REMONTADO
Dumagat
Remontados are known for
Their Way of Life
Culture
The Dumagat-Remontados are one of the major groups of
indigenous peoples living in the mountainous Southern
Tagalog region. They inhabit the uplands of Rizal and
Quezon Provinces along the Sierra Madre highlands.
Food
Ginataang Pugahan with suso (snails) with is
a traditional food/dish from the Dumagat
Remontados tribe. The cooking of
ginatagaan pugahan has a deep connection
with the culture and history of the tribe. It is
not just food, but a part of their identity and
lifestyle.
The Dumagat-Remontados, identified as a
Negrito ethnolinguistic group, derive their name
from the Spanish verb “remontar,” meaning, “to
flee to the hills,” “to frighten away,” or “go back to
the mountains.” The Remontados are also
referred to as Dumagat-Remontados and they
prefer to be called “taga-bundok” (from the
mountains) or “magkakaingin” (those who
practice kaingin).
The main livelihoods of the Dumagat-
Remontados are traditional hunting,
farming, planting trees, and fishing.
For many reasons, the group does not appreciate
the idea of living with the migrants. Cultural
differences and conflict of interest heighten this
tension. The Remontados suffer the same fate as
other indigenous Filipino groups who do not have
equal rights and access to resources. The
indigenous group practices monogamy and often,
endogamy. Intermarriage with non-Remontado is
not popular since the group members said to be
shy and passive by nature are not comfortable
living with the banyaga or settlers.
