CORDILLERA ADMINISTRATIVE REGION (CAR)

I. Introduction

The Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR) of the Philippines is a land-locked

region consists of the provinces of Abra, Benguet, Ifugao, Kalinga, Mountain Province and
Apayao. Baguio City is the regional center. The Cordillera region encompasses most of the
areas within the Cordillera Central mountain range of Luzon, the largest range in the
country. This region is home to numerous indigenous tribes collectively called the Igorot.
The Cordillera Administrative Region is the “only landlocked region” in the country.

Administrative Divisions

Provinces Cities Municipalities

Abra Bangued, Boliney, Bucay, Bucloc, Daguioman,
Danglas, Dolores, La Paz, Lacub, Lagangilang,
Lagayan, Langiden, Licuan-Baay, Luba,
Malibcong, Manabo, Peñ arrubia, Pidigan, Pilar,
Sallapadan, San Isidro, San Juan, San Quintin,
Tayum, Tineg, Tubo and Villaviciosa
Apayao Calanasan, Conner, Flora, Kabugao,
Luna, Pudtol and Sta. Marcela
Benguet Baguio City Atok, Bakun, Bokod, Buguias, Itogon, Kabayan,
Kapangan, Kibungan, La Trinidad (Capital),
Mankayan, Sablan, Tuba & Tublay
Ifugao Aguinaldo, Alfonso Lista, Asipulo, Banaue,
Hingyon, Hungduan, Template:Ifugao,
Kiangan, Lagawe, Lamut, Mayoyao, Tinoc,
Ifugao
Kalinga Tabuk City Balbalan, Lubuagan, Pasil, Pinukpuk, Rizal,
City of Tabuk (Capital), Tanudan and
Tinglayan
 Mountain Province Barlig, Bauko, Besao, Bontoc, Natonin,
Paracelis, Sabangan, Sadanga, Sagada and
Tadian
Table 1:Administrative Divisions

The Cordillera Administrative Region Comprised of 6 provinces, 2 cities 76  municipalities

and 1,176 barangays.

II. History

During the Spanish occupation of the Philippines, Christianization and eventual

subjugation of the mountain region proved difficult for the Spanish colonial government.
Several comandancias were established by the Spanish colonial government in strategic
areas of the mountain region. Among them were Amburayan, Cabugaoan, Kayapa,
Quiangan, Itaves, Apayaos, Lepanto, Benguet, Bontoc, Banaue, and Tiagan.

On August 18, 1908 during the American regime, Mountain Province was
established by the Philippine Commission with the enactment of Act No. 1876. Ifugao,
which was part of Nueva Vizcaya province, and the former Spanish comandancias of
Amburayan, Apayao, Benguet, Bontoc, Kalinga and Lepanto, were annexed to the newly
created province as sub-provinces. Amburayan was later abolished in 1920 and its
corresponding territories were transferred to the provinces of Ilocos Sur and La Union.
Lepanto was also reduced in size and its towns were integrated into the sub-provinces of
Bontoc and Benguet, and to the province of Ilocos Sur.

On June 18, 1966, Republic Act No. 4695 was enacted to split Mountain Province and
create four separate and independent provinces namely Benguet, Ifugao, Kalinga-Apayao,
and Mountain Province. Ifugao and Kalinga-Apayao were placed under the jurisdiction of
the Cagayan Valley region, with Benguet and Mountain Province placed under the Ilocos
Region.
III. Physical Geography

a. Size of the Region

Provinces Total Land Areas (ha.)

Abra 397,555

Apayao 392,790

Baguio City 575

Beguet 259,778
Ifugao 251,778
Kalinga 311,974
Mountain Province 209,733
Total Land Area CAR 1,829,368
Table 2: Size of the Land of CAR

Measures of Land in the Region

450,000
400,000
397,555 392,790
350,000
300,000 311,974
250,000 259,778 251,778
200,000
150,000
100,000
50,000
0
ABRA APAYAO 575 City
Baguio Beguet Ifugao Kalinga

Figure 1: Measures of Land in the Region

b. Territory

The region is bounded on the northeast by Cagayan Province, on the south by

Pangasinan and Nueva Vizcaya; on the east by Isabela ; and on the west by Ilocos
Norte, Ilocos Sur, and La Union.
 As physical region, the Cordillera — Gran Cordillera Central, to be complete — is a
row of great mountain ranges occupying half of Northern Luzon in the Philippines. Its
rugged mountainous backbone contains many peaks exceeding 2,000 meters in height,
with rolling hills and stretches of river valleys along its flanks.

It is around 230 km long and 120 km wide, with an irregular shape, the mountainous
region's estimated total area is about 17,500 square km. Thus, the Cordillera is both the
highest and the single largest mass of mountains in the entire Philippine archipelago.

c. Map

Figure 2 : The map of Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR)

d. Topography

Province Topographical Description

Abra The province has extremely rugged terrain with mountains and hills
rising along the periphery and in the The province interior. It has an
elevation varying from as low as five (5) meters above sea level (asl) to
 a little over 2000meter asl. The topography is generally rugged but the
central portion are generally hilly to flat flying where Abra is located of
the total land area 160,700.0 hectares. This condition accounts for the
practical non-existence of extensive arable plains.
Apayao The province has an extremely rugged terrain with mountains and hills
rising along the periphery and the interior. The elevation ranges from
below 500 meters Above Sea Level (Asl) to a minimum of 200 meters
above sea level.
Ifugao Ifugao province has an aggregate land area of 251,778.0 has out of the
total land area, 25,409.0 has are classified as for cast land and 28,467
has are classified public for cast.
The topographical features of the province is characterized by its
mountainous are as being a part of a landscape or cordillera mountains.
It is rich in forest products water and wildlife resources.
Benguet Benguet Province is a plateae, a mass of elevated land characterized by
steep slopes deep ravines and waterways that drain into the china
Sea .it comprises the amburayan, Bued River and agno Rivers.hot spring
are also found in almost every municipality of the province.
Slopes are estimated to be 25% morr or less level 60% moderate steep
and 85% very steep slope.
Kalinga The Easter portion within the coverage of the kalinga ,particularly the
municipality of Rizal and Tabuk has a topography of rolling to
moderately steep while the Western portion ranges from steep to very
steep terrain. The elevetion ranges from 50 meters above sea level to a
maximum of 2,456 meters ASL.
Moderate to steep undulating foothills. Eight (8) municipalities located
at the western central part of the province fall under the first
topographical feature while two eastern municipalities, namely Natonin
and Paracelis are covered by the second type of topographical feature.
 Mt. Province The Province is frequently visited by typhoos due to its location latitude
16 to 17 degress.About 32% of tropical cyclones entering the country
pass through the province characterize the area .One is generally rough
terrain characterized by step slopes and deep ravines and the other if
generally.
The province has a total land area of 307,100 has which accounts for
16.8% of the total land area of CAR.Pinukpuk has the biggest land area
of 69,200 has. And lubuagan occupies the least with only 14,800 has.
Kalingan has about 100,619.6 has.forest of various types,mossy,pine
and dipterocarp 173,656.91 hectares is under extensive land uses while
32,823.33 has.is under intensive land uses based on NAMRIA
consolidated data of 1990.
Table 3: Topography

IV. Demographics

a. Population

Figure 3: Annual Growth Rates, CAR by Province 2000, 2010 and 2015

Population increases by 12 persons per year for every 1,000 persons. The increase
in the Cordillera’s population translated into an average population growth rate (PGR) of
1.2 percent annually during the period 2010 to 2015. This means that there were about 12
persons added per year for every 1,000 persons in the region.
 The 2010-2015 annual PGR was lower compared to 1.7 percent during the period
2000 to 2010 and at 2.3 percent during the period 1990 to 2000.

Figure 4: Quarter Total Population

A quarter of the total population resides in Benguet. The Province of Benguet

comprised a quarter (25.97 percent) of the region’s total population. It was followed by
Baguio City (20.06 percent), and Abra (14.00 percent). Among the 6 province and Highly
Urbanized City (HUC) of the region, Apayao had the least population with total count of
119,184. Apayao is considered as one of the least populated municipalities in the
Philippines.

b. Famous people

Famous People with Cordillera Heritage

Whang-od Oggay 

Known as Maria Oggay, is a Filipina tattoo artist from

Buscalan, Tinglayan, Kalinga. She is often described as the
"last" and oldest mambabatok (traditional Kalinga
tattooist) and is part of the Butbut people of the larger
Kalinga ethnic group.
Figure 5: Whang-od Oggay
 Eric de Guia

Commonly known as Kidlat Tahimik, Eric is a film director,

writer and actor who is dubbed as “The Father of
Philippine Independent Cinema”.

Figure 6: Eric de Guia

Gringo Honasan

Gregorio Ballesteros Honasan II is a retired Philippine

Army officer who led unsuccessful coups d’état against
President Corazon Aquino. He also played a key role in
the 1986 EDSA Revolution that toppled President
Ferdinand Marcos.
Figure 7: Gringo Honasan
 Robert Jaworski

Famously known as Sonny Jaworski, Robert Vincent

Salazar Jaworski is a former Philippine senator, former
basketball coach, and former basketball player.

Figure 8: Robert Jaworski

Quintin Paredes

Quintín Babila Paredes is a Filipino lawyer,

politician, and statesman. He was the 5th Senate
President of the country.

Figure 9: Quintin Paredes

Lamberto V. Avellana

He was a prominent Filipino film and stage

director. He directed films such as Anak Dalita and
Badjao which attained international acclaim. He was
also named by President Ferdinand Marcos as the
very first National Artist of the Philippines for Film.
Figure 10: Lamberto V. Avellana
 c. Ethnic Group
Cordillera is home to many ethnic tribes living on the Cordillera mountain range.
They are commonly referred to as the Igorot.

BONTOC A Bontoc woman with a snake skeleton in her hair.

Skeletons serve as a charm against lightning.
The Bontoc live on the banks of the (Chico River in the
Central Mountain Province on the island of Luzon. They
speak Bontoc and Ilocano. They formerly practiced
head-hunting and had distinctive body tattoos. The
Bontoc describe three types of tattoos: The chak-lag′, the
tattooed chest of the head taker; pong′-o, the tattooed
arms of men and women; and fa′-tĕk, for all other tattoos
Figure 11: Bontoc
of both sexes. Women were tattooed on the arms only.
 IBALOI The Ibaloi (also Ibaloy and Nabaloi) and Kalanguya (also
Kallahan and Ikalahan) are one of the indigenous
peoples of the Philippines who live mostly in the
southern part of Benguet, located in the Cordillera of
northern Luzon, and Nueva Vizcaya in the Cagayan
Valley region. They were traditionally an agrarian
society. Many of the Ibaloi and Kalanguya people
continue with their agriculture and rice cultivation.
Their native language belongs to the Malayo-Polynesian
Figure 12: Ibaloi branch of the Austronesian languages family and is
closely related to the Pangasinan language, primarily
spoken in the province of Pangasinan, located southwest
of Benguet. Baguio City, the major city of the Cordillera,
dubbed the "Summer Capital of the Philippines," is
located in southern Benguet. The largest feast of the
Ibaloi is the Pesshet, a public feast mainly sponsored by
people of prestige and wealth. Pesshet can last for weeks
and involves the killing and sacrifice of dozens of
animals. One of the more popular dances of the Ibaloi is
the bendiyan, a mass dance participated in by hundreds
of male and female dancers. Originally a victory dance in
time of war, it evolved into a celebratory dance. It is used
as entertainment (ad-adivay) in the cañ ao feasts, hosted
by the wealthy class (baknang). [8]
IFUGAO The Ifugao (also known as Amganad, Ayangan, Kiangan,
Gilipanes, Quiangan, Tuwali Ifugao, Mayoyao, Mayoyao,
Mayaoyaw) are the people inhabiting Ifugao Province.
The term "Ifugao" is derived from "ipugo" which means
"earth people", "mortals" or "humans", as distinguished
from spirits and deities. It also means "from the hill", as
Figure 13: Ifugao
pugo means hill. The country of the Ifugao in the
southeastern part of the Cordillera region is best known
for its famous Banaue Rice Terraces, which in modern
times have become one of the major tourist attractions
of the Philippines. The Ifugaos build their typical houses
(bale), consisting of one room, built on 4 wooden posts 3
meters off the ground. There is a detachable ladder
(tete) for the front door (panto). Huts (abong) are
temporary buildings. Rice granaries are call alang,
protected by a wooden idol (bulul). Aside from their rice
terraces, the Ifugaos, who speak four distinct dialects,
are known for their rich oral literary traditions of
hudhud and the alim.
 ISNAG The Isnag, also Isneg or Apayao, live at the
northwesterly end of northern Luzon, in the upper half
of the Cordillera province of Apayao. The term "Isnag"
derives from a combination of is meaning "recede" and
unag meaning "interior." Thus, it means "people who live
inland."
The municipalities in the Isneg domain include Pudtol,
Kabugao, Calanasan and Conner (Peralta 1988:1). Two
major river systems, the Abulog and the Apayao, run
through Isnag country, which until recent times has been
Figure 14: Isnag
described as a region of "dark tropical forests," and
endowed with other natural resources.
In one early account, the Isneg were described as of
slender and graceful stature, with manners that were
kindly, hospitable, and generous, possessed with the
spirit of self-reliance and courage, and clearly artistic in
their temperament. The Isnag’s ancestors are believed to
have been the proto-Austronesians who came from
South China thousands of years ago. Later, they came in
contact with groups practicing jar burial, from whom
they adopted the custom. They later also came into
contact with Chinese traders plying the seas south of the
Asian mainland. From the Chinese they bought the
porcelain pieces and glass beads which now form part of
the Isnag’s priceless heirlooms. The Isnag have been
known to be a head-taking society since recorded
history.
KALINGA Children from Lubuagan, Kalinga perform the muscle
dance. The Kalinga, also known as Limos or Limos-Liwan
Kalinga, inhabit the drainage basin of the middle Chico
Figure 15: Kalinga
River in Kalinga Province. The Kalinga are sub-divided
into Southern and Northern groups; the latter is
considered the most heavily ornamented people of the
northern Philippines.
The Kalinga practice both wet and dry rice farming. They
also developed an institution of peace pacts called
Bodong which has minimised traditional warfare and
headhunting and serves as a mechanism for the
initiation, maintenance, renewal and reinforcement of
kinship and social ties.
They also speak the Kalinga, Ilocano, and (Limos
languages. Kalinga society is very kinship-oriented, and
relatives are held responsible for avenging any injury
done to a member. Disputes are usually settled by the
regional leaders, who listen to all sides and then impose
fines on the guilty party. These are not formal council
meetings, but carry a good deal of authority.
 KANKANAEY A Kankanaey chief from the town of Suyoc, in Mankayan,
Benguet (taken c. 1904). The Kankanaey domain
includes Western Mountain Province, northern Benguet
and southeastern Ilocos Sur. Like most Igorot ethnic
groups, the Kankanaey built sloping terraces to
maximize farm space in the rugged terrain of the
Cordilleras. Kankanaey houses are built like the other
Igorot houses, which reflect their social status. Two
famous institutions of the Kankanaey of Mountain
Figure 16: Kankanaey
Province are the dap-ay, or the men's dormitory and
civic center, and the ebgan, or the girls' dormitory where
courtship between young men and women took place.
Kankanaey's major dances include tayaw, pat-tong, takik
(a wedding dance), and balangbang. The tayaw is a
community dance that is usually done in weddings it
maybe also danced by the Ibaloi but has a different style.
Pattong, also a community dance from Mountain
Province which every municipality has its own style,
while Balangbang is the dance's modern term. There are
also some other dances like the sakkuting, pinanyuan
(another wedding dance) and bogi-bogi (courtship
dance)
Table 4: Ethnic Group
d. Religion

Majority (65.75 percent) of the population of Cordillera Administrative Region

were Roman Catholics. Evangelicals (8.85 percent) and United Church of Christ in the
Philippines (2.86 percent), followed, while 22.31 percent belonged to other religious
affiliations.
 22%

ROMAN CATHOLIC
3% EVANGELICALS
UNITED CHURCH OF
CHRIST IN THE PHILLIPINES
9% OTHER RELIGION
66%

Figure 17: The Percentage of Region

V. Economy

Regional economy of the Cordilleras is diverse; mining, agriculture, export

processing zone, tourism are among economic activities in the different provinces of the
region.

The region is abundant with mineral reserves. These include metallic ores such as
gold, copper, silver, zinc, and non- metallic minerals like sand, gravel and sulfur. Mineral
reserves are found in all the provinces. However, mining is concentrated in Benguet.

Its timber resources has dwindled since the introduction of slash-and-burn method
of farming in all parts of the Cordillera mountain range. Vegetable crop production is well
developed in Benguet, rice production in Ifugao and Abra, corn production in Mountain
Province, and Kalinga.

Baguio City and La Trinidad are considered as the industrial centers in the region.
Baguio City hosts Baguio Export Processing Zone where operations of big companies like
Texas Instruments, and MOOG are located. The city also hosts offshore and outsourcing
companies operating call centers. The primary growth centers of the region are Metro
Baguio and the Eastern Cordillera Growth Corridor.

VI. Languages
A. Dialects

The region has been called "the most diversified ethno-linguistic region in the
Philippines" with the many "sub-dialect variations" of its major languages. This diversity
has been attributed to the mountainous topology of the region. However, this did not lead
to variations in "cultural development", and the majority of the people share a "similar
cultural identity".

 Balangao, spoken in Natonin, Mountain Province.

 Bontoc, spoken in Bontoc, Mountain Province.

 Ibaloi, spoken in Benguet.

 Ifugao, spoken in Ifugao.

 Ilocano, spoken in Apayao, Abra, Kalinga, Mountain Province, Benguet, and Ifugao. It
is the regional lingua franca.

 Isnag, spoken in Apayao.

 Itneg, spoken in Abra.

 Kalinga, spoken in Kalinga.

 Kalanguya, spoken in some parts of Benguet.

 Kankanaey, spoken in western Mountain Province and some parts of Benguet.

B. Sample Phraseologies

English Tagalog Local Dialect

Cry Umiyak Mag'sangit
Sleep Tulog Sú yop
Burn Paso Atong
Buy Bumili Tomkal
Drink Uminom Qomi'nom
Eat Kumain Ma'ngan
Choose Pili Pispis
Blow Hipan /Ihip (ma) si-buk
See Nakita Umíla
Work Trabaho Magkuwa

Table 5: Sample Dialect

VII. Transportation

Kennon Road vs. Naguilian Road

Figure 17: Kennon

FigureRoad
Table 6: Kennon Road vs. Naguilian 18: Naguilian
 Kennon Road has significantly improved. If you are in Baguio, the best route would
be to take Naguilian road in going down to San Fernando. From Naguilian road, you will
exit at Bauang tow, then San Fernando. This is much close to your destination than both
Marcos Highway and Kennon. 

It takes an average of six hours to travel the 250 km distance between Manila and
Baguio by way of Kennon Road. It is about fifteen minutes longer through the Marcos
Highway and could take three more hours when going through Naguilian Road, which is
the usual route for travellers from the North. Kennon Road is occasionally blocked by
landslides during the rainy season and the same problem occurs on the other two access
roads. The route to Baguio through Kennon Road is as scenic as it is dangerous. There is
another access to Baguio from Aritao in the province of Nueva Vizcaya but this is less
ravelled, the road is not well maintained, and public transportation through this route is
not as regular. Another road, Halsema Road (also known as “Mountain Trail”) leads north
through the mountainous portion of the Cordillera Autonomous Region. It starts at the
northern border of Baguio, in the Municipality of La Trinidad (Trinidad Valley).

There are several bus lines linking Baguio with Manila and Central Luzon, and
provinces such as Pangasinan, La Union, and those in the Ilocos region. Most transportation
companies also offer express and air-conditioned buses at a much higher fare, though some
minibuses offer cheaper fares. Bus services that ply Baguio include Philippine Rabbit,
Dangwa Tranco, Dagupan Bus, Victory Liner, Partas, Genesis, Saulog Transit, Viron Transit,
and Greenland, as well as minibuses that come from other provinces.

a. Land Transportation

From Time Destination

Manila going to Caloocan & 8 hours Abra

Cubao

Manila going to Kabugao to 12 hours Apayao

Tabuk, Kalinga
 Baguio City 2 hours and 7 minutes Benguet

Nueva Ecija 5 hours and 2 minutes Ifugao

Baguio 5 hours and 20 minutes Ifugao
Tugegarao City 1 hours and 56 minutes Kalinga

Banaue, Ifugao, Bontoc, or 3 hours to 4 hours Mountain Province

Sagada
Table 7: Land Transportation
b. Water Transportation and Seaports
Cordillera Administrative Region is a landlocked region.
c. Air Transportation and Airports

Figure 19: Airports

Airlines Terminal Travel Time Terminal

Asian Spirit 50 minutes flight but 20 Loakan Airport
minutes ride by car going to
Loakan Airport
Table 8: Air Transportation

IX. FESTIVAL

Etag Festival (Sagada Mountain

Province)

January 30 – February 4
Etag, also known as “Igorot smoked meat,” “smoked mountain ham” or “smoked bacon” is
salted pork, regarded as part of the life of a Cordilleran from the time of birth until death.
“Panag-etag” (etag making) is the process whereby the best parts of the freshly butchered
pig is rubbed generously with salt before it is cured.

Flower Festival / Panagbenga (Baguio City)

(February) Month Long

Panagbenga Festival which is celebrated in

February. The festival focuses on Baguio as the
Flower Garden City of the North. Highlights
include flower exhibits, lectures, garden tours,
Figure 31: Flower Festival
floral competition and a parade.

Ullalim Festival (Tabuk City, Kalinga)

February 12-16

A celebration of the founding anniversary

of the province and the Peace acts called
Bodong. It’s the poetic expression of the
heroic exploits, romance, joys, successes as
well as tribulations and the way of life of
the Kalingas from birth to death. The
highlights of this is the weaved clothes
(laga) exhibits, world class coffee beans
and other products of Kalinga.

Say-Am-Talip-Tadoc Festival and

Apayao Day (Province Wide, Apayao) -
February 14

It is in celebration of the founding

anniversary of the province and Isnag’s

Figure 33: Say-Am- Talip-Tadok Festival

And Apayo Day
grandest feast or celebration A feast featuring and ushering the traditional way of Isnag’s
thanksgiving to the Higher Supreme unseen being called “ALAWAGAN” executed and
commenced through rituals spiced with pep songs, native chants and dances called the
“TALIP and TAD-DO”. The holding and celebration of Say-am in the older days connotes
status – that the family is respectable.

Dapil Festival (Bangued, Abra) February

15-23

A festival on sugarcane which is one

of the Abra’s main agricultural products
for the manufacture of a wine called basi,
vinegar, molasses called muscovado and
candies. Dapil is derived from the word
“Dadapilan”, equipment used in extacting
the sugar cane juice. This festival not only feature trade fair for sugarcane products and
other agri-based items but also basketball tournaments, beauty contests, parades and
cultural shows.

Manchatchatong Festival (Balbalan , Kalinga)

First Week of March

"Manchatchatong" means meeting or coming

together of the people in Balbalan as a reunion.
This will strengthen our unity, cooperation and
love for our municipality to gain progress. 
Figure 35: Manchatchatong Festival
 Iloko-Tingguian Festival (Bengued,
Abra) March 9-12

Aims to celebrate the diverse

culture of Abra, with primary focus on its
own indigenous people, the Tingguians,

tival and how they bring so much richness to

Abra's already-diverse landscape.

Laga-Festival (Lubuagan, Kalinga) March 5-6

Lubuagan is famous for the Mabilong Weaver’s Village where backstrap weaving is the
method, as opposed to loom weaving. Thus, Lubuagan celebrates the excellence of their
weaving industry every year, on March 6, coinciding with the day gen Emilio Aguinaldo
came. “Laga” means weaving.

Figure 37: Laga-Festival

 Kawayan Festival (Bangued, Abra)
March 6-9

There are simple people. They wrapped

themselves with the glory of their
heritage, looked good. Street dancers
have with them these bamboos while
they dance and sing from the heart. With
them are bamboo products that speak
deep to the soul. The geometric patterns on their woven baskets made of thin and floppy
bamboo sticks signify that their inherent artistry is so alive.

Arya Abra Festival (Bangued, Abra) March 6-

10

Is a celebration of Abra’s individuality. It

features various sectors/groups in the province
together with the indigenous people in Abra
which is the Iraya Tribe. Each day is offered to a
particular group of people as a way of honoring
them for what they have done for the province Figure 39: Arya Abra Festival
of Abra.

Begnas di Bauko (Bauko, Mountain

Province)March 9-11

An Igorot word that refers to

thanksgiving or offering ritual. It is a
public celebration that involves feasting,
drinking and dancing held at the “at-ato”
(village tribal hall) usually done for the
purpose of asking for blessings from the
almighty and/or as a cleansing ritual due to unfortunate event affecting the whole
community.

Unoy Festival (Tinglayan, Kalinga) March 15-16

This festival is held in thanksgiving to an abundant

harvest of the Unoy rice and other agricultural
products of the people of Tinglayan, a municipality
of Kalinga. It also aims to promote Unoy rice as
Kalinga’s most sought-after agricultural product.
Figure 41: Unoy Festival

Strawberry Festival (La Trinidad,

Benguet) March 9-27

An event and celebration in
many towns in North America. People
come from all different places yearly. They
get to enjoy the environment and
consume strawberries in a variety of
ways. The Strawberry Festival has also
been around for many years, and as of
today they continue to celebrate it in many towns in North America.

Pinikpikan Festival (Rizal, Kalinga)March 24-25

A festival is any occasion for celebration, one

which commemorates an anniversary or another
significant event. It came from the word
“PINIKPIKAN”, a soup dish prepared in a
traditional way. It is a festival celebrated to
Figure 43: Pinikpikan Festival
 commemorate and to show respect and gratitude to their rich culture which they have
learned and adapted to their ancestors.

Lang-ay Festival (Bontoc, Mountain

Province) April 2-8

The Lang-ay Agro-Trade Fair became a venue

for sharing of resources, crops, and products
not only from local organizations in the
province but from the neighbouring
provinces.

Bendian Festival (Kabayan, Benguet) Month

Long (April)

In the past, it is a sacred ritual made during

abundant harvest a thanksgiving to “Kabunian.”
Today, it is an annual event celebrated to
Figure 45: Bendian Festival
showcase the Ibaloi Culture of the municipality.
The festival is celebrated every April to May in
Kabayan, Benguet. Bendian is performed for
many reasons. Some of which are to heal a prolong illness, relieve natural calamities such
as famine and drought, and to celebrate a bountiful harvest.

Tung oh Hungduan (Hungduan, Ifugao) April

17-19

A cultural festival celebrated yearly every third

week of April, which lasts for about 3-4
days. “Tungoh” refers to the rest period in the

duan
traditional agricultural cycle, which is usually after the planting season, while “Hungdu”
means “a stopping place” for travellers

Imbayah Festival (Banaue, Ifugao)

The word imbayah itself comes from the Ifugao

word bayah, or rice wine, which signifies
nobility and high stature in the
community.During the festival, rice wine
from antique Chinese jars overflows and a Figure 47: Imbayah Fesatival
banquet is arranged for the mortals and the
gods. The Ifugao elderly say that this
celebration has been their way of thanksgiving and is a season of fun after a bountiful
harvest.

Fortan Festival (Barlig, Mountain Province)

June 16-19

It means“preserving our culture”. The

community people celebrate it with different
kinds of activities and games performed.
At the “Fortan Festival,” games like tug-of-
war are given local flavor, not only because they
are christened with names
like “eenat” and “sangkor” respectively.

Matagoan Festival (Tabuk City, Kalinga) June 21-

24

The trade fair is the destination through the

whole week to check out the array of woven
textiles used in wearable and functional pieces.
The Kalinga skirt or tapis stands out among the Figure 49: Matagoan Festival
 other Cordillera weaves because it is embellished with mother of pearl beads or other
contemporary beads that dangle and sway as one walks. The basket weaving and bamboo
crafts of Kalinga were also displayed and sold, not to forget the sturdy soft brooms too.

Adivay Festival (Province-wide, Benguet)

November

An Agri-Tourism festival focused on

rediscovering the rich history, culture, arts,
trades and industries of Benguet. It was
conceptualized to gather all the tribes of
l
Benguet and come together to share their
cultural beliefs and practices. It was also a way
of strengthening the tourism industry and allowing the increase of business employment
opportunities.
X. PRODUCT

A. Delicacies with Sampling

ETAG OR KINIING
This is salted meat that's preserved by either
drying it under the sun or smoking it. Yes, it's
basically ham. Igorots usually don't cook and
eat them as is. The meat is mostly used as an
added ingredient forpinikpikan. It also tastes
great when cooked alongside white or black
G
beans or any other legume. The preservation
process is also very efficient that the dried meat can last for months or years if stored
properly.

TAPEY (OR TAPUY, TAPUEY)
This is the Igorot people's version of the
Japanese sake (rice wine). The great thing
 about tapey is that its taste depends on the amount of time it spent inside the fermentation
jar. The older the wine gets, the more bitter it becomes. Tapey that are a few weeks or a few
months old have the fresh and sweet taste attributed to rice wine. If the aging time goes
beyond a year, the taste drastically changes. The liquid starts tasting like whiskey or
brandy. 

PINIKPIKAN 
is a common soup dish among the provinces in
the Cordillera Region. However, instead of
using native chicken, Apayao's version of
Pinikpikan found its taste with native ducks. It
is much more tastier and gives a much stronger
soupy taste according to the locals.

ABUOS 
Abuos or the eggs of big red ants is a famous exotic food in
Abra especially during the summer season. These are
collected through poking hole in the treetop nests of the red
ants. Abuos are then sauteed together with garlic, onions, and
tomatoes. Because of its rich and tangy taste, it is indeed a
rare delicacy one should try!

SINUMAN AND PATUPAT

Sinuman and Patupat are the local version of
rice cakes in Abra. The taste is even
comparable to a world-class dessert! Sinuman
is a triangular-shaped rice cake that is served
as it is. Patupat on the other hand is served
ATUPAT with muscovado sugar.
 STRAWBERRY JAM
Baguio Strawberry Jam, Honey & Nuts –
Products That Taste No Less Than Real Fruits.
The jams are widely common in all parts of the
world. Baguio Strawberry Jam has a special
name to it for its quality and taste. Made of
M fresh premium whole berries, it is fine to taste.

PEANUT BRITTLE

One of the negative comments about Baguio’s Peanut brittle

is how they package the product. Consumers feel as if they’ve
been ripped off by thinking as if the container is filled with
peanut brittle yet opening the container, they would see it
was hollow inside. A popular product to choose was the
PEANUT Romana peanut brittle, which uses whole peanuts and the
TLE
containers are really filled inside. 
B. Crafts and Pasalubong
CLOTH WEAVING
One of the most precious living traditions that
are still kept until today is weaving. Originating
in the precolonial times, the art of weaving of
the Cordillera tribal groups in the North is still
existing despite the threat of the more practical
G mass production of cloth. The natives use
backstrap loom to produce blankets and articles of clothing.
 BASKET WEAVING

Baskets are mainly used by the Cordilleras for

their occupation. They use them as a storage for
their food when they need to go to mountain
terraces to cultivate their lands. 

A basket is needed for carrying grains, hunting

animals, and fishing in the streams. Baskets
made of bamboo become their fish traps; the shape and size of baskets are according to the
kind of fish they want to catch. 

LOCAL WOVEN PRODUCTS MAKE GAINS

Paracelis has its unique Balladang woven
materials resplendent in red and bright
pinkish colors accompanied with small white
beads. Sagada weaves, just like traditional
Bontoc weaves have bright colors of red and
green in their woven products including tapis,
bags and wallets. Sadanga highlights the blue color. Sabangan and Bauko specialize in table
linens with shades of orange, blue and white. Besao produces woven wall decors.

THE BAMBOO SPLIT WEAVERS

The Tingguians, also called Isneg, are engaged
in various crafts. The most important of which
is bamboo crafts production. It is for this
reason that Abra is aggressively positioning
itself as the “Bamboo Capital of the
O SPLIT
Philippines”.
XI. Tourist Attractions

A. Religious Sites

Name/ Location Description Picture

Baguio Cathedral One of the familiar landmarks

in Baguio. The structure with its twin
(Benguet)
spires and one hundred steps sits on
top of a small hill in the heart of the
city, offering churchgoers and visitors
a chance to get a bird’s eye view of the
entire commercial hub. It was opened
to the public last November 25, 1990 Figure 1: Baguio Cathedral
during the Christ the King celebration.

Bell Temple This cluster of temples is

located on the border of Baguio City
(Benguet)
and Trinidad Valley. Its exotic oriental
architecture features pagoda roofs, an
ornate gateway, dragon ornaments
and Buddha guarded windows that
gaze from atop a hill. The Bell Temple
priest practices a mixture of
Buddhism, Taoism, Confucianism and Figure 2: Bell Church
Christianity. One may even try having
his fortune told.
Lourdes Grotto This is a religious shrine
housing the image of the Lady of
(Benguet)
Lourdes. About 252 steps lead to this
shrine where pilgrims brave the steep
climb to offer sacrifices, devotion and
prayers. One is also regarded with a
beautiful panoramic view of the city.
Figure 3: Lourdes Grotto
Sagada Sagada, a small uphill village
in the Mountain Province, was like
(Mountain
any other towns in the Philippines. It
Province)
has a church nearby the town hall. But
the church, more commonly known as
the Stone Church of Sagada, was not of
any Spanish descent.
Figure 4: Stone Church
Abra National This museum houses a
Museum Tayum collection of coins and paper money as
well as a large collection of Philippine
(Abra)
gold artifacts and prehistoric pottery.

Figure 5: Abra National

Museum Tayum

Bangued Church Constructed in 1722, it is one

of the oldest churches in the area
(Abra)
showcasing the craftmanship of the
people who originally built it and of
those who had rebuilt it over the
years.

Figure 6: Bangued Church

Spanish Church This unnamed edifice is one of
the oldest Catholic churches in the
(Apayao)
Philippines.

Figure 7: Spanish Church

Baguio Cathedral One of the many religious

landmarks that dot the city, its pinkish
(Baguio City)
hue rise above the skyline.

Figure 8: Baguio Cathedral

 Naneng Catholic This church is one of the oldest
Church Tabul churches in the Cordilleras, known for
its beautiful architecture. Today it
(Kalinga)
serves as a retirement home for local
priests.

Figure 9: Naneng
Catholic Church

B. Natural (Island, Mountains, Flora & Fauna)

Name/ Location Description Picture

Asin Hot Springs Located 16 kilometers

northwest of Baguio. The resort’s
(Benguet)
main feature is a swimming pool
surrounded by thermal springs, has
vegetation and several hanging
bridges. It is an ideal respite for
travelers. Figure 10: Asin Hot
Springs
Mount Sto. Tomas A trek up to the Mount Sto. Tomas
is a hikers’ delight. The peak is 7,5000
(Benguet)
feet high and commands a majestic
view of mountain, sea and valley. The
mountain can be reached by foot or by
vehicle. Figure 11: Mount Sto.
Tomas
The Halsema Crop terraces viewed from the
Highway highest highway in the Philippines,
the Halsema Highway. The highest
(Benguet)
mountain range in the Philippines
happens to have one of the most
scenic drives in the country. The
highway even climbs up to 2,200
Figure 12: The Halsema
meters above sea level in a section of
Highway
the road near Atok in Benguet.

Mount Pulag Mount Pulag rewards trekkers

with the most spectacular view of its
(Benguet)
sea of clouds. Being the highest peak in
the Philippine Cordilleras and on
Luzon island and the second highest
peak (or third, depending on which
survey you follow) in the Philippines,
Mount Pulag attracts trekkers far and
Figure 13: Mount Pulag
wide. The peak features seemingly
barren terrain full of dwarf bamboo
and no tall trees or shrubs.
Hanging Coffins The small town of Sagada in the
(Benguet) Philippine Cordilleras has often been
described as Baguio many years ago. I
cannot say that for certain as I never
saw what they were many years ago.
What I can say is that the distinctive
customs of the locals of Sagada here
such as hanging the coffins of their
dead on the side of the cliff are worth Figure 14: Sagada

coming here.

Banaue Rice No other image best represents the

Terraces Philippine Cordilleras other than the
(pronounced rice terraces which generations of local
bah-nah-weh) Ifugao people have constructed here in
a bid to temper the land that they have
(Benguet)
been given. The grand green terraces
are indeed a sight to behold that
UNESCO noticed and named it a World
Heritage Site. Banaue is just the jump- Figure 15: Banaue Rice
off point. Terraces
Kili Falls & Hot Kili Falls is one of many beautiful
Spring places in Abra that you can visit all year

(Abra) round. The main attraction here is not

just the waterfall. Hidden behind the
main cascade is a hot spring that flows
into an icy-cold river. The locals had Figure 16: Kili Falls &
made a wading pool beside it.
Hot Spring

Burial Caves This burial caves are definitely

getting a lot of attention especially to
(Mountain
foreign tourists. The site is an ancient
Province)
burial ground with coffins hanging.
This incredible site is in the
municipality of Sagada which is
nineteen kilometers west from Bontoc. Figure 17: Burial Caves

Rice Terraces The pride of the Sagada people is

their rice terraces which is as
(Mountain
magnificent as the Banaue Rice
Province)
Terraces.

Barlig This is a village which is popular for its Figure 18: Rice Terraces
basket weaving. Other weaving houses
(Mountain
found in Mt. Province are the Samoki
Province)
Weaving House, Sabanagan Loom
Weaving and Sagada Weaving House.

Figure 19: Barlig

Lomiyang Cave A big cave where piles of coffins
of the town's ancestors are kept.
(Mountain
Province)

Figure 20: Lomiyang

Cave Sagada

C. Man Made

Name/ Location Description Picture

Botanical It is also called the Igorot

Gardens village, which used to feature native
huts typical of Cordillera architecture.
(Benguet)
This village captures the ethnic spirit
and cultural legacy of the Igorot
dweller. The garden is also a site
of cultural presentations and other Figure 21: Botanical

tribal meetings. Gardens

Burnham Park It is the oldest of all Baguio

parks. One can unwind from the
(Benguet)
tension of the day-to-day bustle by
biking, skating or simply reflecting on
the day’s experiences amid a soothing
backdrop of colorful flowers.
Figure 22: Burnham Park
Camp Johnhay It is still the extraordinary
beautiful base, which the American
(Benguet)
forces turned over last July 1, 1991 to
the Philippine government. It is now
open to the public. Its
excellent cottages, golf courses,
bowling lanes, dining places and
Figure 23: Camp Johnhay
natural ambience are all preserved and
maintained.

Mines View in Appropriately named for its

Benguet breathtaking views of mountain ranges
and Baguio’s “mineral bowl” where
gold, silver and other ores were once
quarried. There are now numerous
souvenir shops around the park
offering such items as woodcarvings,
woven cloth, ashtrays, shell products Figure 24: Mines View
and other curio items.

Wright Park It is sometimes mistakenly called

“Ride Park” by some who identify this
(Benguet)
pine tree park reserve for its kiddy
horse rides. A long stairway leads to
the “Pool of the Pines”, a 100 meter
long pool of water lined on both sides
by the famous Baguio towering pine. Figure 25: Wright Park
D. Historical

Name/ Location Description Picture

Kennon Road Kennon Road is the

shortest and the most scenic
(Benguet)
highway linking Baguio and
the lowlands. This was
named after Col. Lyman W.
Kennon who was its final
builder. The industrious
Cordilleras and foreign Figure 26: Kennon Road
workers assisted him. The
road was substantially
finished in 1903.

Teachers Camp It was through the

vacation normal school that
(Benguet)
teachers from all over the
islands were able to have a
respite and have some time
for studies. In a letter to the
Secretary of Public Figure 27: Teachers Camp
Instruction, Governor
William Pack outlined his
plan to set up a camp in
Baguio where teachers can
be accommodated. The plan
was approved on January 8,
1908 and was opened on
April 6, 1908.
Mansion House The imposing and
majestic Baguio Mansion
(Benguet)
House has housed a long list
of Filipino presidents and
American governor-
generals. It has an elegantly
structured building and
Figure 28: Mansion House
guesthouse. Its gate is
patterned after that of
London’s Buckingham
Palace.

Philippine Military The Philippine Military

Academy Academy is the Philippine’s
premier military institution.
(Benguet)
It has complete training and
educational facilities to mold
the future officers of the
Armed Forces of Figure 29: Philippine
the Philippines. Military Academy

National Museum The Kabayan Branch

Museum was established to
(Benguet)
ensure the proper
implementation of P D. 260
which declares the Kabayan
Mummy Caves of Kabayan,
Figure 30: National
Benguet a National Cultural
Museum
Treasure
E. Cultural

Name/ Location Description Picture

Woodcarvers Village Along the way to Asin,

about 5 kms from the city, is
(Benguet)
an Ifugao wood carving
village, which sells beautiful
carved curio items at very
low prices. Figure 31: Woodcarvers

Village

Saint Louis Filigree Shop A handicraft shop

specializing in silver
(Benguet)
jewelry and other filigree
products. Some of the
craftsmen are only high
school students. This shop is
in the center of the city and
Figure 32: Saint Louis
was established in 1916. Filigree Shop

Eco-Parks of Bangbangcag The eco-parks of

Bangbangcag, Bucay, are
(Abra)
made colorful with recycled
materials in support of the
Ecological Solid Waste
Program of the DENR. There
are seven sitios of
Figure 33: Eco-Parks of
Bangbangcag competing for Bangbangcag
the best eco-park of the
barangay.
Alab Petroglyph Alab A huge rock with bows and
arrows and human beings
(Mountain Province)
etched on its surface. The
etching of human beings are
believed to be images of
warriors burried in the
Ganga Cave at the foot of the
Figure 34: Alab
mountain where the rocks
Petroglyph Alab
Stands.

F. Special Interest

Name/ Location Description Picture

Apo Whang Od The oldest tattoo

artist in the world, and the
(Kalinga)
first female tattoo artist in
the Philippines, Whang-Od
isn’t so much an inspiration
as an institution—as much a
part of the ButBut tribe’s
Figure 50: Apo Whang-Od
culture and history as the
ancient Kalinga
mountainside they call
home.
 Fowa-as Falls In between Bontoc and
Tinglayan is Sadanga, a
(Mountain Province)
quaint town of Mountain
Province overshadowed by
its more popular neighbors
including Sagada, Bontoc
and Tinglayan. Unknown to
Figure 51:  Fowa-as Falls
many, it is home to some of
the most beautiful rice
terraces in the province. The
rice terraces of Betwagan
and Anabel that can be seen
along the highway linking
Bontoc and Tinglayan are
just samplers.