Palawan (also spelled Palaw’an) is one of seven ethnic groups of the island of Palawan in the Philippines . The Palawan, also known as the Palawano, are split into four separate groups: the Quezon, Bugsok, Brooke’s Point, and Southwest Palawan peoples. All four groups speak a language which belongs to the Manobo language family.
Traditionally, the Palawan were nomadic, moving from place to place as the seasons changed, in order to obtain food and other resources. They were hunter-gatherers and they also engaged in shifting agriculture (also called swidden), an ancient method of farming. They clear a small area by cutting down trees and vegetation and burning them. The ashes help fertilize the soil. The farmers typically grow crops in an area for one to three years. Eventually, the crops deplete the fertility of the soil. Then, farmers clear a new area and move the farm there. Today, the Palawan practice a more stationary lifestyle, growing rice, bananas, cassava, and more, while continuing to hunt wild animals.
Palawan traditional law is referred to as adaw. The judge or chieftain of a particular group is called the panglima. The Palawan practiced an animistic religion, believing that spirits inhabited objects in their environment. A ritual practitioner called a babalyan regularly performed the rites of a pagdiwata, a ritual in which they interact with the spirits. Many Palawan continue to practice their traditional religious customs. However, many are influenced by Christian beliefs. In addition, many Palawan, particularly among the coastal populations, are converting to Islam .
