This allowed ease of transportation and communication by boat. This traditional pattern of settlement has been slowly altered by the building of roads that do not follow the natural course of the waterways. Large towns have sprung up along these highways, becoming new centers of commerce. Today, the Magindanaw still produce nearly all of their own food. They grow a variety of crops, trap fish, and obtain wild foods from the marshes.
Wet rice is grown in the lowlands, and dry rice and corn are farmed in the upland areas.
Those of highest rank in the society tend to be removed from manual labor. Among the rest, the men do the plowing, tilling, and other heavy farm work, while the women and children tend to the household duties. Their art is confined mostly to weaving, basket making, and designing ornaments. Bright clothing, beaded jewelry, and other accessories make the apparel of the Magindanaw distinctive and colorful. Graceful dances are performed on special occasions to the music of gongs and other instruments.