The Ibaloy occupies the southeast of Benguet. They speak Nabaloy, with a linguistic sound nearer to the Pangasinense. This maybe due to the free movement and interaction of the natives of the Pangasinan to the Pre-Spanish era. They are concentrated in Kabayan, Bokod, Tuba, Itogon, Tublay, La Trinidad, Sablan and Atok. All of these municipalities are within the province of Benguet, Cordilera Region.
They are peaceful, hardworking and hospitable tribesmen. They are generally fair in complexion and have well-developed bodies, usually standing 4 to 5 feet above in height. They have medium and narrow noses and some have straight long hair although there are also some who have curly hair. The Ibaloys are not far apart in their customs, beliefs and traditions with the Kankanaeys, except that they are dissimilar linguistically. Their belief systems are similar with deviation in methods of performance. The intent and purpose, however, do not change.
The Ibaloys are predominantly farmers. With their fertile soil and temperate climate, they were able to raise a variety of crops. Rice is the main crop of Kabayan and other Ibaloy municipalities where irrigation waters from rivers and streams to the rice fields through constructed canals allow two croppings a year. They also raise livestock. Seldom does one come across a native who does not raise pigs, cows, carabaos, goats and chickens. They may also be gold panners (pansejew).
Sources:
Wasing D. Sacla - Treasury of Beliefs and Home Rituals of Benguet.
Anjelo J. and Alona delos Reyes - Ethnographies of major tribes
Igorot, a people who daily touch the earth and the sky
