PAMPANGAN

also called Kapampangan, cultural-linguistic group of the Philippines. The Pampangan, numbering about 1,970,000 in the late 20th century, live principally in the central plain of Luzon Island but also inhabit other portions of the island. Their region, extending north from Manila Bay, has a relatively high population density; there are many tenant farmers and landless workers. Their religion is Christian, predominantly Roman Catholic. The Pampangan language is closely related to others of the central Philippines, all of which belong to the Austronesian (Malayo-Polynesian) family of languages.