Indigenous peoples of the Philippines are groups of people who have been living in the Philippines for thousands of years before people from other parts of the world arrived. They have their own cultures, traditions, and languages that are different from those of the majority of Filipinos.
Imagine that you've been living in a house for a long time, and one day, strangers came and started living in it too. These strangers had different ways of living and speaking, and it was hard to communicate with them. That's how the indigenous peoples of the Philippines felt when people from other places came and colonized the country.
The indigenous peoples in the Philippines are divided into different groups based on their geographical location and their culture. Some of the well-known groups include the Tagalog, Ilocano, Aeta, Igorot, Lumad, and Mangyan.
Each indigenous group has its own customs and traditions. For example, the Igorot people are known for their unique burial practices, where they bury their dead in caves or hanging coffins. Meanwhile, the Mangyan people are known for their intricate and colorful weaving and embroidery.
These indigenous groups have suffered from oppression and discrimination because of their differences. They were forced to assimilate into the way of life of the colonizers, which often meant giving up their own cultures and languages. Even today, they still face discrimination and inequalities.
In recent years, there have been efforts to promote the rights of indigenous peoples and to preserve their cultures. This includes recognizing their ancestral domains and giving them a voice in decision-making processes that affect their communities.
So in summary, the indigenous peoples of the Philippines are groups of people who have been living in the country for thousands of years, and have their own unique cultures and traditions. Despite facing discrimination and oppression, efforts are being made to preserve and celebrate their heritage.