Moyadan Itneg in Philippines

The Moyadan Itneg have only been reported in Philippines
Population
Main Language
Largest Religion
Christian
Evangelical
Progress
Progress Gauge

Introduction / History

The Moyadan Itneg are a subgroup of the Itneg (Tinguian) peoples of northern Philippines, living mainly in Abra Province. They descend from Austronesian migrants and have preserved distinct traditions shaped by upland isolation, kinship systems, and contact with lowland Filipinos and Spanish-era influences.


What Are Their Lives Like?

Most Moyadan Itneg practice swidden farming, growing rice, root crops, and vegetables, with some hunting and weaving. Families are close-knit, with elders guiding decisions. Celebrations include feasts tied to harvests and life events, featuring rice, meat, and local delicacies. Oral tradition, music, and ritual dancing remain important.


What Are Their Beliefs?

Traditional animism persists, involving spirits (anito) and ritual specialists. Some identify as Roman Catholic due to historical missions, often blending beliefs. Syncretism is common, and spiritual practices remain tied to daily life.


What Are Their Needs?

Greater access to Scripture in heart language would deepen understanding of the gospel. Discipleship rooted in cultural context could strengthen believers. Improved education, healthcare, and livelihood opportunities would enhance overall well-being.


Prayer Items

Pray for clear gospel witness and culturally relevant discipleship.
Pray asking God to raise local church leaders that will lead their communities for God's glory.
Pray for wisdom amid spiritual syncretism.
Pray for improved health services, education, and sustainable livelihoods.
Pray for the faithful translation and wide distribution of the Scriptures, evangelism resources, and discipleship materials in the Moyadan Itneg language.


Scripture Prayers for the Itneg, Moyadan in Philippines.


Profile Source:   Joshua Project  

People Name General Itneg, Moyadan
People Name in Country Itneg, Moyadan
Natural Name Moyadan Itneg
Alternate Names
Population this Country 17,000
Population all Countries 17,000
Total Countries 1
Indigenous Yes
Progress Scale Progress Gauge
Unreached No
Frontier No
Pioneer Workers Needed
PeopleID3 19570
ROP3 Code 115477
Country Philippines
Region Asia, Southeast
Continent Asia
10/40 Window No
National Bible Society Website
Persecution Rank Not ranked
Location in Country Luzon, Abra Province.   Source:  Ethnologue 2016
Country Philippines
Region Asia, Southeast
Continent Asia
10/40 Window No
National Bible Society Website
Persecution Rank Not ranked
Location in Country Luzon, Abra Province..   Source:  Ethnologue 2016
Primary Religion: Christianity
Major Religion Estimated Percent
Buddhism
0.00 %
Christianity
80.00 %
Ethnic Religions
20.00 %
Hinduism
0.00 %
Islam
0.00 %
Non-Religious
0.00 %
Other / Small
0.00 %
Unknown
0.00 %
Primary Language Itneg, Moyadan (17,000 speakers)
Language Code ity   Ethnologue Listing
Written / Published Unknown
Total Languages 1
Primary Language Itneg, Moyadan (17,000 speakers)
Language Code ity   Ethnologue Listing
Total Languages 1
People Groups Speaking Itneg, Moyadan

Primary Language:  Itneg, Moyadan

Bible Translation Status:  Translation Started

Resource Type Resource Name Source
Audio Recordings Audio Bible teaching Global Recordings Network
Map Source Mark Stevens  
Profile Source Joshua Project 
Data Sources Data is compiled from various sources. Learn more.