“MAHALTA: The significance of the
Mangyan, Halcon, and Tamaraw
preservation efforts in keeping the Mindoro heritage.”
Mangyan refers to the Philippine ethnic group living in Mindoro Island but some can be found in the island of Tablas and Sibuyan in the province of Romblon as well as in Albay, Negros, and Palawan. The word Mangyan generally means man, woman, or person without any reference to any nationality. Social scientists have documented Mangyan tribes into several major tribes. One of the ways to categorize them is through their geographical location. The Northern tribes include the Iraya, Alangan, and Tadyawan tribes while the Buhid, Bangon Batangon, and Hanunuo Mangyan comprise the tribes in the South.
Mount Halcon is raising 2582 MAMSL in Mindoro Island just of south Luzon and is one of the majestic mountains in the Philippines. It is also considered one of the best-hiking destinations in the Philippines, featuring long, often steep trails through dense jungle, crystal-clear waters from its rivers, as well as a magnificent ultramafic summit. Halcon’s biological. Mount Halcon is also home to the indigenous Alangan Mangyans. Its thick vegetation contains much flora and fauna, including the critically endangered Mindoro bleeding-heart.
Tamaraw is a dwarf buffalo (they stand about four feet tall at the shoulders) that are particularly special because they live in only one place in the world — on Mindoro Island in the Philippines. A cousin of our domestic water buffalo, they play a critical role in helping to maintain balance in the forest and grassland ecosystems of which they are part. They are one of 11 remaining wild cattle species. Despite their short stature, they are known for their big personalities. Tamaraws are found only on the island of Mindoro in the Philippines. Although fossil evidence suggests that they may also have occupied the island of Luzon.
Mindoro is wealthy in nature, culture, and heritage. These three mentioned elements are the symbol of the identity of Mindoro Island. Mindoro is known because of these. We all have that one thing that we possess that no one has. It is significant to preserve these three because they are the distinguishing identity of Mindoro. It reflects, shape values, and beliefs of a particular place. Mindoro wouldn’t be Mindoro without Manyans, Mount Halcon and Tamaraws. Now, let’s take a stand in preserving these precious elements so that the children of the future would know that “This is who we are and this is where we belong.”
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