PCTG (Prelim Reviewer)
found in the western side, a tiny island
Philippines - It is the second largest
archipelago in the world with 7 ,641
islands, as announced by the National
Mapping and Resource Information
Authority (NAMRIA),
The Philippines currently has 81 provinces
and Metro Manila that comprise all 17
Regions of the country.
Its total land area is approximately
300,000 square kilometers which is an
archipelago within the two largest islands:
Luzon, 108, 171 square kilometers and
Mindanao, 99,078 square kilometers.
In 1521, the Spaniards came to the
islands on an expedition led by Ferdinand
Magellan. Initially called Las Felipinas,
after King Philip II, they later renamed it to
Las Islas Filipinas. With the coming of the
Spaniards came the spread of Christianity
the central and northern regions, with the
first mass held in Magallanes, Limasawa,
Southern Leyte on March 31, 1521.
The Philippines is made up of three main
islands: Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao
Luzon - The largest island in the
Philippines
Rio Grande de Cagayan or Cagayan River
- The longest and widest river in the
country
Mt. Pulag - The 3rd tallest in the country
Palawan - The island known to be the
Philippines’ Last Frontier,
Visayas - The Visayas has the smallest
geographical division of the 3 main parts
of the country
The Visayas is composed of 5 major
islands: Panay, Negros, Cebu, Samar and
Leyte
Mt. Kanlaon - the 9th tallest mountain in
the country located in island of negros.
Between negros oriental and occidental
1,260 Chocolate Hills can be found also in
Visayas
The world famous Boracay Island can be
close to the island of Panay. to the island
of Panay.
Mindanao - Dubbed as the “Land of
Promise” the country’s second largest
island is the southern boundary of this
country
In it you can find the top 2 tallest
mountains of this country, Mt. Apo and Mt.
Dulang Dulang
The island of Camiguin is also remarkable
in that in its tiny land area, with only 5
municipalities, it contains 7 active
volcanoes
The Pan-Philippine Highway known as
Maharlika Highways. It is also known as
Asian Highway 26 (AH26)
The Maharlika Highway strategically
connects the largest islands of the
country, namely the islands of Luzon,
Samar, Leyte, and Mindanao
The Philippine Nautical Highway System,
also the Road Rollon/Roll-off Terminal
System (RRTS) or simply the RoRo
System
There are 3 main commercial ports in
Metro Manila are:
-Manila North Harbor
-Manila South Harbor
-Manila International Container Terminal
All public ports are under the authority of
the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA), which
is under the Department of Transportation
(DOTr). The commercial ports are
classified into 3 categories:
-Large Ports - with 5 or more ferry lines
operating.
-Medium Ports - with 3 to 5 ferry lines
operating.
-Small Ports - 1 to 2 inter-island
operations.
Covering land and water travel, of course,
inter-island Philippine travel is also done
by air. The Civil Aviation Authority of the
Philippines (CAAP), under the DOTr,
manages the technical and standardized
aspects of airport operations.
International Airports - All of the airports
under this category include those that are
capable of handling international flights.
Principal Domestic Airport Class 1 - These
airports serve aircrafts with a capacity of
at least 100 seats.
Principal Domestic Airport Class 2 –
These airports serve propeller airplanes
with a capacity of, at least, 19 seats.
Community Airports – These are used
mostly for general aviation purposes like
serving private jets, medical flights, flight
training, and agricultural aviation.
The International Airports in the country
include:
1. Ninoy Aquino International Airport
(4 terminals: Pasay City, Metro
Manila)
2. Bacolod-Silay International Airport
(Silay. City, Negros Occidental)
3. Clark International Airport (Clark
Freeport Zone, Pampanga)
4. Puerto Princesa International
Airport (Puerto Princesa, Palawan)
5. Mactan-Cebu International Airport
(Lapu-Lapu City, Mactan Island,
Cebu)
6. Subic Bay International Airport
(Subic Bay Freeport Zone,
Zambales)
7. Francis Bangoy International
Airport (Davao City, Davao Del
Sur)
8. General Santos International
Airport (General Santos City,
South Cotabato)
9. Iloilo International Airport
(Cabatuan, Iloilo)
10. Bicol International Airport ( Daraga,
Albay)
11. Kalibo International Airport (Kalibo,
Aklan)
12. Laguindingan International Airport
(Misamis Oriental, Northern
Mindanao)
13. Laoag International Airport (Laoag
City, Ilocos Norte)
14. Zamboanga International Airport
(Zamboanga City)
15. Godofredo P. Ramos -
Caticlan/Boracay Airport (Caticlan
Aklan) - is considered a Principal
Domestic Airport Class 2 because
of its size but has been used for
international arrivals
The Philippines is a Republic with a
Presidential form of government. Power
and authority in government is equally
divided among its three branches:
EXECUTIVE, LEGISLATIVE, and the
JUDICIARY.
The Executive Branch of government is
led by the highest elected official in the
land, the President of the Republic of the
Philippines.
The Legislative Branch of government is
lead by the Senate President in the Upper
House and the Speaker of the House in
Congress, or the Lower House.
The Judiciary evaluates laws. They hold
the power to settle controversies involving
rights that are legally demandable and
enforceable.
Prof. Otley Beyer’s Wave Migration
Theory came in 4 Waves:
1st wave – Dawn man or cave men
2nd wave - pygmy and/or Negrito
3rd Wave – Indonesians
4th Wave – The Malays.
There is also a theory proposed by Peter
Bellwood, a professor of Archaeology,
which proposes that the Philippines is part
of the route included in the Austronesian
Migration Theory.
The Philippines has more than 175
languages and dialects which form part of
the regional languages group. These are
the languages of the, approximately, 110
ethno-linguistic groups (Indigenous
People) in the country. A few of these
languages and dialects are even spoken
in island communities.
Initially, there were twelve major
languages or lingua franca that were
identified to be the language of instruction.
But then the MTB-MLE Program of the
DepEd evolved and they have recognized
an additional seven languages, bringing
up the present total to 19 languages.
Teaching in the local language is intended
to raise the level of literacy throughout the
countryside and to all Filipino children, in
general, especially in their younger years.
These 19 languages are as follows and
the people who speak them are generally
located in these regions:
Aklanon (Akeanon)
• Northern part of Panay Island,
Region 6
Bikol
• Southernmost portion of Luzon,
Bicol, Region 5
Cebuano
• Second largest ethnolinguistic
group in the Philippines. 1/5 of the
Philippine population can speak a
variation of this. Sometimes
referred to as Bisaya by native-
speakers. Majority in Region 7 of
the Visayas, with some in Region 6
and 8; and many provinces in
Mindanao.
Chavacano
• A Spanish based creole language
based in Zamboanga City and
areas in the peninsula, Region 9.
Hiligaynon (Ilonggo)
• Bisaya group of Austronesian
languages in Panay Island and
some areas of Negros, Region 6.
Ibanag
• An Austronesian language spoken
in the northeastern provinces of
Luzon, namely: Isabela and
Cagayan, especially in
Tuguegarao, Solana, Abulug,
Cabagan, and Ilagan, Region 2.
Ilocano
• Austronesian Malayo-Polynesian
language spoken in Northern
Luzon; the third most spoken
language in the country, Region 1.
Ivatan
• Still Austronesian Malayo-
Polynesian in origins, this is
spoken by a small population of
inhabitants in Batanes, Region 2. It
is said they have included Ivatan in
the studies to protect the language
from “dying”, Region 2.
Kapampangan
• One of the 8 major languages in
the country, this is heavily used in
all of Pampanga and southern
Tarlac, Region 3.
Kinaray-a
• Spoken in Panay Island, mostly in
the provinces of Antique.
Maguindanao
• Spoken in the provinces of
Maguindanao, South Cotabato,
Sarangani, Zamboanga del Sur,
Zamboanga SIbugay, covering
areas in Region 9, 12 and
BARMM.
Maranao
• Lanao del Norte and Lanao del Sur
provinces in Mindanao in the
Philippines, Region 10. This is also
the language spoken in its
neighboring area of Sabah.
Pangasinan
• Spoken by the Pangasinense, it is
the official language of the
province of Pangasinan, Region 1.
Sambal
• Spoken mainly in Zambales,
Region 3, along with
Kapampangan and Pangasinan.

Surigaonon
• Spoken in Surigao del Norte,
Surigao del Sur, Agusan del Norte,
and Agusan del Sur, Region 13
CARAGA.
Tagalog
• About ¼ of the Philippine
population speaks Tagalog. This is
the language on which Filipino, the
declared lingua franca and national
language of the country, was
crafted. Its Austronesian Malayo-
Polynesian foundation makes it
very similar to the other widely
spoken languages in the country.
This is heavily used in the National
Capital Region, Regions IVA, IVB
and the default language in the
island of Luzon, and more or less,
all over the country.
Tausug
• Also referred to as Bahasa Sug, it
is spoken in the province of Sulu at
the BARMM and used in
neighboring Sabah.
Waray
• Used widely in the Samar and
Leyte provinces, Region 8.
Yakan
• Austronesian language primarily
spoken on Basilan Island,
BARMM, the native language of
the Yakan people, the indigenous
as well as the largest ethnic group
on the island.
Climate
This tropical country experiences, in
varying degrees, its 2 seasons all
throughout the year: the wet or rainy
season and the dry season.
The lower eastern side of the country:
Bicol, Samar, Leyte and Surigao provinces
have no clear dry season. It is just wet and
very wet seasons from November to
January.
UNESCO stands for the United Nations
Educational, Scientific and Cultural
Organization
There are six (6) UNESCO World Heritage
Sites in the Philippines. They are
categorized in two (2) ways: Cultural or
Man-Made Sites and the Natural Sites:
3 MAN MADE SITES
-Rice Terraces of the Philippine
Cordilleras
-Historic Town of Vigan
-4 Baroque Churches of the Philippines
These 4 churches are the:
-Nuestra Senora dela Asuncion – Santa
Maria, Ilocos Sur
-Church of the Immaculate Conception of
San Agustin – Intramuros, Manila
-Church of San Agustin – Paoay, Ilocos
Norte
-Church of Santo Tomas de Villanueva –
Miag-ao, Iloilo
3 NATURAL SITES
-Tubbataha Reef National Marine Park
-Puerto Princesa Underground River
National Park
-Mount Hamiguitan Range Wildlife
Sanctuary (Davao Oriental)
Rice Terraces of the Philippine Cordilleras
- The 5 Terrace Clusters included in
UNESCO’s list are located in Batad,
Bangaan, Hungduan, Mayoyao Central
and Nagacadan
Region 1 –Ilocos Region
Provinces Capital
Ilocos Norte Laoag City
Ilocos Sur Vigan City
La Union San Fernando
Pangasinan Lingayen
Region II -Cagayan Valley Mandaluyong San Juan
Provinces Capital Marikina Taguig
Batanes Basco Muntinlupa Valenzuela
Cagayan Valley Tuguegarao City Navotas
Isabela Ilagan
Nueva Vizcaya Bayombong Region IVA -CALABARZON
Quirino Cabarroguis Provinces Capital
Batangas Batangas City
CAR: Cordillera Administrative Region Cavite Imus
Provinces Capital Laguna Santa Cruz
Abra Bangued Quezon Lucena City
Apayao Kabugao Rizal Antipolo City
Benguet La Trinidad
Ifugao Lagawe Region IVB -MIMAROPA
Kalinga Tabuk Provinces Capital
Mountain Province Bontoc Marinduque Boac
Mindoro Occidental Mamburao
Region III -Central Luzon Mindoro Oriental Calapan
Provinces Capital Palawan Puerto Princesa
Aurora Baler Romblon Romblon
Bataan Balanga City
Bulacan Malolos City Region V – Bicol Region
Nueva Ecija Palayan City Provinces Capital
Pampanga San Fernando Albay Legazpi City
Tarlac Tarlac City Camarines Norte Daet
Zambales Iba Camarines Sur Pili
Catanduanes Virac
National Capital Region –16 cities and Masbate Masbate City
1municipality
Sorsogon Sorsogon City
Caloocan Paranaque
Manila Pasay
Las Pinas Pasig
Pateros Makati
Malabon Quezon City
Region VI- Western Visayas Region X - Northern Mindanao
Provinces Capital Provinces Capital
Aklan Kalibo Bukidnon Malay balay
Antique San Jose de Buenavista Camiguin Mambajao
Capiz Roxas City Lanao del Norte Tubod
Guimaras Jordan Misamis Occidental Oroquieta
Iloilo Iloilo City Misamis Oriental Cagayan de Oro
Negros Occidental Bacolod
Region XI - Davao Region
Region VII- Central Visayas Provinces Capital
Provinces Capital Davao de Oro Nabunturan
Bohol Tagbilaran Davao del Norte Tagum
Cebu Cebu City Davao del Sur Digos
Negros Oriental Dumaguete City Davao Occidental Malita
Siquijor Siquijor City Davao Oriental Mati

Region VIII –Eastern Visayas Region XII-SoCCSKSarGen

Provinces Capital Provinces Capital
Biliran Naval South Cotabato Koronadal
Eastern Samar Borongan City Cotabato Kidapawan
Northern Samar Catarman Sultan Kudarat Isulan
Samar Catbalogan City Sarangani Arabel
Leyte Tacloban City
Southern Leyte Maasin City Region XIII–CARAGA
Provinces Capital
Region IX – Zamboanga Peninsula Agusan del Norte Cabadbaran
Provinces Capital Agusan del Sur Prosperidad
Zamboanga del Norte Dipolog City Dinagat Islands San Jose
Zamboanga del Sur Pagadian City Surigao del Norte Surigao City
Zamboanga Sibugay Ipil Surigao del Sur Tandag
BARMM - Bangsamoro Autonomous
Region in Muslim Mindanao
Provinces Capital
Basilan Lamitan City
Lanao del Sur Marawi
Maguindanao Buluan
Sulu Jolo
Tawi-tawi Bongao
THE DEPARTMENT OF TOURISM (DOT)
Current DOT Secretary - Maria Esperanza
Christina Garcia Frasco
DOT ATTACHED
Duty Free Philippines Corporation - is
tasked to operate the duty-and tax-free
merchandising system in the Philippines
Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise
Zone Authority (TIEZA)
shall be a body corporate which shall:
• designate, regulate and supervise the
Tourism Enterprise Zones with the primary
objective of encouraging investments
• develop, manage and supervise tourism
infrastructure projects
• ensure strict compliance of the TEZ
operator with the approved development
plan
The Philippine Retirement Authority (PRA)
- is a government owned and controlled
corporation created by virtue of Executive
Order No. 1037, signed by former
President Ferdinand E. Marcos on 04 July
1985 PRA is mandated to develop and
promote the Philippines as retirement
haven as a means of accelerating the
social and economic development of the
country, strengthening its foreign
exchange position at the same time
providing further best quality of life to the
targeted retirees in a most attractive
package
Intramuros Administration (IA) - is a
National Government Agency attached to
the Department of Tourism of the
Philippines. Under Presidential Decree
No. 1616, IA is responsible for the orderly
restoration and development of Intramuros
as a monument to the Hispanic period of
Philippine history.
Philippine Commission on Sports Scuba
Diving - By the virtue of the Letter of
Instruction no.745 issued Sept 29, 1978
the Philippine Commission on the
Promotion and Development of Sports
SCUBA Diving was created by then,
Former President Ferdinand E. Marcos.
The Commission is hereby mandated to:
1. Promulgate programs and projects
geared to the development of the country
as a premier diving area in Asia.
2. Formulate rules, regulations, safety
standards and operating procedures to
implement the development of Sports
SCUBA Diving.
3. The Commission shall undertake
studies, researches and surveys for
possible incentives to the private sector
who may wish to undertake projects and
programs beneficial to the development of
SCUBA Diving Tourism within the
framework of related Presidential Decrees.
4. The Commission is expressly directed
to formulate and implement programs on
marine conservation, particularly those
areas of high touristic value
National Parks Development Committee -
As an attached agency of the Department
of Tourism, the National Parks
Development Committee is tasked to
develop, preserve, and manage Rizal and
Paco Parks in Manila and other parks that
may be assigned to NPDC.
The Nayong Pilipino Foundation (NPF) -is
a Government-owned and Controlled
Corporation created under Presidential
Decree no. 37, issued last November 6,
1972. It was established with the purpose
of promoting and encouraging research
and development projects on social
sciences, humanities, and other related
fields.
REGION 1: Ilocos Region
La Union: Pilgrimage Center of North
Luzon
Basilica Minore of Our Lady of Charity
(Our Lady of Agoo) Pilgrimage site of
Marian devotees
Ilocos Norte: The Best of Culture and
Nature
La Paz Sand Dunes – an 85 sq. kms.
protected desert and coastal sandy area
which has been used for shooting several
local Filipino movies. It is an ideal place
for sandboarding and adventures riding
the steep slopes on a 4x4 truck
Malacañang of the North - Built as the
official residence of former President
Ferdinand E. Marcos in Ilocos Norte, this
imposing structure, which overlooks the
legendary Paoay Lake, is now a museum.
Church of San Agustin – A
UNESCOWorld Heritage Site. Built of
coral bloc ks and stuccoplastered bricks,
the architecture is a unique combination of
Gothic, Baroque and Oriental.
Construction of the church was started in
1704 and completed in 1894
Pagudpud Beach - The beautiful white
sand beaches referred to as the Boracay
of the North fronts the West Philippine Sea
(SouthChina Sea).
The Bangui Windmills or Turbines lies
fronting Bangui Bay - Owned by the North
Wind Power Corporation. Development
Phase 1 had 15 turbines installed.
completed in 2008, Phase 2 added 5
more.
Juan Luna Shrine - Located in Badoc,
Ilocos Norte, it is a building made of brick
and clay which features highlights of hero
Juan Luna’s achievements and works of
art.
Cape Bojeador - Built in 1892 , it is said to
be the tallest lighthouse in the Philippines.
Also known as the Burgos Lighthouse, it is
cultural heritage site that was built to
ensure safety of seafarers on the coasts of
the South China Sea.
The Kapurpurawan Rock Formation -
located in Burgos, is known for its creamy
white, sculpted limestone formations,
which have been formed by different
oceanic tides and weather forces.
The Patapat Viaduct - also called the
Patapat Bridge, is a viaduct at the
municipality of Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte,
the northernmost tip of Luzon Island in the
Philippines. This concrete coastal bridge is
1.3 km long and connects the Maharlika
Highway from the Ilocos Region to
Cagayan Valley
Ilocos Sur: Heritage Village of the
Philippines
Ancestral Houses Along Calle Crisologo -
These houses have tile roofs, massive
hardwood floorings, balustrades and
azoteas in varying Spanish-Mexican-
Chinese architectural styles.
Plaza Salcedo - In this elevated elliptical
plaza it highlights theSalcedo Monument,
known to be the oldest in the North
Pagburnayan - The Ilocano clay jar called
"burnay" is used for storing the (local
(local vinegar), wine) bagoong (fish suka
basi and sauce) and has also been used
as a decorative item in household interiors
and outdoor landscapes. The production
process still utilizes pre-historic a tradition
on from to methods, passed generation to
generation
Padre Burgos House - This museum is the
ancestral house and birthplace of priest
patriot Fr. Jose Burgos. Known as Padre
Burgos House, it is one of the notable
historic structures of Vigan
SUNDIAL (right) Built by the Spaniards in
1841 and 1948, these two sundials, one in
front of the Tagudin Municipal Hall and the
other at the courtyard of the church, are
still in use.
Moro Watch Tower - It is the oldest
landmark in San Esteban.This is a
vanguard against approaching pirates.
Sulvec Watch Tower - This sturdy
magnificent structure was built by the
Spaniards as a lookout point for invaders.
Bantay Church and Bantay BellTower-
Standing “guard” atthe entrance ofVigan is
this church which features sturdy
earthquake proof baroque and Gothic-
influenced architecture. Beside it, like a
sentinel, stands tallthe Bantay BellTower
which provides a scenic view over the
historic city. These were established in
1590, among the oldest in the Ilocos
region.
Nuestra Senora de La Asuncion - one of
two UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the
province of Ilocos Sur. The Santa Maria
Church is a complex art of clay bricks and
mortar, located on top of a hill. The
buttresses on its side a feature similar to
that of the other UNESCO World Heritage
baroque churches in the country, in Paoay
and Miag-ao.
Tirad Pass - Declared as a National
Shrine, this is the historical site of The
Battle of Tirad Pass where the army was
led by the youngest Filipino General
Gregorio del Pilar
Lapog Bay - Saoang in San Juan, Ilocos
Sur, a part of Lapog Bay. In history, it
reportedly had 34 Japanese warships that
anchored at the Bay. Most of the warships
left the Bay on October 17, 1944, close to
the end of the SecondWorldWar
Pangasinan: Hundred Islands and
Hundred Flavors
Bangus Festival - DagupanCity
In Alaminos, Pangasinan one finds the
Lingayen Gulf where there are 124 islands
called the Hundred Islands
Cape Bolinao Lighthouse - The light house
which was built by the American in 1903
on a 300 feet high promontory at the
western part of Cape Bolinao still sends
signal to vessels passing by the area.
Church of St. James Fortress - Bolinao
Church was built by the Augustinians in
1609. It houses wooden statues are now a
rarity..
Minor Basilica of Our Lady of the Rosary
of Manaoag - is one where many Marian
devotees come to pay homage. There are
two feast days: the third Wednesday after
Easter and first Sunday of October.
Devotees believe her image is miraculous
and prayer intentions are heard here
REGION II: Cagayan Valley
- Babuyan Group of Islands which
includes the island province of Batanes, is
its northern boundary, which is not
attached to mainland Luzon. The Benham
Rise, renamed Philippine Rise, an extinct
under water volcanic ridge can be found
250 kilometers east of the province of
Isabela.
- The region is rich in coastal resources,
has a total of 5,640 hectares of mangrove,
15,437 hectares corals and 4,089
hectares of seagrasses. It is the fourth
largest region of the country accounting
for about nine percent of the national land
area
Cagayan: A True Spelunker’s Paradise
7-chambered caves in Penablanca -
Callao caves
PALAUI ISLAND PALAUI ISLAND - is a
protected landscape and seascape in an
island that is a declared national park in
the Santa Ana, Cagayan.
Iguig Calvary Hills - a 11-hectare complex
with larger than life size concrete 14
stations of the cross and St. James
theGreaterChurch
Sts. Peter and Paul Metropolitan
Cathedral- this is the seat of the
Archdiocese of Tuguegarao and home to
the largest Spanish-built church in the
region
Batanes: Land of the True Insulars
- Created by volcanic eruptions and
geologic activity, the northernmost and
smallest province of the Philippines, with
10 islands, with only 3 of them inhabited,
and 6 municipalities is the island province
of Batanes.
Honesty shop can be found in Batanes
SanJoseChurch - Ivana, Batanes is found
in Sabtang Island, standing for nearly 250
years
Isabela: Rice Granary of the North
Magat Dam - is a large rock-fill dam. It is
located on Magat River, a major tributary
of Cagayan River. Constructed in 1983,
Magat Dam is one of the largest dams in
the Philippines and has two primary
purposes: as a source of irrigation water
and as a provider of hydroelectric power
The Northern Sierra Madre Natural Park
(NSMNP) - was established in 1997. The
park is situated in the northern part of the
Sierra Madre Mountain Range. It covers
nearly 360,000 hectares. The area is
considered as one of the most biologically
rich in the Philippines. It is managed by
the Department of Environment and
Natural Resources.
Dibulo be Falls - can found in Dinapique,
Isabela. It is the tallest falls in the province
flowing from about 100 meters high.
The San Pablo Church in San Pablo town
- is the oldest church in the province, built
in 1624. It is a church within church ruins.
Its six-layer bell tower with a circular apex
made of adobe is the tallest in the region.
Butaka - is a handcrafted chair with long
"armrest" which is not used for the arms
but for the legs. Butaka is also known as
the "littlehospital"
Benham rise - is an undersea feature
located in Isabela
Nueva Vizcaya: Watershed Haven of the
North
St. Dominic Cathedral L - The first
cathedral in Nueva Vizcaya. Razed by fire
twice and rebuilt in the same old site, the
cathedral maintains the original façade
and as such a veritable treasure, a relic of
the past for its historic and aesthetic
remains of a proud Christian past.
St. Vincent Ferrer Church - is an 18th-
century Baroque church lo cated at Brgy.
Dopaj, Dupax del Sur. It was constructed
in the 16th century. It is Cultural by the
declared as a National Treasure National
Museum. It has an underground museum
that houses centuriesold artifacts, and the
statue of St. Vincent Ferrer, the town’s
patron saint. commonly referred to as
Dupax Church or Dupax del Sur Church
CapisaanCave -The 5 th longest cave
system in the country
Mt. Pulag - Using the trail of Ambaguio
town, a mountaineer terrain from
experiences different gradual ascent to
rugged trail under mossy forest and cold
temperature. Walk through bonsai forest
and on top, grassland of dwarfed bamboo
over a horizon of clouds. (the mountain
itself is part of Benguet, Nueva Vizcaya
and Ifugao)
Quirino: Forest Heartland of Cagayan
- The province is named after Elpidio
Quirino, the former President of the
Republic
Aglipay Caves - is a series of 38 caves,
seven of which have been developed as
tourist spots. Located in the midst of
rolling hills and verdant forests, the caves
boast of an underground river and well
preserved stalagmites and stalactites.
They interlink with each other and run to a
depth of 20 meters.
Bimmapor Rock Formation - is a
spectacular geological landscape of
massive limestone wall nestled along
Siitan River where it is a head water of
Cagayan Rivera
CORDILLERA ADMINISTRATIVE
REGION (CAR)
It is the country’s only land-locked region.
It has a mountainous topography and
dubbed as the “Watershed Cradle of North
Luzon” as it hosts nine major rivers that
provide continuous water for irrigation and
energy for Northern Luzon.
Presently, products of the region that they
are known to be the source of fresh
vegetables and flowers and aromatic
upland coffee. Woven materials from
indigenous communities and wood
carvings are also popular products
lowland people seek out in the area.
Abra: The Philippines Natural Dye Capital
- The place where Gabriela Silang, known
Philippines’ Joan took refuge from as the
of Arc, the pursuing Spanish forces during
the Ilocano Revolt
ABRA NATIONAL MUSEUM (Tayum) -
Houses a collection of coins and paper
money as well as a large collection of
Philippine gold artifacts and prehistoric
pottery
ABRA RIVER (large part of the province of
Abra) - Ideal for swimming and fishing, the
river also serves as the converging point
of all the rivers and streams in the nearby
provinces and is one of the largest in the
area.
Kimkimay Lake (Taquib,Villaviciosa) -
Legend says that beneath this lake lies a
village that was sunk by the gods as
punishment for its inhabitants.
LibtecUnderground River (Pidigan) -
Believed to be inhabited by mysterious
water creatures, this river is located inside
a cave and surrounded by extruding
stalagmites, making it both beautiful and
eerie
BanguedChurch (Bangued) - Built in 1722,
the church is one of the oldest churches
that evidently showcases the
craftsmanship of the locals over the years
of refurbishing.
GabrielaSilang Monument (Pidigan) - Built
to commemorate Gabriela Silang who led
the Ilocano Resistance against the
Spaniards in 1763 after the death of her
husband DiegoSilang.
TangadanTunnel (Tangadan) - Tangadan,
San Quintin, the 40 meter tunnel was built
in 1934 and took two years to complete.
The Allied forces tried to destroy the
tunnel twice to impede the advancing
Japanese soldiers during World War II but
it did not collapse. Also known as “usukan”
the tunnel is a popular landmark of the
province.
Tugot ni Angalo (Kabayuran) - Claimed to
be the real footprints of the legendary
giantAngalo, who is “Adam”in Abra
mythology.
Apayao: Cordillera’s Last Nature Frontier
- Apayao is said to be among the earliest
areas penetrated by the Spaniards in the
Cordilleras
Agamata National Park and Wildlife
(Calanasan) - A delaminated forestland
straddling the Ilocos Norte-Apayao
boundary. Ideal for hiking, camping,
nature tripping, and bird watching.
Apayao River (large part of the province of
Apayao) - Highly regarded by the locals as
it is unpolluted and pristine. This river
traverses six Apayao municipalities and
can be navigated by motor boat
Mt. Solo (Pudtol) - The highest peak in
Apayao. Good site for camping, nature,
tripping, and mountaineering
SpanishChurch - The unnamed edifice is
one of the oldest CatholicChurches in the
Philippines
Benguet - Salad Bowl of the Philippines
- Prior to the arrival of the Spaniards, the
tribes of Ibaloi and Kankana-ey from the
several native tribes that comprised the
Igorot were the dominant tribes who had a
flourishing trade with the lowlanders. The
township of Baguio became a chartered
city on September 01, 1909.
Mt. Pulag (Kabayan) - The highest
mountain in Luzon reaching 9,600 feet
where one can literally walk beyond the
clouds.
BaguioCathedral (BaguioCity) - One of the
many religious landmarks that dot the city,
its pinkish hue rise above the skyline.
Balatoc Mines (Balatoc Itogon) - The site,
complete with the still functioning
equipment, was transformed into a tourist
destination.
BAGUIOCITY - The Regional Center, is
also called Summer Capital ofthe
Philippines
Burnham Park (BaguioCity) - Named after
the city’s master planner Daniel Burnham
Camp John Hay (BaguioCity) - Formerly
the rest and recreation center of the
United States Armed Forces in the
Filipinos when the Americans left the
country in early 90s.
MinesView Park (BaguioCity) - The Park is
now known as a shopper’s haven where
you can load up on the province’s
bounties
National Museum (Kabayan) o Collections
of Ibaloi artcrafts, including well-preserved
mummified bodies
Philippine MilitaryAcademy Museum
(Loakan, BaguioCity) o Houses the
important relics such as cultural artifacts of
theCordilleras
Ifugao: Land of Eighth World Wonder
- Home of the famous Banaue Rice
Terraces
Banaue RiceTerraces (Banaue) - are
terraces that were carved mountains of
Banaue, the Philippines, by the into the
Ifugao, in ancestors of the indigenous
people. The terraces are occasionally
called the "Eighth Wonder of theWorld".
BangaanVillage (Banaue) - This village,
which seems to be located inside a huge
bowl, offers a panoramic view of the rice
terraces.
BatadVillage (Banaue) - Place to view the
rice terraces, in a formed like seats in an
amphitheater
HapaoVillage (Hungduan) – Affords some
of the oldest rice terraces in the area, as
well as a view of some of the most scenic
landscapes.
There are five (5) clusters of Rice
Terraces that are inscribed as part of the
UNESCO World Heritage Site. These are:
1. The Nagacadan terrace cluster in the
municipality of Kiangan, a rice terrace
cluster manifested in two distinct
ascending rows of terraces bisected by a
river;
2. The Hungduan terrace cluster that
uniquely emerges into a spider web;
3. The central Mayoyao terrace cluster
which is characterized by terraces
interspersed with traditional farmers’ bale
(houses) and alang (granaries);
4. The Bangaan terrace cluster in the
municipality of Banaue that backdrops a
typical Ifugao traditional village; and
5. The Batad terrace cluster of the
municipality of Banaue that is nestled in
amphitheatre-like semicircular terraces
with a village at its base.
Mount Amuyao (Between the boundary of
Banaue and Mayoyao) - rising 2702
meters above sea level, the mountain is
the 8th highest peak in the Philippines.
MountAnapawon (Centrally located in
Ifugao) - Considered the best camping site
in the province, this peak provides a
panoramic view of the Hungduan
municipality and the low lying
municipalities of Lagawe and Kiangan as
well as the rice terraces of Hingyon.
Kalinga: White Water Rafting Capital of
the North
- Derived from the Ibanag and Gaddang
word that means “Head Hunters”. -
Tattoos are a status symbol that men
respected and women admired
Balbalasang-Balbalan National Park
(Balbalan) - a protected area of the
Philippines located in the municipality of
Balbalan, Kalinga
Mt.Vinaratan (Dacalan,Southeast
Tanudan) - Legend says that
Kabunyan,the legendary god of the
Kalingas, hunted in the mountain range
Mt. Mating-oy Dinayao (Sleeping Beauty)
(Tinglayan andTanudan) - This mountain
range, which separates the two
municipalities ofTinglayan and Tanudan, is
said to be shaped like a woman’s body
stretched out facing the sky
Padcharao Lake (Pasil) - The name is
derived from the plants that abounds in
the lake called “chargo”
Chico Dam (Calanasan,Tabuk) -
Constructed by the National Irrigation
Administration, it is supposed to be one of
the largest dams in SoutheastAsia.
NanengCatholicChurch (Tabuk) - This Besao Sunset (Besao) - a spectacular
church is one of the oldest churches in the view of the sunset with its warm glowing
Cordilleras, known for its beautiful rays, sometime above a sea of clouds
architecture.
PAMBABATOK (Buscalan,Tinglayan) - An
endangered ancient tattooing technique
that chiefly constitutes hand-tapping to
create figures on the skin. o 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
RiceTerraces (Brgy,Tulgao
East,Tinglayan) - These are best viewed
from the National Highway Road, where
one can also get a sprawling view of the
different barangays of Tinglayan)
Ulalim Festival (Kalinga Day) (Kalinga) -
This annual celebration showcases the
cultural dances and customary traditions
of the Kalinga folk. It is held every
February 13 to 16
Mt. Province: “Weaver’s Paradise
- Spanish exploratory attempts to conquer
Mountain Province were made between
1566-1665. Subjugation of the area was
never achieved throughout the three
centuries of Spanish rule in the country
due to the fierce, war-like, and hostile
Igorots that intimidated the Spaniards.
AgriculturalStoneCalendar (Gueday,
Besao) - The calendar was made of 2
huge rocks situated side by side, leaving a
crevice at the middle where the rays of the
sun pass through only once a year
Alab Petroglyph (Alab, Bontoc) - A huge
rock with bows and arrows and human
beings etched on its surface
BontocVillage Museum (Bontoc) -
Museum that houses various ancient
artifacts and other indigenous items.
HangingCoffins (Sagada) - Showcases a
unique tradition of the people of Sagada
Sumaguing Cave (Sagada) - The largest
known cave system that can be explored
with cave guides