Kalinga, Mabaka Valley in Philippines

Introduction / History

At one time the Mabaka Valley Kalinga were feared as headhunters. The Kalinga have been in their location in the northern Philippines since the 1100s. They have several subgroups divided by dialect but there is still a dispute regarding how many subgroups there are.

What Are Their Lives Like?

Family and kinship are very important to the Mabaka Valley Kalinga people. They are well-known for their skills with making beaded jewelry and textiles. Their celebrations always include traditional dance and music.

Kalinga society includes two classes: The poor and the wealthy, determined by land ownership. They grow three kinds of rice and robusta coffee as a cash crop. Through the decades their production of coffee has gone up and down. They supplement their food supply by hunting and fishing.

What Are Their Beliefs?

The Mabaka Valley Kalinga believe in a supreme being, a god of creation, but they also believe in spirits. Some of these spirits are associated with nature while others are the spirits of their ancestors. They have a priestess to interface with the spirit world.

The Mabaka Valley Kalinga also have a Christian influence, most likely from the Roman Catholic Church.

What Are Their Needs?

They need a consistent export crop. Coffee production has been erratic. They need to find an alternative.

Prayer Points

Pray for the Mabaka Valley Kalinga community to have disciples who will make more disciples.

Pray for a spiritual revival that will bless their families and communities in every way.

Pray for spiritual hunger and a willingness to put Christ first in their spiritual lives.

Text Source:   Joshua Project