The Balangao (Balangaw, Balangad, Bontoc, Baliwen) are found in the navel of the Mountain Province in the central Cordillera mountain ranges in the municipality of Natonin. The estimated population is 7,000. Although related to the general Cordillera languages, Balangao appears to be a language branch that developed independently from the central Bontoc, Kalinga, and Ifugao groups. Both physical and social circumscription contributed to the differentiation from the neighboring groups.
The subsistence mode is wet terrace rice farming although the terrace systems are not as extensive as those of the Ifugao. The biannual rice crop production is supplemented by some swidden cultivation of root crops including yam, taro, and sweet potato, and food gathering. Although the basic culture belongs to the generalized Cordillera culture, it is closer to the Kalinga with whom they are in contact. For instance, their architecture is similar. However, Christianity has already penetrated the area; likewise in place are the civil structure of government as well as its educational system. Otherwise much of the indigenous customs still prevail as in marriage and lifestyle as well as in the use of dormitories for men and women.
