"Our land is our life. To protect our ancestral domain is to protect the memory and future of our children."
— Datu Lipatuan Joel Unad, Bagobo-Tagabawa Elder
"We weave our dreams and stories into every thread. If we stop weaving, our ancestors' voices will fade."
— Bae Estelita Bantilan, Master Weaver & National Treasure
"Education must go hand in hand with cultural identity. Our youth should walk proudly in both the modern world and their heritage."
— Sultan Abdel Jamal, Kagan Cultural Council Leader
DAVAO • MINDANAO • PHILIPPINES

Eleven Tribes.
One Davao.

A Living Heritage.

Watch the stories of unity, drumming, and vibrant dances that echo through Davao's historical landscapes.

Explore the mountains, rivers, and shores where the eleven tribes have thrived for centuries.

Listen to the messages of cultural preservation and leadership directly from community elders.

Scroll to explore

Culture is not frozen in time.

The heritage of Davao's communities continues to live through families, traditions, language, craftsmanship, music, food, stories, and the generations who carry them forward.

Eleven Tribes in Davao is a digital cultural heritage platform created to help people discover, understand, appreciate, and support the living cultures of Davao.

Our Vision

A Davao Region where the distinct cultural heritages, languages, and ancestral domains of the Eleven Tribes are fully preserved, celebrated, and dynamically carried forward by empowered future generations.

Our Mission

To foster respect and support for Davao's Lumad and Moro communities through digital storytelling, ethical cultural education, sustainable artisan partnerships, and heritage preservation initiatives.

Discover our story
THE LAND & THE PEOPLE

Lands That Remember

Culture is deeply connected to land, community, history, and environment.

Ancestral landscape
01

Mountains

Where generations have lived, learned, and preserved traditions.

Forest
02

Forests

Living ecosystems connected to community knowledge.

River
03

Rivers

Waterways connecting people, places, and generations.

Coastal community
04

Seas

Coastal communities shaped by generations of tradition.

OUR COMMUNITIES

Meet the Eleven

Each community carries a distinct history, identity, knowledge, and way of life.

01
Ata community

Ata

Stories, traditions, and identity passed through generations.

Explore
02
Bagobo Klata

Bagobo Klata

A living cultural heritage rooted in community and homeland.

Explore
03
Bagobo Tagabawa

Bagobo Tagabawa

A heritage connected to the landscapes surrounding Mt. Apo.

Explore
04
Matigsalug

Matigsalug

Community traditions shaped by upland landscapes and rivers.

Explore
05
Ovu-Manuvu

Ovu-Manuvu

Cultural identity sustained through generations of community life.

Explore
06
Kagan

Kagan

Heritage, identity, and traditions continuing in contemporary Davao.

Explore
07
Iranun

Iranun

A rich heritage shaped by history, community, and tradition.

Explore
08
Maguindanaon

Maguindanaon

Culture expressed through language, art, music, food, and community.

Explore
09
Maranao

Maranao

A vibrant cultural heritage expressed through art, design, music, and tradition.

Explore
10
Sama

Sama

A heritage closely connected to coastal life and community.

Explore
11
Tagakaolo

Tagakaolo

Known as the "people of the river source," they reside in the upland areas of Davao, safeguarding their ancient agricultural traditions and vibrant weaving heritage.

Explore
THEN & NOW

A Culture That Continues

Cultural preservation is not simply about remembering the past. It is about empowering communities to carry their heritage forward.

Language

Keeping languages alive through families, education, and community.

Craft

Traditional knowledge passed from experienced makers to younger generations.

Music & Dance

Cultural expressions continuing through festivals and community life.

Food

Generational knowledge shared through food, preparation, and gathering.

Education

Helping young people understand their identity, history, and heritage.

Community

Strengthening cultural identity through family and community relationships.

Cultural leader
VOICES OF THE PEOPLE

Let the communities tell their stories.

“Our heritage is something we carry, teach, and share with the next generation.”
Cultural Leader Davao, Philippines
Watch Stories
DISCOVER DAVAO

Cultural Tours & Destinations

Experience the heritage, architecture, and communities of Davao's eleven tribes at these major regional sites.

Kadayawan Village
Kadayawan Village (Magsaysay Park)
Marilog District
Marilog District (Highlands)
Mount Apo Domains
Mt. Apo Ancestral Domains
Museyo Dabawenyo
Museyo Dabawenyo (Museum)
Paquibato Plains
Paquibato Plains (Ata Domains)
Toril District
Toril Highlands (Bagobo Domain)
FROM THEIR HANDS

Crafts & Creations

Discover contemporary and traditional creations made by community artisans.

Every creation carries a story of skill, identity, heritage, and livelihood.

Explore Creations
Traditional craft
CULTURAL LEADERS

Words From Our Elders

Cultural leader message
YOUR STORY MATTERS

Living Wall of Shared Journeys

Have you visited a tribal community, attended Kadayawan, or experienced Davao's culture? Share your memories below.

Share Your Experience

Post your visit to the community board. Your perspective helps promote respect and cultural awareness.

🌟 Inspired
🤝 Welcomed
🌱 Connected
Amazed
Community members
HELP KEEP HERITAGE ALIVE

Support Living Heritage

Your support can help strengthen cultural education, community-led preservation, traditional craftsmanship, and opportunities for the next generation.

Cultural Education
Support Artisans
Heritage Preservation
Support the Tribes
CONNECT WITH US

Let's preserve living heritage.

Questions, stories, partnerships, community initiatives, or cultural preservation projects?