THE CULTURE OF BATAK TRIBE

Introduction:

Palawan Tribal people known as the Palawano or the Palawan, one an indigenous ethic group of the Palawan group of island. the word "BATAK" is said to be an old cuyonon term that means "MOUNTAIN PEOPLE" they have a very small population and are feared to become extinct after a few years. the Batak live mainly in small settlement near Puerto Pricesa City, Palawan, close to the coastal villages of Babuyan, Tinitian, and Malcampo some of them have live in several river villages of Babuyan, Maoyo, Tanabag, Tarabanan, Tagnipa, Caramay, Buayan, and my own place Barangay Langogan Puerto Princesa City.

BATAK TRIBE:

Because of their physical characteristict, the Batak have been classified under the Aeta group or as having Aeta affinities. an early account describe the Batak as resembling some what the Aeta in other parts of the Philippines.

The Batak are a nomadic group that roam on vast in the north, settling in a place where there's enough supply of foods, then well move on the other place to cotinue hunting and gathering.

Despite constant interaction with other Palawan groups and settler from nother island, their culture has not changed from it's semi nomadic character.

In my research, Scientists believe they have more physical resemblance with the SEMANG and SAKAI of the Malay Paninsula, because of their long and Kinky Hair, hirsuet faces, and bodies, small stature and muscular built.

The exact origin of Batak had not been determined. based on their Aeta characteristic, scientist assumed they comprise the remnants of formerly numerous group of Aeta who settled in Plawan more than 10, 000 years ago.