Suludnon is the name for an ethnic group of the island of Panay in the Western Visayas region of the Philippines . The Suludnon people are also referred to as the Tumandok, the Panay-Bukidnon, and the Panayanon Sulud. Suludnon is an exonym, a name given by people outside the group. It is derived from the Cebuano- or Hiligaynon-language term sulod, which means inside or enclosed. The name may refer to the fact that the Suludnon live in the interior of the island. However, the name is popularly associated with the binukot, which is the Suludnon practice of hiding unmarried women in closed rooms to shield them from the eyes of men.
The Suludnon inhabit the mountainous interior of Panay. They are sometimes referred to as montesses, which means mountain dwellers. Although they live in the mountains, their oral history contains many stories about the sea and life on the coast. This suggests that the Suludnon once lived a coastal lifestyle. They may have moved inland to avoid Spanish colonization or the raiding of earlier groups.
The Suludnon practice shifting agriculture (also called swidden agriculture) to grow a variety of crops, including rice, corn, sweet potatoes, and cassava. 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.
The traditional role of Suludnon community leader is a prestigious one. The leader of a group is referred to as the parangkuton. This means counselor or one to be asked in Igbok, the language spoken by the Suludnon. The parangkuton is selected based on a combination of age, experience, and bravery. The Suludnon practice a form of animism that involves a belief in a number of spirits and deities. Ritual practitioners called baylan help the Suludnon commune with these spirits.
The Suludnon have experienced rapid cultural change since the time of Spanish colonization. The cultural changes have increased in the last century. Many Suludnon fear that they are in danger of losing their traditional way of life. National and local government units in the Philippines have instituted programs to help the Suludnon people develop conservation programs to protect their heritage and traditions.
