The Kalagan live between
the coast and the B’laan country in Davao province, and along the tributaries
of the Malita, Lais and Talaguton rivers. They have traditionally lived
in small, warring groups. At present, corn, which can be cropped 2 or 3
times a year, is gradually supplanting rice as the staple crop. The traditional
culture is much like that of the neighboring Kulaman and
B’laan,
where territories are ruled over by strong men with special status. But
the Kalagan have undergone many changes as a result of their links to the
national market system. Religion is basically Islam with some syncretism,
and the political structure is related to the institution of the sultanate
with its religious overtones. The elaborate music and dance of the Kalagan
are essentially Southeast Asian.
AKA:
Tagakaolo, Dagan, Laoc, Saka, Caragan, Calagan,
Kagan, Laoc, Saka, Mandaya, Mansaka
Location:
Davao Province, Mindanao.
Languages:
Mansaka related
Supergroup:
Mandaya/ Mansaka
Subgroups:
Tagakaolo, Kagan, Laoc
Subsistence:
Dry cultivation of rice, corn, tubers, many
other crops. Gathering.
Population:
87,270 (1994)