Bong Gumne

Bong Gumne

The traditional Blaan house is known as “Bong Gumne”or Long House. The House is constructed on stilts and a gable roof with only two sides having a window. There is a wall that serves as both a wall and a fenestration. 

Instead of partitions, the dwellers determine the spaces of the Bong Gumne by its elevation. There are at least six platforms, with varying heights. 

The Blaan Cultural Community is an Indigenous community in Southern Mindanao in the Philippines. They are known for their colorful cultural heritage such as traditional weaving and bead work. Derived from the word “Bla” which means opponent and “an” which means people, the Blaan are a peace loving people.  

The oldest remaining Bong Gumne can be seen at Sitio Amgu-o, a remote tribal village located at the foothills of Mt. Matutum in Barangay Landan, in the municipality of Polomolok, South Cotabato, Mindanao. This tribal village and home of the school for living tradition is very active in promoting the Blaan culture. 

Reference:

Jong, Ronald de. 2016. ““Fadlog Tubad Blaan”. OCTOBER 15, 2016. https://www.mindanews.com/feature/2016/10/fadlog-tubad-blaan/

Amata, Noel. 2019. “BLAAN TRIBAL VILLAGE, Polomolok, South Cotabato”. September 5, 2019

https://mytravelphotosandstories.com/2019/09/05/blaan-tribal-village-polomolok-south-cotabato/
Indigenous Architecture