Indigenous and Austronesian influences are deeply embedded in Filipino culture, language, and traditions. Austronesian settlers, who arrived over 5,000 years ago, shaped the majority of Filipino languages, including Tagalog, Cebuano, and Ilocano. Indigenous practices, such as rice farming, fishing, and boat-building, have been passed down through generations. Traditional Filipino homes, like the bahay kubo, reflect these early building methods. Cultural expressions, including weaving, pottery, music, and dance, trace their origins to these early settlers. Respect for nature and ancestor worship continue to influence Filipino values and practices today.