Ikota is a term primarily used in the Philippines, particularly in the Visayan region, to refer to a type of settlement or community. Derived from the Cebuano language, ikota is often used to describe a small village or a rural area that serves as a residential cluster for a group of families or a specific ethnolinguistic group.
In an ikota, houses are typically built closely together, forming a neighborhood where residents share common spaces and interact frequently. These settlements are usually characterized by a strong sense of communal living, as neighbors often engage in mutual support, cooperation, and social activities. It is common for ikotas to possess a distinct identity and culture, often rooted in their ancestors' traditions and customs.
Ikotas are typically self-sustaining communities, where residents engage in the cultivation of crops, livestock-raising, and other forms of agriculture. Due to their small size, social relationships in ikotas tend to be close-knit, with residents relying on each other for their daily needs.
The term "ikota" can also be used colloquially in the Filipino language to indicate a temporary or makeshift shelter, such as a tent or a temporary dwelling established during post-disaster situations or evacuation centers. In this context, ikota indicates a sense of impermanence or transience, as the structure or settlement is intended to be temporary until more permanent housing arrangements can be made.
