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They are closely related linguistically with its neighboring groups in Bukidnon, Higa-onon, and Ata.
The Manobo occupy and have adapted to various ecological niches ranging from the coastal to the rugged mountain highlands of the interiors of Mindanao. They practice kaingin farming, supplemented by hunting and food gathering. The communities are widely scattered and placed on high ridges above mountain drainage systems. In some areas, there are long houses that accommodate a number of families usually of an extended kind.
Leaders are chosen for their skills and their capability to have a strong following thru various methods of alliances including marriage. In a community of kin, the datu is considered head. A number of datus would be united under a more sovereign datu, up through a political pyramid with a Sultan and a Rajah Muda holding authority in a larger territory. Although the kin relationship is bilateral, there is a bias toward the male in terms of decision-making and leadership. The woman holds a more subordinated position in the society.
Manobo crafts include pottery, basketry, and weaving. Though Manobo cloth is generally thinner than that of other tribes. Their traditional dress is impressive. Women wear a red blouse with black sleeves; abaca skirt; a girdle of braided human hair or vegetable fiber, from which hangs a cluster of beads, shells, and herbs. The outfit is completed by leglets, a comb, and ear discs. The men wear long, loose, trousers or tight breeches, topped by a buttonless jacket.
The first Visayan settlers reached the town of Pikit in 1913, and since then a stream of Christian migrants have moved and lived in Cotabato. Thus the principal dialect is Cebuano. However, there are minority groups inhabiting the province like the Manobos, T’bolis and Maguindanaos. Of the three, the Manobos are the most populous. Kidapawan is a Manobo cultural center.
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