Agriculture and Farming:
* Rice cultivation: Many Indigenous groups practice wet-rice farming, which is crucial for their subsistence.
* Swidden agriculture: This involves clearing forest land for temporary cultivation, followed by periods of fallow.
* Vegetable gardening: Growing various vegetables for personal consumption and market sale is common.
* Fruit trees: Cultivating fruit trees like mango, guava, and bananas provides a steady source of food and income.
* Raising livestock: Indigenous communities often keep pigs, chickens, goats, and other animals for food and income.
Forest Resources:
* Gathering forest products: Many tribes collect wild fruits, nuts, mushrooms, and other forest resources for food and traditional medicine.
* Hunting and fishing: Traditional hunting and fishing techniques play a vital role in providing protein and sustenance, especially for groups living in remote areas.
* Logging and timber: While this is often unsustainable, some Indigenous communities engage in limited logging for construction materials and income.
* Gathering rattan and bamboo: These materials are used for weaving baskets, furniture, and other crafts, providing income.
Arts and Crafts:
* Weaving: Indigenous textiles like "Inabel" (Ilocos) and "Hablon" (Visayas) are renowned for their intricate designs and techniques.
* Wood carving: Detailed carvings on furniture, musical instruments, and decorative items are a source of livelihood for some communities.
* Jewelry making: Indigenous crafts like "T'nalak" (T'boli) and "B'laan" (B'laan) textiles are often used to create intricate jewelry.
* Pottery: Various Indigenous groups have unique pottery traditions, with some creating functional and decorative pieces for sale.
Tourism:
* Cultural tourism: Indigenous communities are increasingly engaging in cultural tourism, sharing their traditions, dances, and music with visitors.
* Nature tourism: Their ancestral domains often contain beautiful natural landscapes, attracting tourists who enjoy trekking, camping, and other activities.
Challenges:
Indigenous communities face numerous challenges that impact their livelihoods:
* Deforestation: Loss of forest resources due to logging, mining, and land conversion threatens their traditional practices and food security.
* Land grabbing: Indigenous lands are often encroached upon by corporations and government agencies, leaving them with limited access to resources.
* Climate change: Extreme weather events and changing patterns disrupt traditional agriculture and fishing practices.
* Lack of access to education and healthcare: This limits opportunities for economic advancement and hinders sustainable development.
Government Support:
The Philippine government has programs aimed at supporting indigenous livelihoods, including:
* Indigenous Peoples' Rights Act (IPRA): This law recognizes the rights of Indigenous Peoples to their ancestral lands and resources.
* Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD): This department provides various social assistance programs to Indigenous communities.
* National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP): This body promotes the rights and welfare of Indigenous Peoples.
It is crucial to remember that Indigenous peoples are not a homogenous group. Understanding the specific cultural practices, resources, and challenges of each tribe is vital for supporting their livelihoods and ensuring their continued survival.