THE TAGBANUA

Tagbanuwa society is stratified, class positions being determined by bilateral filiation. There are only two social classes at present; the "high blood" called ginu?u in Baraki or bagarar in Apis, and the "low bloods," the dulu?an or timawa?. A third class of service-debtors or ?uripen was formerly recognized. The members of the "high bloods" are actually the bilateral descendants of ginu?u, that is, the hereditary leaders who act either as the judges during the councils or who defend the litigants. Any male descendant of a hereditary leader who would also be a "high blood" is eligible for succession to one of the many titles. As a succession does not  follow a preferential pattern the term "hereditary leader" would appear to be misleading. However, a man must be a "high blood," the descendant of a ginu?u, to be a potential leader, and there are a number of formal factors which enhance the eligibility of a man for successi

The Tagbanuas have distinct cultural customs and traditions acquired from the people of Sulu and Borneo.  Making their cultural heritage different from the other seven ethnic tribes in Palawan. Some of the reasons for the non- acculturation of the Tagbanuas are the following. 1.         Feeling of superiority 2.         Force of tradition or demonstrable proof that the old ways was the best. 3.         Low credibility of the introducer of the new way 4.         Isolation of the people and the environmental supernatural, thereby making these ceremonies, meaningful to them as an indigenous people and to the modern Filipino since they represent authentic cultural roots devoid of any artificiality and political coloring. The festival and ritual practices of the Tagbanua of Aborlan, its implication to education  By: Reynaldo M. Yap Jr., 1994

Masicampo Ruben C. Joya with the Manlalambays. Also, Tagbanua  leaders from Brgy. Magbabadil. Masicampo Ruben C. Joya with his aunt, Apo Penang, wife of a Palawano Panglima. Masikampo Ruben C. Joya with Cursod clan from Brgy. Iraan. Masikampo Ruben C. Joya with the Tagbanua delegation from Narra Tagbanua leaders from Brgy. Tagpait. Masikampo Ruben C. Joya with the Tagbanua leaders of Brgy. Gogonan. Usba Et Masikampo. Usba Et Masikampo

Masicampo -A Masicampo is the primary leader among all the traditional leaders and other non Christian cultural communities whose authority extends throughout the mainland Palawan. -Considered as the patriarch of the IPs of Palawan, settling disputes, imposing tribal laws (adat), appointing traditional leaders (bageral), and solemnizing tribal marriages. - It is common belief among the Tagbanuas and Pala’wan of mainland Palawan that there shall be only one legitimate Masicampo of Palawan. To avoid conflicting views to the customary laws. - in case of death of a Masicampo or upon his incapacity, the elders among the clans of the Family with the Bloodline of Masicampo also called as the  Usba e’t Masicampo  will convene for the purpose of choosing among them who will be the next Masicampo. The Masicampo will be chosen by a consensus of the  Usba e’t Masicampo -  the council of the elders of the clan . Women, youngsters and non members of the family are prohibited to p

R-L: Descendants and usba et masikampo. Apo Iday, Apo Jim Kutat (d), Masikampo Ruben C. Joya, Maradia Teting Joya, another Usba from Cursod clan (unk), Apo Taham  Masicampo -A Masicampo is the primary leader among all the traditional leaders and other non Christian cultural communities whose authority extends throughout  mainland Palawan. -Considered as the patriarch of the IPs of Palawan, settling disputes, imposing tribal laws (adat), appointing traditional leaders (bageral), and solemnizing tribal marriages. - It is common belief among the Tagbanuas and Pala’wan of mainland Palawan that there shall be only one legitimate Masicampo of Palawan. To avoid conflicting views to the customary laws. - in case of death of a Masicampo or upon his incapacity, the elders among the clans of the Family with the Bloodline of Masicampo also called as the  Usba e’t Masicampo  will convene for the purpose of choosing among them who will be the next Masicampo. The Masicampo will be chos