Recognising the wider script heritage of the archipelago
While Baybayin is among the most widely recognised indigenous scripts of the Philippines, it forms part of a broader family of traditional writing systems that developed across the archipelago.
Baybayin
Historically associated with Tagalog speaking communities in Luzon, Baybayin is among the most documented pre colonial Philippine writing systems and continues to attract renewed cultural and educational interest.
Kulitan
Used by the Kapampangan people, Kulitan is a distinctive script traditionally written vertically and remains an important marker of Kapampangan linguistic identity.
Hanunó’o
Still used by Hanunó’o Mangyan communities in Mindoro, this script remains part of living cultural practice and is recognised for preserving traditional poetry and oral literature.
Buhid
Another Mangyan script from Mindoro, Buhid continues to be used within indigenous communities and represents one of the surviving living writing traditions of the Philippines.
Tagbanwa
Associated with communities in Palawan, Tagbanwa scripts form part of the wider family of Philippine writing systems reflecting historical cultural exchange across Southeast Asia.
Scholarly Perspective
The Baybayin Institute places particular emphasis on Baybayin due to its historical prominence and contemporary revival while recognising and respecting the broader heritage of Philippine scripts.