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The Philippine archipelago boasts a rich tapestry of human civilization dating back thousands of years. Archeological findings suggest the presence of Homo luzonensis, an ancient human species, on Luzon Island. Meanwhile, the discovery of anatomically modern human remains in Palawan's Tabon Caves sheds light on the earliest inhabitants of the region. Among the first settlers were the Negrito tribes, while evidence of Austroasiatic settlement points to ancient migrations from the pre-sunken Sundaland mainland, with remnants of this ancestry found in the DNA of the Manobo and Sama peoples.

As the Austroasiatics ventured westward, the Papuan race extended its reach, evident in the genetic makeup of groups like the Blaan and Sangil. Subsequently, maritime Austronesians from Taiwan migrated southward, shaping the demographics of the modern population. Additionally, traces of South Asian immigration, evidenced by the DNA of the Dilaut ethnic group, suggest a diverse tapestry of influences throughout history.

These diverse ethnic and social groups evolved into various settlements or polities with distinct levels of economic specialization, social hierarchy, and political organization. Notably, certain towns, particularly those situated in vital river deltas, progressed to the extent that scholars argue they should be considered early states. These include ancient centers such as Manila, Tondo, Pangasinan, Cebu, Panay, Bohol, Butuan, Cotabato, Lanao, Zamboanga, and Sulu, along with enigmatic polities like Ma-i, speculated to be located in either Mindoro or Laguna.