1. According to function:
- Ritual songs: These songs are performed during rituals, such as weddings, funerals, and healing ceremonies. Examples include the Tagalog "Tagulaylay" (a ceremonial song for the deceased) and the Hiligaynon "Hurao" (a song for courtship and marriage).
- Occupational songs: These songs are sung by workers while performing their tasks, such as farming, fishing, and weaving. Examples include the Ilocano "Pamulinawen" (a song for pounding rice) and the Visayan "Oyayi" (a lullaby).
- Social songs: These songs are performed during social gatherings, such as festivals, fiestas, and community events. Examples include the Cebuano "Pandanggo sa Ilaw" (a dance song with candles) and the Maranao "Kapanirong a Ranao" (a song of praise for a hero).
- Religious songs: These songs are sung for religious purposes, such as worship, prayer, and devotion. Examples include the Tagalog "Pasyon" (a narrative song about the life and death of Jesus Christ) and the Kapampangan "Dios Te Salbe Maria" (a Marian prayer song).
2. According to form:
- Narrative songs: These songs tell a story, often about historical events, legends, or personal experiences. Examples include the Bicolano "Ibalon" (an epic about the history of the Bicol region) and the Kapampangan "Aso ni San Roque" (a song about a dog who saved a village from a plague).
- Lyrical songs: These songs express emotions, thoughts, and feelings, often through the use of figurative language and poetic imagery. Examples include the Tagalog "Dungawin Mo, Hirang" (a love song) and the Cebuano "Matud Nila" (a song about lost love).
- Dance songs: These songs are accompanied by dance movements and are often performed during social gatherings and festivals. Examples include the Ilocano "Tinikling" (a dance song that involves stepping between bamboo poles) and the Hiligaynon "Kuratsa" (a dance song with Spanish influence).
3. According to region:
- Luzon folk songs: These songs come from the Luzon region, which includes the Tagalog, Ilocano, Kapampangan, and Bicolano cultures. Examples include the Tagalog "Leron Leron Sinta" (a children's song) and the Ilocano "Manang Biday" (a song about a woman who leaves her husband for another man).
- Visayas folk songs: These songs come from the Visayas region, which includes the Cebuano, Hiligaynon, and Waray cultures. Examples include the Cebuano "Usahay" (a love song) and the Hiligaynon "Dandansoy" (a dance song).
- Mindanao folk songs: These songs come from the Mindanao region, which includes the Maranao, Maguindanao, Tausug, and Lumad cultures. Examples include the Maranao "Darangen" (an epic about the Maranao people) and the Maguindanao "Singkil" (a dance song with metal rods).
It's important to note that these categorizations are not mutually exclusive, and many folk songs may fall into multiple categories. Additionally, there are many other folk song categories and subcategories that can be used to describe the diverse range of Philippine folk music.