kankanaey people of Mountain Province
Kankanaey Prayers for Healing	Kankanaey people of Mountain Province
Kankanaey Prayers of Supplication	Kankanaey people of Mountain Province
Kankanaey Prayers of Thanks	Kankanaey people of Mountain Province
Kankanaey Prayers Related to Animals	Kankanaey people of Mountain Province
Kankanaey Prayers for Illness Caused by Spirits	Kankanaey people of Mountain Province
Kankanaey Prayers for Illness of Psychological Cause	Kankanaey people of Mountain Province
Kankanaey Prayers as Preventive Measures	Kankanaey people of Mountain Province
Gomek Gomanan	Bagobo Tagabawa people of Davao del Sur province
Antipo Ritual	Tagalog people of Marinduque province
Pupuwa Ritual	Tagalog people of Marinduque province
Mangyan Exorcism Rites	Hanunoo Mangyan people of Mindoro provinces
Novicia/Novicio Practice	Tagalog people of Marinduque province
Hanunoo Mangyan Secondary Burial Rites	Hanunoo Mangyan people of Mindoro provinces
Kapayvanuvanuwa Fishing Ritual	Ivatan people of Batanes province	The Kapayvanuvanuwa Fishing Ritual is currently undergoing a process for future nomination in UNESCO.
Kapangdeng Ritual	Ivatan people of Batanes province
Echague Boat	Sama Balangingi people of Isabela province
Maranao Traditional Death Rituals	Maranao people of Lanao del Sur province
Maranao After-Birth Rituals	Maranao people of Lanao del Sur province
Kasemang (Visit to a Newly constructed House)	Maranao people of Lanao del Sur province
Itneg Rice Rituals	Itneg people of Abra province
Maranao Beliefs About Birth	Maranao people of Lanao del Sur province
Ba'i a Labi Coronation	Maranao people of Lanao del Sur province
Maranao Pagana (Traditional Feast)	Maranao people of Lanao del Sur province
Kapamangamay Totem Ritual	Maranao people of Lanao del Sur province
Punnuk (Traditional Tugging Ritual)	Tuwali, Ifugao people of Ifugao province	The element was declared by UNESCO as one of the representative intangible elements of humanity and inscribed as a UNESCO intangible heritage element in 2015 under the element of Tugging rituals and games, together with other tug-of-war games from other Asian countries.
Holy Week Rituals in Camarines Sur	Bicolano people of Camarines Sur province
Kalinga Courtship and Marriage	Kalinga people of Kalinga province
Wearing Old Hats	All ethnic groups in the Philippines
Mangyan Betel-nut Chewing	Hanunoo Mangyan people of Mindoro provinces
Pasaka	Hanunoo Mangyan of Mindoro provinces
Angono Festivals	Tagalog people of Rizal province
Bagongonon	Kalinga people of Kalinga province
Kesiyahan	T'boli people of South Cotabato province
The Night the Fires Go Out	Kankanaey people of Mountain Province
Putong/Putungan	Tagalog people of Marinduque province
Magpandipandi	Yakan people of Basilan province
Agsana – Salt-making	Ilocano people of Ilocos Norte province
Hanunoo Mangyan House-building	Hanunoo Mangyan people of Mindoro provinces
Ilocano Atang for the Dead	Ilocano people of Ilocos Norte province
Hanunoo Mangyan Life Cycles	Hanunoo Mangyan of Mindoro provinces
Hanunoo Mangyan Kinship	Hanunoo Mangyan people of Mindoro provinces

Domain 4: Knowledge and Practices Concerning Nature and the Universe

Intangible cultural element[A]	Practicing ethnic group/s and geographic areas where element is practiced[B]	Short description[C]
Ifugao Deities	Ifugao people of Ifugao province
B'laan Astrology	B'laan people of Sultan Kudarat province
Hanunoo Mangyan Natural Phenomena Rituals	Hanunoo Mangyan of Mindoro provinces
Hanunoo Mangyan Cosmology	Hanunoo Mangyan of Mindoro provinces
Jama Mapun Constellation of Tanggong	Jama Mapun people of Tawi-tawi province
Tagbanwa/Pala'wan Cosmology	Tagbanwa/Pala'wan people of Palawan province
Tala'andig Cosmology	Tala'andig Manobo people of Bukidnon province
Klata Cosmology	Klata Manobo people of Bukidnon province
Manuvu Cosmology	Manuvu people of North Cotabato province
Matigsalug Cosmology	Matigsalug people of Bukidnon and Davao provinces
Kalagan Beliefs	Kalagan people of Davao del Sur province
Hanunoo Mangyan Supernaturals	Hanunoo Mangyan of Mindoro provinces
Mangyan Death Practices	Hanunoo Mangyan of Mindoro provinces
Punhugutan	Hanunoo Mangyan of Mindoro provinces
Tau't Batu Cosmology	Tau't Batu people of Palawan province	The Tau't Batu cosmology is currently being pushed by the government to be declared as a UNESCO intangible cultural heritage element. This is supported by the provincial government of Palawan and the ethnic Tau't Batu of the Paleolithic site of Singnapan valley.
Jama Mapun Constellations	Jama Mapun people of Tawi-tawi province
B'laan Sacred Trees	B'laan people of Davao del Sur province
B'laan Rain-making	B'laan of Davao del Sur province
Sacred Mountains	B'laan of Davao del Sur province
Pamitu'on/Pamateun – Astral Lore	Matigsalug Manobo people of Bukidnon province

Domain 5: Traditional Craftsmanship

Intangible cultural element[A]	Practicing ethnic group/s and geographic areas where element is practiced[B]	Short description[C]
Maranao Metak-casting with Wire Templates	Maranao people of Lanao del Sur province
Kalutang Instruments	Tagalog people of Marinduque province
Pis syabit	Tausug people of Basilan, Sulu, and Tawi-tawi provinces
Maranao Brass-casting	Maranao people of Lanao del Sur province
Maranao Brass-stamping	Maranao people of Lanao del Sur province
Maranao Goldsmithing	Tugaya Maranao people of Lanao del Sur province
Baor-making	Tugaya Maranao people of Lanao del Sur province
Tabo-making	Tugaya Maranao people of Lanao del Sur province
Maranao Weaving	Tugaya Maranao people of Lanao del Sur province
Traditional Boats in Batanes	Ivatan people of Batanes province
Sinadumparan Ivatan House Types	Ivatan people of Batanes province
Ivatan Basketry	Ivatan people of Batanes province
Torogan – Royalty House	Maranao people of Lanao del Sur province	The Torogan Royalty House has been cited as one of the traditional craftsmanship elements of the Philippines that may be nominated by the government for urgent safeguarding within the coming years.
Salakot	Tagalog people in Tagalog provinces
Yakan Musical Instruments	Yakan people in Basilan province
Bubo and Other Fish Traps	Ilocano people of Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, Abra, and La Union provinces
Sarimanok	Maranao people of Lanao del Sur province
Back-strap Weaving	All ethnic groups throughout the country
Ikat Weaving	All ethnic groups throughout the country	Widespread
Langkit: Tobira and Lakban	Maranao people of Lanao del Sur province
Lantaka	Maranao/Maguindanao people of Lanao and Maguindanao provinces
Morion Head Mask	Tagalog people of Marinduque province
Mountain Terraces	Ifugao people of Ifugao province
Maranao Woodworking	Maranao people of Lanao del Sur province
Ilocano Goldsmithing	Ilocano people of Ilocos Norte and Ilocos Sur provinces
Buntal Hat	Tagalog people of Quezon province
Yuvuk	Itbayat people of Batanes province
Pagkakayas	Tagalog people of Laguna province
Piña Loom-weaving	Aklanon people of Aklan province
Singkaban	Tagalog people of Bulacan province
Tepo Mat (Baluy Mat Weaving)	Sama people of Tawi-tawi province
Tikog Mat	Waray people of Samar provinces
Philippine Textile Weaving	Various ethnic groups countrywide	From 2012 to September 2013, the National Commission for Culture and the Arts and the U.S. Embassy in the Philippines initiated the documentation of Philippine textile art traditions. The program resulted into the publishing of Journey of a Thousand Shuttles: The Philippine Weave, a book which comprehensively exhibits the documentation conducted by the two institutions.[45]
Ivatan (Salakot) Hat Weaving	Ivatan/Itbayat people of Batanes province
Balaka – Nito Hat	Kankanaey people of Quirino province
Saked – Broom-making	Kalinga people of Kalinga province

See also

• List of Cultural Properties of the Philippines
• List of World Heritage Sites in the Philippines
• National Living Treasures Award (Philippines)
• List of Memory of the World Documentary Heritage in the Philippines
• Art in the Philippines