Kalinga People

History

Located in the northern Philippines' Cordillera Mountain Range, the 3,282.58 square
kilometer Kalinga province is home to the indigenous ethnic population known as the
Kalinga people. However, some have moved to areas like Abra, Mountain Province,
Cagayan, and Apayao.

The term "Kalinga," which comes from the Gaddang and Ibanag languages, means
"headhunter." In the past, headhunting was considered a noble activity that represented
courage. Men respected and women respected soldiers who adorned themselves with tattoos
as symbols of social status in their warrior society.

Six ethnolinguistic tribes - the Ibaloy, Kankana-ey, Ifugao, Kalinga, Apayao/Isneg, and
Bontoc - inhabit the rugged terrain of the Cordillera Region in the Northern Philippines.
These tribes are collectively referred to as "Igorot," a term derived from the root word
"golot," which signifies mountain.

The indigenous community in the Philippines referred to as the Kalingas are recognized for
their tall stature, slender build, dark complexion, and prominent high-bridged noses. Their
physical appearance often evokes the image of warriors due to their robust, muscular bodies,
reflecting their martial attributes.

Disruption or breach of the bodong peace pacts leads to tribal conflicts and warfare.
One of the most esteemed and impactful institutions among the Kalinga people is the bodong.
It represents a treaty or accord between two tribes, setting forth the Pagta, which are
regulations governing the relations between these tribes.

The bodong serves as the Magna Carta for the Kalingas.

According to the National Commission on Culture and the Arts, the Kalinga ethnic group is
segmented into 31 sub-tribes. These sub-tribes inhabit the eight municipalities within the
Kalinga province.

GEOGRAPHICAL LOCATION
Covering an area of 3,231.25 square kilometers (1,247.59 sq. mi.), Kalinga province is
situated at the heart of Luzon's Cordillera Administrative Region. It is bordered by Apayao to
the north, Cagayan to the northeast, Isabela to the east, Abra to the west, and Mountain
Province to the south.

The mountain ranges that make up the rough, undulating landscapes of Kalinga province
have peaks that range in elevation from 1,500 to 2,500 meters (4,900 to 8,200 ft). Its western
portion consists of solitary plateaus, valleys, steep slopes with sharply spaced peaks, and
flatlands. On the other hand, the majority of the eastern regions are composed of gently
sloping, rolling foothills.

The province's hilly areas harbor extensive tropical rainforests, while vast meadows suitable
for cattle grazing are situated in its lowlands. Elevated regions, particularly in the Balbalan
mountains on the western side, host some of Luzon's most unspoiled pine forests. Notably,
the mountainous territories of Balbalan, Lubuagan, Pasil, Pinukpuk, and Tanudan are
renowned for their rice terraces and are significant contributors to rice production in the area.

CLIMATE
Characterized by Type 3 weather patterns, the province experiences average temperatures
ranging from 17 to 22 °C (63 to 72 °F). The rainy season dominates the majority of the year,
typically occurring from July to October, with the heaviest rainfall during this period. In
contrast, the drought-prone period lasts from November to April.

HYDROLOGY
The province's main drainage system is the Chico River, which rises in the Mountain
Province and empties into the Cagayan River. One of its branches is the Bunog River near
Tinglayan. The Pasil River lies centrally, flanked by the Tanudan and Biga Rivers to the east,
and the Poswoy, Dao-angan, Mabaca, and Saltan Rivers to the west.

ADMINISTRATIVE DIVISIONS
The entirety of Kalinga is encompassed within a single legislative district comprising seven
municipalities and one city.
While Tabuk attained component city status in 2007, the Philippine Supreme Court
invalidated its cityhood in November 2008. However, on December 22, 2009, the Supreme
Court reinstated Tabuk's city status.