Ibanag indigenous religious beliefs: a study in culture and education / Marino Gatan.

Chapter 2
THE IBANAG
Casibarag Sur is an Ibanag settlement. In our survey of the area, there
are very few who originated from other ethnic groups. They are residents
of Casibarag because of any of these two reasons; a) they are married to
natives of the place or b) Casibarag is their place of work. In general, the
Ibanags are quiet, humble, modest and loyal people. In spite of these
traits, the lbanags are known to commit violent acts over grievances fancied or real. In appearance, they are relatively dark in complexion, big in
built, with large rectangular face, thick lips and round eyes. Others claim
that the dark complexion of the Ibanag is due to the prevailing climate in
the area. There are other types of Ibanag, however, the Mongoloid type,
largely the product of intermarriage with the Chinese, and the SpanishIbanag mixture type.
Eggan observes that in the Philippines each language group has
stereotypes with regards to other groups.lThe Ibanag is akin to the
Visayan. An Ibanag is deemed ever ready and open to spend money for
his friends. Because of this, observers claim, rarely does an Ibanag
become rich. Local observers of the Ibanag personality claim that the
Ibanag is happy with what he possesses. As a native of the place, surrounded by relatives, he feels secure.
The Ilocano (compared with other ethnic group), being a migrant, new
to the place, has to work not only for subsistence but also for survival.
Oftentimes though, the Ilocano makes good and becomes more prosperous than the Ibanag.
The stereotype of Ibanag's lack of initiative must be viewed, informants attest, in its historical perspective. In the past, the Ibanag farmer
had abundant food supply. Corn was piled year after year in
his abayao (barn). The old folks admit that there was no way of dispatching the surplus harvest of previous years. There were then no traders.
The farmers' abayao was literally full to the brim. The years of plenty actually encouraged lethargy and therefore explains the stereotype commonly attached to the Ibanags.
I Fred Eggan, "Philippines Social Structure"' Six Perspectives on the Philippines, edited
by George M. Guthrie (Manila: Bookmark, 1971), pp. 6-7.

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