Igorot or Cordilleran: What Should We Really Call Ourselves?
One of the most common questions when talking about people from the Cordillera is this: should we use the term Igorot or Cordilleran?
To understand this, we need to look at history.
The word “Igorot” dates back to early Spanish records, where it was used to refer to people living in the mountains (“golot” meaning mountain). Over time, the term was applied broadly to various ethnolinguistic groups in Northern Luzon. However, during the colonial period, it sometimes carried negative or misleading connotations, shaped by outsiders who did not fully understand the culture.
Because of this history, some individuals grew up hearing the term used in a discriminatory way. As a result, the term “Cordilleran” became a more neutral and widely accepted alternative, especially in formal and modern contexts. It refers to people from the Cordillera region without the historical baggage.
However, perspectives have evolved.
In recent years, many have begun to reclaim the term “Igorot” with pride. Instead of rejecting it, they embrace it as a symbol of identity, resilience, and cultural heritage. For them, being Igorot is not something to hide—it is something to honor.
At the same time, others still prefer “Cordilleran” for its inclusivity and neutrality. Both terms are now used, often depending on personal preference, context, and intention.
So what should we really call ourselves?
The most respectful answer is simple: it depends on the person. Identity is personal. Some proudly say “Igorot,” others choose “Cordilleran,” and many are comfortable with both.
What matters most is not the label, but the understanding behind it. Respect, awareness, and sensitivity should always guide how we use these terms.
In the end, both words point to the same truth: a people rich in culture, history, and identity—continuing to define themselves in their own voice.
Who Called Us “Igorots” First—The Spaniards or Our Ancestors?
The question of who first used the word Igorot is more than just a matter of history—it touches on identity, ownership, and how people have been seen over time.
Many assume that the term “Igorot” was purely a label given by the Spaniards during colonization. There is some truth to that, but the story is more layered than it first appears.
Historical records suggest that the word Igorot is derived from an older term “golot,” which means “mountain” in several lowland languages. The prefix “i-” typically means “people of,” so “Igorot” can be understood as “people of the mountains.” This linguistic structure was not originally Spanish—it existed within local languages even before colonization.
When the Spaniards arrived, they adopted and recorded the term as they encountered highland communities who lived beyond their direct control. Over time, “Igorot” became a general label used by colonial writers to describe various groups in the Cordillera. However, their descriptions were often influenced by limited understanding, and sometimes carried negative or exaggerated portrayals.
This is where the confusion begins.
While the root of the word may have existed locally, its widespread use—and especially its meaning in official records—was shaped during the Spanish colonial period. In other words, our ancestors likely had words that described themselves based on place and identity, but the term “Igorot” as we know it today was formalized and popularized through colonial documentation.
It is also important to recognize that Cordilleran communities did not originally identify themselves under one collective name. Instead, identity was based on ethnolinguistic groups such as Kankanaey, Ibaloy, Ifugao, Kalinga, and others. The idea of grouping them under a single label came later.
So, who really called us “Igorots”?
The most balanced answer is this: the roots of the word came from local language, but its widespread use and meaning were shaped by the Spaniards.
Today, the term continues to evolve. What was once a general label—sometimes misunderstood—has been reclaimed by many as a source of pride. For others, it remains a complex word tied to history.
In the end, the question is not just about who said it first, but how we choose to understand and use it now. Identity, after all, is not only inherited—it is also defined by the people who carry it forward.
Binnadang: The Cordilleran Spirit of Helping Without Expecting Anything in Return
In many parts of the Cordillera, community is not just a concept—it is a lived experience. One of the clearest expressions of this is Binnadang.
Binnadang refers to a tradition of mutual help, where members of the community come together to assist one another, especially during times of need. This could mean helping harvest crops, building a house, or supporting a family during important events. What makes it unique is that no payment is expected. The act itself is the reward.
From a historical perspective, Binnadang developed out of necessity. Life in the highlands required cooperation. The terrain was challenging, resources were limited, and survival often depended on collective effort. Over time, this practical need evolved into a deeply rooted cultural value.
But Binnadang is more than just cooperation—it reflects a worldview. It shows how Cordilleran communities prioritize relationships over individual gain. Helping is not seen as charity, but as a shared responsibility. Today you help, tomorrow someone helps you. There is trust in the cycle.
This tradition also strengthens social bonds. When people work side by side, they build not only structures but also relationships. It creates a sense of belonging that cannot be easily replaced by modern systems.
Binnadang reminds us that true wealth is not measured by what we have, but by how willing we are to help others.
Inayan: The Ancient Cordilleran Way of Saying “Do What Is Right”
In the Cordilleran highlands, long before written laws and formal institutions, there was already a powerful system that guided people’s behavior. It was called Inayan.
At first glance, Inayan is often translated as “fear” or “avoidance,” but that is only a small part of its meaning. In truth, Inayan is a deep moral principle—a quiet reminder that every action has consequences, not only to oneself but to others and even to the unseen world.
Among many Cordilleran communities, Inayan functions as an internal compass. Instead of relying on punishment from authorities, people are guided by a sense of accountability rooted in respect: respect for elders, for nature, for community, and for spiritual balance. When someone says “Inayan,” it is not meant to threaten, but to caution—like saying, “Be careful, this may bring harm.”
What makes Inayan remarkable is how it blends the social and the spiritual. A person avoids wrongdoing not just because it is socially unacceptable, but because it may disrupt harmony—within the family, the community, and the natural world. In this way, Inayan becomes more than a rule; it becomes a way of thinking.
Even today, the concept continues to influence behavior in subtle but meaningful ways. It teaches self-discipline without force, and responsibility without constant supervision. In a modern world where rules are often enforced externally, Inayan stands as a reminder that true integrity comes from within.
Understanding Inayan is understanding one of the foundations of Cordilleran identity: a culture that values balance, respect, and mindful living.