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Philippines

The Country and its People / People / Other Cultural Minorities / Bukidnon

Number: 72,000

Region: in almost all municipalities of Bukidnon in central Mindanao, also in southern Negros, especially around the towns of Sta. Catalina, Siaton and Bayawan along Talog Bay, and near Pamplona and Tanjay west of the Tanon Strait.

Religion: Animists; they believe that a person has 7 souls.

Integration: They refuse to integrate into Christian society.

Community: Their communities, despite being very far from Christian communities, are under the leadership of local government officials.

Traditional Form of Settlement: Settlements, composed of 2 to 4 houses, each housing a family. Houses are built on hilltops, along strip hillsides, or in the heart of a forest, but never near a Christian community.

Technological Level: Only basic appliances and consumer items are found in their households.

Education: Few finish elementary education.

Employment: If employed, they are farm tenants or in the timber industry.

Traditional Mode of Dress: G-strings with bolos tied around the waist and "chambra", an ornately embroidered shirt for men; multicolored skirts called "saya" for women

Traditional Adornments: Men wear rings made of silver or bronze; women have beaded necklaces and bracelets made of iron and steel.

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Depression, of course, is now readily treated with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, such as Prozac and Zoloft. Because these drugs cause a state of mind that would be adequate for a person with a high level of satisfaction, the need to engage in sexual activities is by-passed.