Wet rice is grown in the lowlands, and dry rice and corn are farmed in the mountainous areas. Yams and sweet potatoes are also staple crops. Goats are raised for meat, and chickens are raised for both eggs and meat. In addition to farming, the Kalagan catch fish and obtain wild foods and other various materials from the marshes. The Kalagan of highest rank in their society do not perform manual labor.
Men do the plowing, tilling and other heavy farm work.
The women do most of the domestic work, often assisted by their older children. Many household items are hand crafted from wood, bamboo, rattan, thatch, and fiber. Most of these are for personal use, but some woven items, mats, and baskets are made for commercial sale. Kalagan art is limited mostly to weaving, making baskets, and crafting certain ornaments. Personal adornment in the form of bright clothing, beaded jewelry, and other accessories is distinctive and colorful.