CORDILLERA ADMINISTRATIVE REGION

July 15, 1987 - President Corazon C. Aquino issued Executive Order 220 which created the
Cordillera Administrative Region
Cordillera - is a name given by the Spanish Conquistadors when they first saw the mountain
ranges. Meaning “knotted rope”, the Spanish term refers to jumbled rolls and dips of this long-
range traversing the northern Luzon Island.
Cordillera Central - is a massive mountain range situated in the northern central part of the
island of Luzon, in the Philippines.
- is a massive mountain range situated in the northern central part of the island of Luzon, in the
Philippines.”.
The Cordillera is both the highest and the single largest mass of mountains in the entire
Philippine archipelago.
The Cordillera region is very rich in natural resources. It is especially famed for its huge gold
deposits, pure stands of pine forest, and rich soils and water sources that have enabled its
people to sustain agriculture on mountainside rice terraces.

The Cordilleras
- The region is dubbed as the “Water Shed Cradle of North Luzon”.
- It is the country's only land-locked region
- Landlocked means that the Land is surrounded by other land and it has no shore or
anything else landlock means not alot of water but surrounded by mountains.
- Cordillerans ('people from the mountains') - group of indigenous people of Cordillera.
They are called as “Igorot
- IGOROTS
- The Bontoc live on the banks of the Chico River in the Central Mountain Province on the
island of Luzon.
- 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.
- 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 pugo
means hill.[9] 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 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 "Isneg" derives from itneg,
meaning inhabitants of the Tineg River. Apayao derives from the battle cry Ma-ap-ay-ao
 as their hand is clapped rapidly over their mouth. They may also refer to themselves as
Imandaya if they live upstream, or Imallod if they live downstream
- The Kalinga, also known as Limos or Limos-Liwan Kalinga, inhabit the drainage basin of
the middle Chico 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 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
-
The Cordilleras Major Festivals

 Panagbenga or Baguio Flower Festival

 The Ulalim Festival in Kalinga
 Lang-ay Festival in Mountain Province
 Banaue Imbayah Festival
 Tabuk Matagoan Festival.

INDUSTRIES:

 MINING -The region is abundant with mineral reserves. Includes metalic ores such as
gold, copper, silver, zinc, and non-metalic minerals like sand, gravel, and sulfur.
 AGRICULTURE
- Vegetable crop production is well developed in Benguet
- Rice Production in Ifugao and Abra
- Corn Production in Mountain Province and Kalinga
 TOURISM

ABRA PROVINCE
History:
SPANISH ERA
1818 - the Ilocos region, including Abra, was divided into Ilocos Norte and Ilocos Sur
1846 - Abra was created as a political-military province with Lepanto as a sub-province
American period
1908 - the Philippine Commission again annexed Abra to Ilocos Sur in an attempt to resolve
Abra's financial difficulties.
March 9, 1917 - the Philippine Assembly re-established Abra as a province

 Originally the area was called El Abra de Vigan ("The Opening of Vigan")
 Known as the “Natural Dye Capital of the Philippines”
  Natural dyes are extracted from the barks, leaves, fruits, and roots of these plants, and
used to color food, beverages, textiles, cosmetics, furniture, and pharmaceutical
products.

MAJOR INDUSTRIES

 Bamboo and Rattan craft making,

 The natural dye industry,
 Loom weaving,
 Embroidery
 Other popular industries are piggery and poultry, garment craft, and needlecraft.
TOURIST SPOT

 Don Mariano Marcos Bridge - along the Abra Kalinga National Road, third longest
bridge in the Philippines
 Tangadan Tunnel - a 40-meter tunnel along the Abra-Ilocos Sur National road.
 Don Teodoro Brillantes Family Museum - it is a private houses the collections and
mementos of the Brillantes family with a strong manifestation of the Spanish culture.
 Abra River - This is the biggest, longest and most popular river among the numerous
rivers criss-crossing the valleys of the province. It is where all the rivers and streams
congregate together. This is a perfect place for swimming and fishing
 Sibud-Sibud Cave - is located along the newly constructed road of Tineg, Abra,
Philippines.
 Tugot ni Angalo - Translated as “Footprints of Angalo” (the Adam in Abra mythology)
Found in Kabuyan, San Quintin. a perpetual monument of Angalo. The people believe
this is a real giant footprint in San Quintin, around fifteen meters long, five meters wide
and ten feet deep. On a clear day, it can be seen visibly even from a distance.

ABRA FESTIVAL

 Arya Abra - Celebrated every March 9. Celebrates the creation of the province Cupped
by a grand cultural parade depicting Abra in its historical stages starting, from the early
pre-Spanish era to the present times.
Arya! Abra means “Onward Abra.” It is a colorful celebration held in Bangued which is the
capital of Abra. The main activities of this festival includes Bamboo rafting along Calaba
river.

 Kawayan festival -means Bamboo Festival. It is the fiesta celebration of the provincial
government of Abra. Abrenians tagged their fiesta as Kawayan Festival because of
abundancy of bamboos in their region.
 Dapil Festival” is 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”, an equipment used in extracting the sugar cane
juice.
APAYAO PROVINCE
 Dubbed as “Cordillera’s Last Frontier for Nature Richness.”
 Here, underground rivers, majestic waterfalls, magnificent lakes hug a unique land that
is replate with captivating caves, picture-pretty parks, and exotic wildlife.
HISTORY
1907 - Apayao and Itawes became separate sub-provinces. Itawes later became known as
Kalinga sub-province.
February 4, 1920 - Apayao and Kalinga became sub-provinces of the Mountain Province which
was created by Act 2772 of the same Philippine Commission.
June 18, 1966, R.A. 4695 was enacted by the Philippine Congress providing for the division of
the Mountain Province into four administrative provinces, resulted in the merging of Apayao and
Kalinga into one province known as Kalinga-Apayao for almost 30 years
In 1994, Congressman Elias K. Bulut filed the bill in Congress for the possible separation of
Kalinga and Apayao.
Major Industries

 Furniture
Garment Craft, Food processing, Gifts and house wares, Agricultural support

Apayao Tourist Attractions

 Apayao River - The unpolluted waters of Apayao River render fish and wildlife visible
along it banks. Along the river can be found an array of picture-pretty waterfalls that are
varying in sizes. Traversing six Apayao municipalities, from Calansan to Luna, Apayao
River is navigable by motorboat.
 The Lussok Crystal Cave is located in Luna, Apayao Philippines. It is a perfect
example aof the beauty of the natural wonders of the country. With its 3 room cave that
holds various stalagmite formations, it's a must see for anyone visiting Apayao
 Lizardo Brooks - Picturesque Lizardo Brooks is located in the municipality of Putdol.
 Anag-Sicapo Wildlife Sanctuary – where you can see various wildlife local to the area.
While it offers the temptation of seeing different animals in their own environment, the
hike to the sanctuary takes quite a while. To be exact, it’s about a ten hour hike. Plus,
there’s the four hour trip down to see Mt Sicapo. So if you have the time and truly want
to see Kabugao wildlife, then the trip will be well worth it.
 Spanish Church - Located at Barangay Mataguisa in Putdol is considered to be one of
the oldest in the Philippines.
 Spanish Church Ruins - The site of these church ruins is located at Barangay Emelia
in Putdol.
APAYAO FESTIVALS

 Annual Apayao Day Celebration (February 14) - Cultural and sports activities as well
as pageants.
 Say-Am-Talip-Tapadoc -A festival featuring ethnic songs, dances, and rituals
 Putdol Town Fiesta (every last Thursday, Friday, and Saturday of May) - Agro-trade
fair, pageant, and sports activities

BENGUET PROVINCE
Well-known for its mummy which contain natural mummified bodies
MAJOR INDUSTRIES

 Agriculture
 Mining
 Tourism

The highland province is known as the Salad Bowl of the Philippines due to its huge production
of upland vegetables.
Benguet is the homeland of several tribes, collectively referred to as the Igorot.

TOURIST SPOT

 Mt. Kalugong
– This is a low-lying mountain overlooking the La Trinidad Valley. You can reach it via
Tabangaoen (a sitio of barangay Balili) or via Tawang. A main feature of the mountain
are its various rock formations. Also in the area are tree swings, picnic tables and
traditionally-built houses which you can rent out at affordable fees. It’s a nice little place
to hike to and have a picnic with friends and family.
 The Longlong Communal Forest
– This is a stretch of wooded area in Puguis, La Trinidad. It also serves as a watershed. To
get there, you can either hike up there or take a taxi. The forest is a good place for small
walks and picnics. There’s also a small hut there which also serves as a view deck. From
the deck, you can see the entirety of the La Trinidad Valley below.

 The Strawberry Farm

– This is where majority of the famous Baguio strawberries are planted and harvested.
Strawberries are often associated with Baguio City but the fact is these are farmed in La
Trinidad. The farm occupies several hectares within Km 5 and Km 6. Near the farms are
dozens of stalls selling ripe and freshly-picked strawberries. You can go into the fields and
pick your own strawberries if you want. Strawberries aren’t the only plants being nurtured in
the farm. There are also flowers and various vegetables like cabbages and carrots
BAGUIO CITY
 Summer Capital of the Philippines
 Independent city within Benguet
 Regional Center of CAR
 Founded by the Americans in 1900 at the site of an Ibaloi village known as Kafagway.
 The name of the city is derived from the word bagiw in Ibaloi meaning “Moss”
Basic Facts
Total Land Area 57.51 km2
Total Population: 345,366(2015)
Polital Division: 120 Baranggays
Languages Spoken:

 Ibaloi
 Kankana-ey
 Tagalog
 English
 Pangasinense
 Ilocano
Baguio City: Tourist Attractions

 Baguio Cathedral - The rose-colored Baguio Catholic Cathedral, located on top of a hill
in the heart of the city, is one of the more familiar and most visited landmarks of Baguio.
- one of the most photographed buildings in the city.

 Baguio Country Club

- One of the oldest clubs in the Philippines
- Originally built as an exclusive playground to the elite vacationing Americans.
- An accommodation Facility that offers cottages and rooms
- Home of the Baguio Country Club Rasin Bread

 BenCab Museum
- Located in Tuba, Benguet
- houses our National Artist Ben Cabrera's art collection
- This is also where BenCab lives and where his actual workshop is located
- Exhibits include exciting contemporary artists in Manila

 Burnham Park - Baguio City's premier park

- Named in honor of its planner and architect, Daniel Burnham.
- Contains a Man-made Lake in the middle

 Camp John Hay

- Originally a recreational camp for American soldiers.
- It has become a popular destination for people who wish to see the pine forest in the
city. It also boasts of a sprawling country club with a full 18-hole golf course, Restaurants
and Shopping Centers.

 The Mansion
- Used as residence of the president whenever he or she is in Baguio for their official visits
and engagements.
- The elaborate main gate of the Mansion is said to be a replica of that at Bucklingham
Palace in London.

 Mines view Park

- One of the most popular and most visited parks in the city.
- The observation deck of the park offers a breathtaking panaramic view of Benguet's gold
and copper mines
- Has stalls selling native handicraft such as wood carvings, locally made silver products
and jewelry, baskets, brooms, sweaters, blankets, and a variety of other items. There
are also canteens, snacks stores, and street vendors selling food and beverages.

 Philippines Military Academy

- The premier military institution the country and is the training ground for future officers of
the Armed Forces of the Philippines.
- The 373-hectare compound in Loakan which is ten kilometers south of downtown Baguio
City. Here it for its permanent home in a fort named after the young hero of the battle of
Tirad Pass, Gen. Gregorio Del Pilar.
- Fort Del Pilar is one of the most visited and photographed places in Baguio City.

 Baguio Public Market

- the market is located right at the lower end of Session Road and behind the Maharlika
Center. It is here where they buy different souvenirs typical of Baguio.

 Session Road
- the main thoroughfare of the city and the center of Baguio's commercial establishment.

 Baguio Botanical Garden. It has a wide range of flowering, herbal, and decorative
plants interspersed with pine trees. Some plants are even for sale.
- The garden’s main entrance is along Leonard Wood Road, between the Teacher’s
Camp and Pacdal Circle. It had been in the past been called Igorot Village, Imelda Park,
and Centennial Park. Within the huge park are relics from its Igorot Village days, such as
tribal huts and sculptures.

 Wright Park
 A favorite of kids and adults alike in Baguio, where an organization of pony boys offers
horseback rides. It is located northeast of the city center.
- The park is named after Luke Edward Wright, American governor-general of the
Philippines (1904-1906)

 Tam- Awan Village

 - promotes and preserves tribal and indigenous cultures and practices.
- It offers accommodations in authentic dwelling places of Benguet’s different tribes. The
village features seven Ifugao and two Kalinga huts made of indigenous materials.

 LOURDES GROTTO
- A shrine to the Lady of the Lourdes is located close to the BenCab Museum. The Our
Lady of the Lourdes Grotto is accessible through the Dominican Hill Road and pilgrims
need to climb 252 steps to reach it.

BAGUIO CITY FESTIVAL

 Panagbenga Festival
- A month-long Flower Festival in Baguio
- Held during the month of February, created as a tribute to the city's flowers and as a way
to rise up from the devastation of the 1990 Earthquake.

KALINGA

 The name "Kalingga" is believed to have been derived from the Ibanag word "kalinga"
and the Gaddang word "kalinga", both meaning headhunters. The Spaniards picked up
the term because of their headhunting tradition, and the Americans followed suit.
 Prior to 1995, Kalinga and Apayao used to be a single province named Kalinga-Apayao,
until they were split into two to better service the needs of individual native tribes in the
provinces
 Declared as the Whitewater rafting Capital of the North Philippines.
 Dubbed as the “Prince of the Highlands” in the Philippines.

 Characterized in the western portion by sharp crested interlinking peaks of the steep
slope, isolated flat lands, plataeus, and valleys.
 The eastern portion has generally rolling, gradually sloping foothills. With interlocking
wide tracks of flatlands and flood plains along its main drainage system.

MAJOR INDUSTRIES

 Loom weaving
 rattan basketry
 banana chips processing
 animal feeds production
 rattan furniture
 gold jewelry manufacturing
 coffee pre-processing
TOURIST ATTRACTIONS

 Mt. Mating-oy Dinayao (sleeping beauty)

- these fabled mountain ranges that border the Municipalities of Tinglayan and Tanudan
take the form of a sleeping lady supinely lying at its back.
- a vantage view of the profile can be seen from Sungang or Basao.

 Tinglayan Rice Terraces

- these rice terraces appear like an amphitheater along the whole mountain slopes.

 Lubo and Mangali Rice Terraces

- they surround the villages of Lubo, and the best time to view is during the planting
season and when the rice is already ready for harvest.

 Mabilong Weavers Village

- the center of Kalinga's ethnic weaving industry. As the village is situated along the road,
souvenirs can be brought straight from the weavers.

FESTIVALS

 Ulalim Festival/ Kalinga Day (Feb 13-16)

 a highlight of the province’s founding anniversary, the cultural festival showcases the life
of the Kalingas through sports, crafts and indigenous food.

 Salidummay Festival
- features the ethnic songs, dances and rituals of the municipality of Lubuagan, Kalinga.

MOUNTAN PROVINCE

 Mountain Province was established by the Philippine Commission in 1908,

and was later split in 1966 into Mountain Province, Benguet, Kalinga-Apayao and
Ifugao.
 Formerly called La Montañosa by the Spanish colonizers due to its mountainous terrain
 known for its mummy caves, which contain naturally mummified bodies, and for its
hanging coffins
 Known as the “Weaver's Paradise” due to the presence of various weaving centers
 this was a province that practiced the traditional parliamentary/participatory form of
governance as evidenced by the presence of the Dap=ay/Ato, a traditional form of
governance led by the respected elders in the community
 Known for hanging coffins

Major Industries

 the furniture
  bamboo and rattan
 backstrap weaving

Mountain Province: Tourist Attractions

 Ato /Dap-ay
- Traditionally, a place where the council of elders hold various ceremonies, meeting and
happenings which may be religious, social or political in nature.
- It is public structure used as a dormitory by the bachelors, widowers, young boys an
visitors in the village
- A fireplace built at the center and a wooden pole stands opposite it where heads of
animals butchered and sacrifice are hung.
 Hanging coffins – coffins arranged in high steep rock formations.

 Sagada caves – the town sits in a limestone valley riddled with over 60 known caves.
The Sagada caves feature shimmering underground stremas with golden or silvery
stalactite and stalagmite formations and cool natural pools inside. Sumaging, the largest
can be explored by anyone with a local guide

 Bontoc village museum

- located within the Catholic Siters’ Convent and Saint Vincent’s Elementary School.
- It features a range of artifacts crafted by Igorots for domestic purposes and traditional
celebration or practices.
- Inside the museum, one could appreciate the distinct richness of the Igorots’ way of life.

 Back strap and loom wearing houses – loom weaving is done in Sabangan and
Sagada. Samoki, a village in Bontoc, specializes in backstrap weaving. Various colorful
woven materials like knapsacks, placemats, bags and purses are among the products.

FESTIVALS

 Mountain Province Foundation Day (April 7)

- an- agro- industrial trade, tourism, and cultural affair with tribal dances and songs in full
regalia.

 Begnas (January, June, April, September, November)

- ethnic offering of thanksgiving for bountiful harvest, where pigs or chicken are buthered
for the family or clan members to partake of.

 Chom-no or Chonno
- the grandest and the most expensive wedding celebration, which usually happens once
in four or five years, where the number of carabaos butchered reflect the economic
status of the family; accompanied by much dancing and singing.
IFUGAO
 The word "Ifugao" means hill. The Spaniards changed 'pugo' to 'pugaw' and was finally
changed by the Americans to "Ifugao"
 Ifugao was formerly known as a part of the old Mountain Province. It was created as an
independent province on June 18, 1966 by virtue of Republic Act No. 4695, otherwise
known as the Division Law of Mountain Province.
 is a home to a thriving ancient culture and host to the famous rice terraces.
 the famous terraces had been inscribed in UNESCO's World Heritage List in 1995 as “a
continuing cultural landscape”
 the Ifugao native huts could probably be among the world's first prefabricated houses
that do not use a single nail or metal to fasten their parts.
Major Industries

 farming
 trading industry (gift, toys, and house wares)
 services
 manufacturing (garments and textiles)
 food and beverages.
How to get there:
By Land:
- by bus via auto bus, dangwa tranco bus, and kms bus from manila
- from Baguio City: through Ohayami Bus, Dangwa Tranco Bus, and KMS Bus.
Banaue Rice Terraces dubbed as the eight wonder of the world, the Banaue Rice Terraces start
from the base of the mountain range up to several thousand feet high.
Made 2,000 years ago, these rice terraces manifest the engineering skill and ingenuity of the
sturdy Ifugaos.
Streams and springs found in the mountains were channeled into irrigation canals that run
downhill through the rice terraces.

 Batad Rice terraces

- Located at Brgy. Batad in Banaue, these terraces are shaped like amphitheater.
- Bangaan Rice terraces
- The rice terraces cluster and village both showcase the typical Ifugao community, where
the livelihood activities are within the surroundings.

 Mayoyao rice terraces

 These rice terraces can be found in Mayoyao, 44 km away from Poblacion, Banaue. The
poblacion of Mayoyao lies in the midst of these rice terraces
  Hapao Rice terraces more of Ifugao’s wolrd famous stone-walled rce terraces can be
found in the municipality of Hungduan.

 Philippine War memorial shrine

- -the enormous emorial shrine was built to commemorate the end of world war II.
- A concrete pyramid-type structure that resembles an oversized Ifugao native house, it
deficts historical events, from Filipino opposition to Spanish rule to the death March, and
the role of the Ifugao and American troops in the defeat of General Yamashita.

FESTIVALS

 Banaue Imbayah
- The Imbayah ethnic sports festival is a unique three-day affair that is celebrated only
once every four years.
- Activities include an ethnic parade portraying thr evolution of the Ifugao culture. This is
followed by ethnic games.

 Gotad ad Kiangan
- the festival, held in Kiangan, is actually a part of Ifugao prestige rites.
- Traditionally involves a festive celebration filled with singing dancing and drinking wine.

 Gotad ad Hingyon
- it is one special day i every twelve feast that are celebrated by the Ifugao royal class to
please their gods.
- Modern Ifugaos celebrate Gotad in April include cultural parades, ethno-modern sports,
and a booth competition where the best of Ifugao crafts are displayed.