Knowing Our Native People - Badjaos

The Badjaos are popularly referred to as "Sea Gypsies" of the Sulu and Celebes ocean. The name "Badjao" may be a Malay-Bornean word that connotes "man of the seas" or Orang-Laut in Bahasa Malayo. Their Sama and Tausug neighbors made them by pejorative names like Samal Palau (outcast Samal). The badjao is known to as Samal Laus (Sea Sama). Several badjaos live most of their lives in houseboats, that sometimes cluster in moorings close to bound strands and beaches, thus on do business in nearby market places of the land-dwelling Sama and Tausug within the markets they barter their ocean product for such farm turn out as fruits and cassava. On the shore they additionally fetch drinking water, gather firewood and gather materials required within the construction and repair of their houseboats.

The Badjao or ocean gypsies inhabit the shores and waters of Sulu archipelago. These teams of Badjaos could also be classified consistent with lifestyle.The badjao inhabiting Siasi Island are semi-sedentary, building stilt-houses over the water and fascinating in fishing. The cluster of the Sitangkai builds permanent homes on the shore whereas the cluster live within the houseboat referred to as sakayan. The stilt-houses just function a short lived refuge throughout the time that their boathouses endure repairs. the opposite boats are referred to as lipa, vinta, pelang and kumpit.

The Badjaos are found in several coastal settlements dotting the Sulu archipelago, notably in Jolo, Tawi-Tawi and Sitangkai. Others are scattered in Davao, Surigao, Zamboanga, Basilan, Bohol, Cebu and Manila in search of livelihood. they're estimated to be 191,817 (OSCC,1987). Their physical options are distinctively thanks to their atmosphere and their mode of life. they need durable engineered dark brown skin and bronze hair. Their manner of walking is affected to an oversized extent by their crouching on boat stern whereas sailing or fishing.

They learned to take advantage of the ocean to their fullest advantage. Their prowess is in fishing, raising seaweeds and oyster. Pearl gathering is another occupation, and product of the ocean they gather to sell at market.


Being in and out of Iloilo to Cebu has made me curious and very intrigue about how this Badjaos live. My only concern was that I can see women bringing their little siblings along when they wait for the ships arrival and on docking. I felt the sense of fear for the little ones as they are somehow being used as bait so people will throw them coins and or money. I felt pity on them but somehow feels bad that they needed to be feed that way. If only they will go back to their native land and just live a simple life But who am I to say this when I do not know the reason why they left their places. I am hopeful though that somehow the government would find them a place where they can live a normal life, work for their living but I guess it is a two way process. If only both agreed!