BIBAK -- People of the Cordilleras


The people of the Cordillera Central mountains in northern Luzon, Philippines, are comprised of several indigenous cultural groups the largest of which are the Igorots and Ifugaos. Their ancestors are the creators of the awe-inspiring rice terraces often called the eighth wonder of the world. Many have left their mountain homes to seek better opportunities elsewhere. Like many diaspora, they maintain their cultural heritage in foreign lands by gathering together in common bond. BIBAK is the organization that keeps their traditions alive. BIBAK is the acronym for the subgroups of Cordillera Country: Benguet, Ifugao, Bontoc, Apayao, and Kalinga. (Note: Some groups use BIMAK which is based on provinces and replaces the "B" of Bontoc with "M" for Mountain Province).




Thanks go to Regina Banagao of BIBAK Toronto for providing this information.

 See photos by R. Gardner:


robertg@aenet.org

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