Mangyans gathered to assert their right to ancestral land and self-determination during this year's Mangyan Festival, held last April 16 to 17 in Sito Lago, Brgy. Balao, Abra de Ilog, Occidental Mindoro.
The Mangyan are divided into seven ethnolinguistic groups (the Hanunuo, Buhid, Iraya, Tadyawan, Bangon, Batangan, Alangan and Gubatnon) who live in Mindoro.
There are also Mangyan who live in Palawan.
Like other indigenous people of the Philippines, the Mangyan suffer from food insecurity and discrimination.
The festival featured discussions on Mangyan issues, a Mangyan trade fair, a medical mission, art and theater workshops for Mangyan children and cultural presentations.
