Their lifestyle and culture are very similar to that of the Magindanaw. Their language, also called Kalagan, resembles a number of other languages in the region. Maize is the major crop grown and is harvested two or three times a year. The coastal Kalagan are also fishermen, and some are plantation workers. The Kalagan are self-sufficient farmers, producing nearly all their own food.
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.