The Subanen are an indigenous people of the Zamboanga peninsula in the Philippines, including the town of Sindangan in Zamboanga del Norte:
Origin
The Subanen were the first known settlers in Sindangan, living along the river banks or “suba”. The name Subanen comes from the word soba or suba, which means “river”, and the suffix -nun or -non, which indicates a locality or place of origin.
Lifestyle
The Subanen live in dispersed settlements of houses built on ridges near water sources. They are skilled at weaving and metal craft, and trade with coastal peoples.
Culture
The Subanen are known for their rituals, which include:
Buklog: A ritual that involves a large dancing platform and a log that hits a hollow sounding board
Benobowan: A ritual for pregnant women to avoid illness and give birth easily
Tawagimod: A ritual for infants to prevent harm and bad things from happening
Kanobata: A ritual to diminish sins and prepare for greater faith
Samaya: A practice to promise to obey God and stay away from danger
Pesoway: A ritual for the peaceful departure of the soul of the dead
Pimala: A ritual on the first death anniversary to pray for the soul of the deceased
Population
The Subanen population varies widely by municipality, ranging from 15–60% of the total population. They are concentrated in the municipalities of Sindangan, Siayan, Lapuyan, Lakewood, Kumalarang, Naga, and Kabasalan.