Benguet Lifestyle

The Benguet people are known for their close-knit community and deep respect for nature. Their lifestyle is characterized by farming, weaving, and other traditional crafts. Farming plays a central role, with many families cultivating vegetables on the iconic terraced mountainsides of Benguet. The province is renowned as a major producer of vegetables such as cabbage, carrots, potatoes, and broccoli. This agricultural practice reflects the Benguet people's ingenuity, sustainability, and harmony with the environment.

Weaving

Weaving

Weaving is an integral part of daily life, with intricate patterns that tell stories of the community’s history and beliefs. Traditional Benguet clothing often features bold, geometric designs in vibrant red, black, and white, symbolizing strength, protection, and purity. These designs are passed down through generations, preserving their cultural heritage.

Traditional Kankana-ey Weaving

Community Celebrations and Gatherings

Community celebrations and gatherings are central to Benguet life, often marked by dancing and chanting to express unity and gratitude. Music and oral traditions are passed down through generations, preserving the community's identity and wisdom. These gatherings are not just social events but serve as a way to honor their ancestors and community ties.

Benguet Farmer

Farming

Farming is at the heart of the Benguet people’s lifestyle and is deeply intertwined with their cultural identity. Benguet, often called the “Salad Bowl of the Philippines,” is renowned for producing an abundance of vegetables such as cabbage, carrots, potatoes, and broccoli, many of which are cultivated on the province’s iconic terraced mountainsides. These terraces showcase the Benguet people's ingenuity in maximizing the rugged terrain for agriculture while preserving the environment. Traditional farming methods emphasize sustainability and respect for nature, often guided by the lunar calendar and ancestral knowledge. For the Benguet, farming is not just a livelihood but a way to honor their connection to the land, their ancestors, and the community as a whole.