The Isnag, also referred to as Yapayao, trace their origins to the Province of Apayao, though they are also found in parts of Cagayan, Ilocos Norte, and Abra.
Imallod: Populations are spread across Kabugao, Pudtol, Flora, Santa Marcela, and Luna in Apayao.
Ingahan: A sub-tribe of the Isnag people, primarily inhabiting areas along the Nagan River in Pudtol, Apayao.
Iyapayao (Ehapayao/Yapayao): Populations are distributed in Adams, Dumalneg, Bangui, and Pagudpud in Ilocos Norte, as well as Sta.
The Isnags are described as having a slender and graceful stature, being kind, hospitable, and generous, with a strong sense of self-reliance and courage.
[4] Isnag populations can also be found in the Eastern part of the Province of Ilocos Norte, specifically the municipalities of Adams, Carasi, Marcos, Dingras, Vintar, Dumalneg and Solsona; and in the Northwestern part of the Province of Cagayan, specifically the municipalities of Santa Praxedes, Claveria, Pamplona and Sanchez Mira.
[3] Because there was no political or ward system, the kinship groups and family clans became the central social organizations and were usually led by the husbands.
A pregnant woman, for example, is discouraged to eat some kinds of sugarcane, banana, and the soft meat of sprouting coconut to have a normal conception.
[3] Isnag houses (balay) are two-story, one-room structures built on 4 corner posts with an entrance reached by a ladder.
The traditional attire of the Isnag tribe reflects their rich cultural heritage and distinct aesthetic sensibilities.
Historically, warriors or "mengal" would wear a red kerchief on their heads and have tattoos on their arms and shoulders to signify their bravery and accomplishments in head-taking forays.
They wear a wraparound cloth called "aken," which comes in two sizes: a smaller one for everyday use and a larger one for ceremonial occasions.
Their attire is often complemented by numerous ornaments and jewelry, showcasing their inclination towards vibrant and decorative clothing during festivities and important ceremonies.
[3] The isnags traditionally only consume two meals a day; one in the mid-morning and one in the late afternoon, or one at noon and the other in the evening.
Sometimes, before or after meals, the typical isneg families enjoy home-grown coffee while gathering around the hearth while rice wine is only consumed during festive occasions.
They used anything they can find in nature as food, from brooks, rivers, lakes and streams, they catch fish and other creatures in it.
The Isnag wrap the deceased person in a mat, and is then carried on the shoulders of the immediate male family members.
[7] The Isnag are distinguished from the other Cordillerans by the fine construction of their houses, resembling that of the lowland Filipinos, and they are particularly conspicuous about cleanliness.
Their houses are set on four large and strong straight posts of incorruptible wood resistant to humidity, driven into the earth; instead of being made of bamboo cut in long narrow strips joined by rattan, as the lowland Filipinos do.
The Ymandaya Isnag of Apayao, Book 2(The Institutionalization of Say-am and other Social Gatherings Practices of Calanasan) 11.
The Isnag Indigenous Beliefs and Practices: A Study on the Culture and Its Implications to the Socioeconomic Development of a Cordilleran Ethnic Group of Northern Luzon.