They are the original inhabitants of the Philippines who belong to certain ethno-linguistic groups and reside in a particular ancestral domain.

The original inhabitants of the Philippines are known as the Indigenous Peoples (IPs), who belong to various ethno-linguistic groups. These groups include the Aeta, Igorot, Lumad, Mangyan, and many others. Each of these groups has its own distinct languages, cultures, traditions, and ancestral domains.

The ancestral domains are lands that these ethnic groups have traditionally occupied and which they have utilized for their livelihoods. These areas hold significant cultural and spiritual importance to the Indigenous Peoples, embodying their identity and history. The Philippines recognizes the rights of Indigenous Peoples to their ancestral lands through the Indigenous Peoples' Rights Act (IPRA) of 1997, which aims to protect their heritage and promote their development while respecting their customs and traditions.

Overall, the Indigenous Peoples of the Philippines play a crucial role in the country’s cultural diversity and environmental stewardship, as they possess traditional knowledge and practices that contribute to the sustainable management of natural resources.