The Kagayanen of New Cagayancillo
Families from the Cagayancillo islands settled on Bugsuk, and gave part of it a new name.
Written from public sources to get this page started. We'll replace it with the story as Balabac residents tell it.
Cagayancillo is a small group of islands in the Sulu Sea, between Negros and Palawan. Its people, the Kagayanen, speak their own language. It belongs to the Manobo family, and it's the only Manobo language spoken outside Mindanao and its nearby islands.
Kagayanen families have moved to coastal communities across Palawan, from Busuanga and Coron in the north to Balabac in the south. Some settled on Bugsuk. In 1965, Republic Act 4472 created the barrio of New Cagayancillo there, and the name is still used.
In 1974, Bugsuk and neighboring islands were opened for private development. News reports link that decision to the displacement of Molbog, Pala'wan and Kagayanen residents of Bugsuk. The land dispute continues.
Most Kagayanen are Christian. In Balabac they're part of the Christian minority, along with Cuyonon, Tagalog and some Pala'wan families.
Stories we're gathering
This is a short introduction written from public sources. We'd like to replace it with the story as Kagayanen families tell it themselves. If that's your family, send us a message.