Background

The Kankana-ey people, also known as Kankanay, Kankanai, or Kankana-i, form a vibrant cultural community primarily residing in Benguet and Mountain Province within the Cordillera Administrative Region of the Northern Philippines.

The term "Kankanaey" has no definite etymological derivation but is widely recognized as representing their culture and identity.

As of 2002, the Kankanaey population totaled 321,329, with concentrations in Benguet and Mountain Province. In Benguet, they comprise approximately 43% of the province's total population, while in Mountain Province, they represent around 52%. Additionally, smaller Kankanaey communities are dispersed throughout the Philippine archipelago, with notable populations in other regions such as the Cordillera, Ilocos, Central Luzon, Bicol, Visayas, and Mindanao.

The Kankanaey are divided into two main groups: the northern Kankanaey and the southern Kankanaey. The northern group predominantly resides in the southwestern part of Mountain Province, encompassing municipalities like Besao, Sagada, Tadian, Bauko, and Sabangan. Meanwhile, the southern Kankanaey are primarily found in municipalities such as Mankayan, Bakun, Kibungan, Buguias, and the upper half of Kapangan in Benguet.

To distinguish them from other indigenous groups in Benguet, such as the Benguet Ibaloy, they may also be referred to as Benguet Kankanaey or "i-Benget."

The Kankana-ey people are part of the larger Igorot collective, which comprises several indigenous ethnic groups in the Cordillera region of the Northern Philippines. The Igorot share common cultural traits, such as living in mountainous areas, practicing terrace farming, and having similar social structures and spiritual beliefs.