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III. YBANNAG - Customs and Traditions*

( Dedicated to all Ibanaks/Ybanags/YbannagsYbannaks)
By: Nena Visitacion Leticia D. de Alban
The Ybanag underwent great changes in his manner of life due to his contacts
with other tribes like Ilocanos,Bicolanos, Kapampangan,Pangasinanse, Tagalogs, etc.
and other races like the Indonesians, Malays, Chinese, Indians, Spaniards, and other
races because of trade and migration to the valley The migrants and traders observed
while living with the ybannag that the latter loves peace. These visitors soon took part
in the regions dances, family socials and activities and then decide to marry the
ybannag and be a member of the family. The ybanag woman and (the one reared the
ybannag way) may not be very industrious or entrepreneurial but trained to be a good
mother, patient, faithful to her husband and loyal to her family integrity. She is
observed to be tough in cases involving her husbands fidelity and fight in defense of
her family & Tribes rights, peace and integrity. It is still fresh in the minds of some
living ybanags how some women led revolts and assisted during wars.
Some of the old customs and traditions mentioned below are still observed these
days.
1. At Conception.
When a child is conceived, an announcement is made to the family and the
chief announces the good news to the members of the tribe and neighborhood,
which may include Itawes and Malawegs.
.In the welcome celebration the ancestors are remembered by mentioning
their virtues. The child is offered to the powerful Creator Spirit by the family and
tribe. Dancing around the fire followed by slaughtering of pigs, fowls, etc. Drums
and other musical instruments to announce the special gift of the village. The
elders one by one speak to the couple and family and tribe present during the
affair.
Foods and drinks are prepared for everyone. Then the new mother and father
to be are instructed on how they should conduct themselves, the foods she
should not eat and foods to be avoided, the activities she can not do for the
months of pregnancy to the birth of the child.

2.

Giving birth
When the baby is ready to be born, a midwife of the tribe or paltera is called
for the delivery. Chantings and soft prayers are led by the chief. The husband
touches the belly of the wife and pleads to the creator spirit for the safety of the
mother and child. He sits beside the wife until the delivery is over. The elders sit
near the new mother available for any help they can extend. Night or day,
delivery is done facing the east which means facing the rising sun for luck to
the child as he goes out into the world. After the baby is born, the mother is
asked to drink broth of boiled chicken, while the baby is made to taste juice of
bitter ampalaya to signify his strength and readiness to meet the challenges of
life, and then other rituals follow; verses are made and recited, drinks and foods
are served. There is rejoicing in the village.
Although these days, women are getting use to hospital services on this
aspect. However, there are still women who prefer to give birth home. The
government is encouraging native palteras to join in the trainings on health
care and sanitation

3.

Naming a child
A child is named according to many factors: The season, the winning at the
moment, the victories of the time,the ancestors emulated, the beautiful
experiences, dreams, and suggestions of the elders. The name chosen was
chanted many times by the elders asking the creator spirit to bless the name. If
after a name is chosen and subsequently the baby gets seriously sick, there
may be a change of the name to that of a deceased member of the family or
another name suggested by any of the elders.
Later when the ybanag became a Catholic, a saints name was chosen in
place for registration and baptism. However, the nickname may still follow the
old customs.

4. As an Adolescent
By the time the child reaches the age of 12 to 15, he has learned already many
lessons of life. He knows about prayers for the seasons of the year, dances to
celebrate every occasion and request the spirit to grant petitions; swimming in
the rivers or seas, fishing, hunting, farming, making and using bow and arrow,
sizing his possible enemy, whistling, making signs by sounds, imitating animal
sounds, drumming, singing songs of the tribe, fighting for self defense and
others.
Nontheless, despite his knowledge, skills and strength, he must remain
respectful and obedient to his elders, always ready for service and defense of his
family and his tribe; who are the channels of grace for peace and abundance to
himself and family. This is a trait that hopefully the children will continue to
appreciate and practice for families to endure and stay closer.

5. Courtship, proposal of Union

At age 15, the elders may dim fit to have a grand-child. The suggestion is
made to the son who prepares himself worthy for the girl chosen for him since
childhood or another girl of his choice, Generally, the girls paired is a relative.
The intercession of the ancestors is sought. The God spirit is called. Foods and
drinks are offered to please the Spirit. The Deitys extension spirits are also
called, followed by the spirit of the ancestors and departed members of the
family to assist the family choose the fitted bride.
Few days later, the young men tells his parents his choice, after which he
presents himself to the girls parents and elders and request to be allowed to
serve like a true son of the family. After some months, the father may agree to
let his daughter live with him as husband and wife. If the family finds him fitted
after a period of observation, the elders of the man are informed and a meeting
of the elders is set to plan the celebration of the union. If the family does not find
him fit, they may give him another chance. When finally they find him unfit, then,
the girl goes back to her parents house and the boy may look for another girl..
If he is accepted by the girls family, a meeting is made by the families of the
Future groom and bride. Plans are then made of the date and time of the
celebration. The brides elders may now request the chief of the tribe to
announce the plans. The village collaborates and assist in fishing
and hunting to produce the necessary fowls, birds or animals for the festival.
In the later part of the 19th century serenading at night became a tradition, with
any of the musical instruments to include guitars. These are the lyrics of a song
for serenading.
Malucag ca o imagem ca na futu,(Wake up oh Image of my heart)
malucag ca tapennu ginnam mu ( wake up that you may hear)
yoye Y dagiraging cu. ( my sufferings)
Magayaya nga , nu masingat ta ca ( I will be happy if I see you)
Ta sicaw laman y tattadday nga iddedduccan ( Because you are my only
love)
Ubbawam ma cari, Neneng Meddu ( Look at me Neneng my love)
Tapennu lappawam mu cari y taci-taci cu,( that you may lighten my
pains)
nawag na gabi egga nga gumangaganga ( The light of night glares)
Megafu ta pia na futum nga maperipa (Because of the goodness of your
Heart to allow your face to be seen).

Other songs follow.The girl may also sing if she desires.

Finally when he leaves, This may be the last song
Neyarig tu umay mattanam y baggi oye (It is like going to a funeral,
this body of mine)
Ta cegungay na nicao,(separating from you)
ngem anni la y remedio Lagu nga cuaccu ( But what can I do)
ta gabi ngana , ( it is getting late evening
y pagibannag mu. ( for your time to rest)
Ay Ycomma nicao lappaw, tu daddammam mu ( I apologise to you
my fragrance)
yoye aya cu nicao ( my love for you)
Eh awan tu addet na, idut addet noca (It is endless, until forever0
Ta sicao la ayat ta futu nepappan. ( You are the only love kept in
The heart)
Neyarig tu umay mattanam y baggi oye (It is like going to a funeral,
this body of mine)
Ta cegungay na nicao,(separating from you)
ngem anni la y remedio ( But what can I do)
Lagu nga cuaccu ta gabi ngana , ( it is getting late at night)
y pagibannag mu. ( and your time to rest)
Mebbattang Dios nicao O lapaw, ( God remains with you O
Blossom)
ay daddammam mu Yoye aya cu nicao (remember my love for you)
Ay awan tu remedio lagu nga cuac cu ( but what can I do)
Ta gabi ngana y paggibannag mu. ( It isgetting late evening, for your time
to rest.)
6. Celebration of the Union as husband and wife.
The Chief of the tribe announces the union. The parents are asked if they
consent to the marriage and treat the couples as part of their respective families.
The religious leader offers a glass full of a kind of drink where both should drink
from the same glass all the contents. The drink is usually light wine with plenty of
sugar and lemon. The chief chants and prays, imploring the Yafu nga Mamaratu
to give them children that will serve him and the village.
The blood of a white chicken and multi colored bird tulingaraw or multi
colored rooster is poured in the fire. After which the dressed chicken, rooster,
birds and other animals are cooked then offered to the Creator spirit, his
extensions, and the ancestors of the couple & the tribe. After about ten
minutes, the foods are served to everyone with the elders first.

In addition to drums and native instruments and tribal war dances, in the 18 th
century a dance emerged to become a part of the tradition. This was
danced by the bride and the groom followed by the parents and elders. The
Lyrics were of many versions. In the late 19 th century, the dance evolved to
include the use of guitars. The dance became known as Mascota in the early
20th century.
This is one similar version of the song usually sang by the elders and guests
Ose, ose biba, (Ose, Ose live)
lapaw na Sampagita, (blossoms/ flowers of Sampagita)
lapaw na Ilang-ilang maka uru ta tulagan.(blossoms/flowers of Ilangilang, cures ailments)
Sinni y mapia babay, si ( bride name ) nu matolay, (Who is the
best girl (brided name) if she lives long
Sinni y Mapia lalung si ( bride grooms ) nu manayun.( who is
the best rooster ( bride grooms name) if he will endure
for a long time.
Tara ra ra ra ra ra ra,
Tara ra ra ra ra ra ra
Tara ra ra ra ra ra ra,
Tara ra ra ra ra ra ra
( Repeat many times)
Ose, ose biba, (Ose, Ose live)
lapaw na Sampagita, (blossoms/ flowers of Sampagita)
lapaw na Ilang-ilang maka uru ta tulagan.(blossoms/flowers of Ilangilang, cures ailments)
Sinni y mapia babay, si ( bride name ) nu matolay, (Who is the
best girl (brided name) if she lives long
Sinni y Mapia lalung si ( bride grooms )namenu manayun.( who is
the best rooster ( bride grooms name) if he will endure
for a long time )
This is still appreciated and valued to this day in most families.

7. Celebrations of fiesta, Fiestas were very common as they take place whenever
there is something to thank Yafu for. Like successful hunting, good weather,
good harvest, safe delivery, recovery from illness, healing, recovery of lost work
animal, visit of a friend or loved ones. etc. The Yafu nga Namarratu is always
invoked and prayers, chantings, songs, drums, foods and wine are served.
There is also display of skills in archery or pana, , running race, throwing stones,
hunting, swimming, etc.
Fiestas are still prevalent in most ybannag homes. Today , they have even
added new practices from other countries. Yearly there is celebration of the
honored saint the town is dedicated to. All homes are prepared for anyone to
come in the house and be guests to eat the foods and drinks prepared. There are
also programs in the centers, parades, and display of native culture, native songs,
dances, and native instruments are played, etc. to commemorate the day or
days.
8. Acquisition of property/land
The Ybanag is adapted to life in the wilderness., specifically the forests along
the rivers of the Cagayan Valley. He stayed in a place and presume ownership
when nobody claimed it. The tribal chief is informed of the desire to stay in the
place who gives the nod. Unfortunately in the 18 th century, despite long settling
and clearing the area, some wise immigrants claimed ownership because of
papers showing title to the place. Thus, the Ybannag moves and clears another
forest area.
When the native ybanag entered his newly acquired land.The eldest
blended his being with the land by whispering to the land We wish to stay here.
Give us peace, health and abundance. Then he pricks his middle finger that
blood may be mixed with the soil to symbolize oneness of his family with the
new property.
Foods are offered to the Deity. Prayers and chantings thanking the spirit for
the Guidance to the place and also to ask for continues guidance and
assistance and protection from any evil.
In the 19th and 20th century there was a sudden influx of immigrants from other
regions towards the Cagayan Valley. These immigrants from other regions
bought the lands held by ybanags for a very cheap price or forcibly grab them in
cahoots with the Register of Deeds or applied for the lands held by the
ybannags who have been there for centuries and were not aware of the need for
documents.

Foreigners started owning haciendas , mostly Spaniards or immigrants from

other regions, removing the ybannags of their rightful place.
Nevertheless, the Ybanags stood the challenges of time. Some were able to
buy back some their lands, Others by applying for newly released public lands
and others stay as tenants hoping to eventually move towards the opportunity to
buy the lands. But, it doesnt matter that much who owns the lands. They are still
there and will stay there saying it is the land of their ascendants.
9. Bidding goodbye/farewell
When children marry, they may stay with their parents or start on their own after
some number of years and then relocate to a different place of their own tribe.
When they leave towards independence, it is a sentimental farewell for both
children and the parents. A gathering of the whole tribe is made, there is food
and as usual dancing around the fire. Parents and elders give their advises
and gifts to start their new life in the neighborhood of their choice. This rarely
happens, however it does happen.
10. Internment and funerals
The departed one is termed y nallicug or y nanawmeaning the one who
turned back or who left. There are evidences of clay coffins found in Northern
Cagayan. Carbon dating says of 25,000 years age.
From the 15th to the early 20th century, a deceased member after he is believed
dead, is put inside a rolled mat and brought to a big house. This big house is a place
where dead members were always brought earlier. He stays there for some few hours
or days before he is buried in a place usually near the tribes dwellings. His stay there is
called Matarag In the big house family members, visit him one by one or as a group
to say all the endearments, to ask for his forgiveness, and to release him easily to his
creator by forgiving him from all his faults saying it loudly. This is to prepare his spirit
for the many powers the creator may assign him and to move easily on errands for
his family or tribe.
These days the passion of Jesus is sung during the wake.
Before lowering his body to the less than 1 meter freshly digged soil, his final
resting place, a member of the family holds a piece of cloth or anything the departed
owns and whispers alone to him some instructions like: not to wonder at night scaring
people; to guard the family members against those who may want to do evil; the
promise to remember him always and to give regards to those who went ahead of him.
This practice is called Mangagacao

On the tenth day after death, it is believed that his spirit has already received
powers. He visits his family and friends. The members sing his favorite songs to his
family.
IV.

Some practices on Good Manners and Right Conduct.

On talking to a person of importance. Always mention the name of the person one
is talking to, either at the beginning or end of the sentence. Po is never used.
Like oan Cacay- Yes Grand pa , Wan - Yes uncle, ari Inno no Mother,etc.
To greet : Mention the name and bow a little, Susing! Tiu, or Cacco.
On Talking with the elders: Always talk with a lower voice.
On eating: one must not eat ahead of the elders. Wait till you are told to eat.
The elder one is Ca, like Ca Nena, Ca Joseph. Although these days, the elders may
be addressed manang or ate.
V. Religious Beliefs
The Ybannags like other tribes of the the valley had believed in the existence of some
spirits that takes cares of everything. These spirits are so powerful that one cannot go
against their will. . They could cause the impossible to happen that may bring fortune
or misfortune. This spirit is referred to as the Namarattu meaning the Creator. The
Creator eternally lives and has extensions of himself with their respective fields of
charge. The Spirits of Life, harvest, children, health,wealth, peace, good weather,
safety & security, wisdom, strength, beauty, arts, happiness, death, sorrows and
consolation and others.
The tribe believed that the spirit of the departed are tasked by the creators to guard
their beloved living ones and would help when asked to. They are called Manangaw
or Mamulu, whose power, strength and effectiveness depends on their past life and
goodness on earth. Or Magaluag spirits who guard a place.
It is easy to surmise how most Ybannags became Christian Catholics easily .
Their ethnic religion was simply fused with the new religion. The rituals of the native
religion have been immersed and combined with Christian religiosity.

Another medium the Creator God uses is a live person who interprets the will of the
creator and advises on how to please the God Spirit or the extension spirits. In

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extreme cases, like sickness, or lost of a property, or separation and others, he goes to
the Mangilu who touches his hands or body to heal the sick body or advises on what
to do to get healed; who will tell what mistake was made and how to make up for it.
What offerings to make in the form of food , dances, abstinence from eating certain
foods, and others.
Some beliefs and rituals towards spirituality are enumerated: Most of which are still
observed today
1. A God exist referred to as Namaratu a spirit with extensions to assist man in all
needs. And same God may make life miserable to proud and arrogant man; this
God can appear in any form he wishes. He is everwhere. The universe was the
church of God. The roof of the world were the skies and the clouds.
2. It is only Namarattu who can give life to man and only he has the right to kill or
take life. Man is given right to kill only in defense of life, right and honor of one,
ones family and ones tribe. A man who kills one of the same tribe Ybannag will
serve and support the family of the victim for some number of years. And he may
marry the wife of his victim if the wife and children agrees.
When he kills a member of his family by his unreasonableness, some parts of his
body like his feet or hands or ears, or eyes may be removed/cut and will be asked
to leave the tribe. He is asked to never show himself again as he is considered
dead forever by the family and tribe.
3. A person must always have clean heart, clean mind, and pure intentions to be
worthy of the powers Afu Namarattu may give after death..
4. Children must respect their parents and elders all the time and be obedient even
if it is dangerous to life.
.
5. It is prohibited to steal and to feed others with what is stolen at the cost of losing
some fingers when there is persistence to continue the violation.
6. Parents select the spouses of their children during the infancy stage. The
children who owe their lives to their parents must submit to the decision of parents.

7. A husband can have many wives provided he has sufficient strength and means to
support their needs. The second wife must bow to the first wife. They may stay in
the same house, as long as the first wife allows| and so on the third bows to the

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first and second. In all cases, the first always makes the final decision. A wifeleft
by the husband may marry again a husband chosen or approved by her parents
and children.
8. If there is trouble in the neighborhood that disturbs the family they may transfer to
another vicinity of relatives and friends of the tribe, after receiving the blessings of
the elders,
9. At the early age of 3, the children must learn the different dances to perform during
the season of offering to the God for all intentions. Every family must contribute
according to his harvest. Likewise, children learn their early lessons in hunting and
fishing for offering to the.Spirit..
10. Everyone must respect the beauty of nature,the sun, the moon, the stars, the
rains, the animals for food, and the animals to guard them during the day and at
night, the rivers, the trees, and everything nature provides They must thank God
for them all. Mabballo ta Namarattu.
11. It is prohibited to disrespect the body of any dead person specially when within
ones tribe and other friendly tribes in the region at the cost of life.
12. The Ybannag is instructed to be generous and hospitable but quietly aware all
the time of possible danger, in which case he must be ready with a sharp bolo,
bow and arrow, sling, and some stones for his defense.
13. To appease some spirits who may have been offended, Allag in the form of
food or chicken is given to the spirit guarding the place by putting it under the tree
believed to be the favorite place of the Alluag. The offer may also be termed
attang Some chantings are made or repetition of words. This may be in
combination with ganza. Dancing from 10:00 pm to 2:00 am offered for healing
or other petitions is called Ganza . One or two persons trained for the purpose
beats the drum/drums and another man or more goes around the fire to the
beating of the drum/drums. Shouting and invoking the spirit for whatever petition
or desire one wishes. The sick person or petitioner is covered with blankets and
stays near the fire. Foods are then served for all.
14. One must not perform things not very necessary in the dark or the unseen may
slap your eyes and cause one blindness. Tappet tan naca na canna masingan
meaning the unseen spirit may slap your eyes

15. Whenever there are occasions, the departed must be remembered with some
foods put in the altar or an exclusive place for the purpose alone. During All Souls
day, this ritual called Tunnag or Tunnac is done in 95 % of the houses. And

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during these days one is not to stand long at the door or gate less one hinders the
spirit to visit the family and give his blessings.
Offerings of food or Tunnag is considered a spiritual obligation specially in
celebrating All Souls Day Belief in the presence of the unseen one in
everything from planning of a project to execution, from morning to night; Altho
these practices are frowned by formal schools and taught as superstitious with
no scientific basis, they are still practiced and found effective.
16. The Ybannag is aware that life is short and that one day the creator will call
him/her at the most unexpected time. So readiness to meet the creator is
emphasized in the homes. The children are taught at a young age to always
respect, follow and be obedient to the will of the creator spirit as may be seen and
read in the circumstances of life.
17. A portion of ybanag prayers to our Lady of Piat , Minattagaruli Mabbabawi ka
cari ngana maracay nu y patay caddagan na ca. ( sinner repent because death
may come by surprise). This prayer prevents the commission of many crimes and
violations.
Vl. Relation with other Original Tribes of the Region
Of all the brother tribes in the region, the Ybannags, Itawis and Malaweg may be
mistaken one for the other. Except for the language they use and that Ybannag was
usually taller and on the slim side. Their brother tribe aeta is the simplest, and the
least harmful. Aeta or Agta was only interested in hunting and stay in the forest atop
hills and mountains. A very likeable person who never wishes to disappoint. Often
times agreeing but in the end does what is in his mind.
Nevertheless, even if the Ybannag treated all his brother tribes equally with respect
and dignity, there is tacit understanding among members of the Ybannag tribe to be
ever ready when hot headed- temperamental brother tribes of the region specifically,
kalinga, Ifugao, Igorot, Yogad, Gaddang, bungkalot pass by. He must appear
generous, giving and understanding. The ybannag must be silent and meek to avoid
confrontation by staying in a place where he is not noticed. He is warned by the chief
never to provoke, but when attacked, he may kill the assailant in self defense.
During the more than 500 years, inter-marriage took place among the siblings of the
tribes and immigrants. A great majority of their springs speak Ybannag more than they
speak the other regional languages.

K or C is used in spelling. Some of the old authors of Ybanag used C and the
most recent ones use K. This writer uses both.

Sources of Information:
Observations and Interviews

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Cagayan Valley:The Ibanag. ESTRELLA L. SUYU. Philosophy at the University of the
Philippines, Diliman. Cagayan State University, Carig, Tuguegarao, Cagayan.
Malumbres, Historia de Cagayan (Manila: Universidad de Sto.Tomas
Cagayan Valley - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cagayan_Valley Cagayan Valley (Ilocano: Tanap ti
Cagayan; Ibanag: Tana' nak Cagayan; Filipino : Lambak ng Cagayan) (designated as
Region II) is an administrative region in
Cagayan Valley - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cagayan_Valley Cagayan Valley (Ilocano: Tanap ti
Cagayan; Ibanag: Tana' nak Cagayan; Filipino : Lambak ng Cagayan) (designated as
Region II) is an administrative region in ...
Cagayan Valley languages - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cagayan_Valley_languages The Cagayan Valley
languages are a group of languages spoken in the Philippines. They are,. Isnag;
Ibanagic: Atta, Ibanag, Itawit, Yogad; Gaddang Cagayan:

Ibanag indigenous religious beliefs: a study in culture and education

Gatan, Marino, Fr.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Isabela_(province) Isabela is the second largest province
of the Philippines, and the largest on the island of Luzon in land area. Its capital is the
city of Ilagan. Situated within the province and valley.
National Commision on Indigenous Peoples. Ethno Group: Ibanag. Accessed 07 May
2009.
The Ybanag Literature Zyndee de Guzman
Republic Act 8371, known as the Indigenous Peoples Rights Act (IPRA), was
promulgated in 1997. The law has been lauded for its support for respect for
indigenous peoples cultural integrity, right to their lands and right to self-directed
development of these lands. There is, however fundamental criticism of the law, which
has also not been implemented at a substantial level.
The Philippines voted in favor of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of
Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) but the government has not yet ratified ILO
Convention 169.

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Vlll. Ybanag Folk Literature

Cagayan Epic: Biuag and Malana
lX.

Verzo and Verzistas

X. Folk Songs
Xl. Ybanag Proverbs
Xll. Ybanag Riddles
Xlll . Ybanag Folk Poetry

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