Lesson 2  Livelihood of the Early Filipinos

At the end of the lesson, the learners are able to:

• Discuss the economic life of early Filipinos

• Discuss the livelihood of early Filipinos in relation to the environment, the tools they need, and the products they produced

• Discuss the role played by the economy in the development of early civilization

The early Filipinos were nomadic people who moved from one place to another to look for food. They soon learned that cultivating their lands and planting crops were better solutions for their basic needs.  They used their vast lands to raise major crops, such as rice, corn, coconut, sugarcane, banana, and root crops.  They also used  the mountain ranges for farming.  A good piece of evidence is the Banaue Rice Terraces.  Then they began staying in one place to wait for their crops to grow, they built permanent houses that eventually led to the establishment of communities.

Farming was the basic means of livelihood for the early Filipinos. They practiced two ways of cultivating their lands. The first was the kaingin system wherein the land was cleared by burning the bushes and shrubs so that the empty land could be used for farming. The other method was known as the tillage system wherein the land was plowed by a carabao before it could be used for planting. The farmers planted sugarcane, coconuts, rice, bananas,

abaca, and various species of fruits and vegetables. For an improvement in farming, some Filipinos used irrigation ditches that are still being used by the Ifugaos until today.

SYSTEM OF LAND OWNERSHIP IN THE EARLY TIMES

During the Stone Age, our ancestors lived a nomadic lifestyle.  They had no permanent homes.  They moved from one place to another in search for food, and they stayed in places where the weather conditions were suitable enough for their needs.

Eventually, our ancestors came to settle permanently.   When they did, everyone owned land.  A person could claim ownership to the land if he cleared and cultivated it.  If he owned it, he could sell it or bequeath it to his kin.  Only forests, rivers, seas, and other sources of food could not be owned by anyone because these were for everyone's use.

When barangays were established, a system of land ownership was created.  A barangay owned the entire land under its jurisdiction, although its people could use it for their own benefit.  The datu had the biggest and best parts of the land.  He divided the agricultural lands among the families in the barangay so that each one had a small portion for farming.  Their yields were for their own consumption.  They had to pay taxes to the datu, though, to fund the feasts and battles of the barangay.

Aside from agriculture, the early Filipinos also engaged in poultry and stock raising. They raised chickens, goats, carabaos, and native ponies.

Since most settlements were along rivers and seas, the early Filipinos were also engaged in fishing. They used various fishing methods and devices such as fishing nets, bows and arrows, wicker baskets, fishing spears, hooks and lines, corrals, and poisons. They dived for pearls, corals, and shells, and used them for trade.

Hunting in the forest was also a means of livelihood of the early Filipinos.  They caught wild animals like deer, wild pigs, and different kinds of birds using arrow, spear, dagger, and a trap.

Mining was a thriving industry in Paracale, Camarines Norte; Cebu; and Butuan. They mined gold, silver, bronze, and copper, and other minerals which they used for making decorations and jewelry.  Then, these were used for trade with foreigners.

The early Filipinos had a domestic livelihood too.  They made pots, jars, and other household items.  They made wine and vinegar from coconut and sugarcane.  

Since the country was rich in thick forests, many Filipinos engaged in lumbering or cutting wood and shipbuilding. They were good sailors and shipbuilders. The Filipino shipbuilders constructed boats for different purposes such as travel, war, and trade. This was the reason why many Filipinos were forced to build galleons for the Galleon Trade during the Spanish period.

Weaving was a home industry especially among women. Plant fibers were weaved into cotton, silk, and piña cloth. Men, on the other hand, made weapons such as bows and arrows, bolos, knives, and other tools and utensils.

The early Filipinos were also good winemakers. They produced tuba, basi, and tapuy from plants. They also gathered birds’ nests in Palawan which they traded with China, Japan, Siam (Thailand), India, Old Malaysia, and Indonesia.

The early Filipinos also traded with other barangays. The people of Luzon regularly traded with Bohol, Cebu, and Samar in the Visayas and Jolo in Mindanao. They engaged in barter which is the exchange of goods without the use of money.

The various industries and occupations of the early Filipinos proved that they already possessed knowledge and skills on economic activities. They used their environment and the rich natural resources of the country to supply their basic needs. Their livelihood activities showcased their creativity and ingenuity as seen in the products that they produced. Their determination and perseverance to survive through their crude means and love for their work

can truly be considered a great contribution in the development of our civilization.