CORDILLERA ADMINISTRATIVE REGION

Introduction

• It is the country's only Land-locked region. The region is primarily mountanious, positioned in the
Cordillera central mountain range which includes Mount Pulag, the highest mountain in Luzon It has a
mountainous topography and dubbed as the "Watershed Cradle Of North Luzon" as it hosts nine major
rivers that provide continous water for irrigation and energy for Northern Luzon.

MAJOR INDUSTRIES

• The region is rich in natural resources and has abundant mineral reserves. The following are the non-
metallic ores that can be found in the region:

Sand, Gravel, Sulfur

Metallic ores:

Gold, Copper, Silver, Zinc

• Agriculture is another dominant sector establishing itself as a top producer of upland vegetables and
fruits. Here are some of their products:

Strawberry, Rice, Cabbage, Sugarcane

Language/Dialect Spoken

• The region has been called "The most diversified ethnolinguistic region in the Philippines" with the
many "sub-dialect variations" of its major languages. Ilocano is spoken in Abra, Apayao, Benguet,
Kalinga, Mountain Province, Ifugao. It is the regional lingua francia.

PART OF ACCESS

• By Land: Due to its geographic nature as the only landlocked region in the country, the Cordillera
Administrative Region is only accessible by land through the Mac Arthur Highway or via the
interconnected expressway system from Manila, Ilocos Region and Central Luzon Region. Regular bus
trips are offered by various companies from Manila to Provinces of CAR.
PROVINCES

ABRA

• Capital: Bangued

• Abra has a total land area of 4,165.25 Square kilometers

• Also known as "The Philippine Natural Dye Capital"

Abra

• is a landlocked province on the western side of the massive Cordillera in the Northern Luzon.Its a deep
valleys and slaping hills are enclosed by the rugged mountains, except in the western portion where the
Abra flows towards the Coastal plairs of Ilocos Sur.

HISTORY

• Abra was created as a politico-military province in 1846, prior to which was part of the old Ilocos
Province and later Ilocos Sur when Ilocos Region was divided into two provinces in 1818. Civil
government was established in Abra on August 19, 1901, but was re-annexed to Ilocos Sur in February
1905.

The province of Abra has 303 barangays comprising its 27 municipalities.

ATTRACTION AND ACTIVITIES

(Historical Cultural and Heritage Attractions)

• The Sta. Catalina de Alejandria Paris Church commonly known as the Tayum Church is a 19th Century
Baroque church located at Brgy. Poblacion, Tayum Abra Philippines.

• Gabriela Carino-Silang Gallery of Fine Arts Aladdins Cave full of priceless artifacts and is the 300-year-
old ancestral home of the Cariño family.

Natural Attraction

• Kili Falls and Hot Springs- is one of the best attraction in Abra Philippines. The main attraction is not
the water falls but the hot spring that flows into an icy cold river.
• Kaparkan Falls- one of the reason why people kept on going to this waterfalls is that it has an
extraordinary multi-tiered spring pools/terraces that gently cascade down the forest.It is also known as
Mulawin Falls.

• Apao Rolling Hills - one of the tourist spots in Abra that is breath taking because of the different
activities like hiking, mountain biking and climbing.

Range of Accommodation

• Strutz Art Garden Resort

• Hotel Lapira

• Afamosa Villas Resort

Food & Delicacies

• Kinilaw na kambing- For this dish, the preferred goat to be butchered is a young native goat.

• Crispy Dinuguan-is prepared by first boiling inestines of the pig or goat to be used for the dish.

• Deep Fried Tapang Igat- This mouth watering dish is called deep fried tapang igat. This is considered as
delicacy because of the rarity and price of the eel.

Festival & Events

• Kawayan Festival-it is celebtated annually on March 9 for ther founding anniversary and in
appreciation of the abundance of bamboo in the region.

APAYAO

• Capital: Kabugao

•Apayao has a total land area of 4,413 Square Kilometers

Apayao

• Is a province in the Philippines situated in the CAR occupying the northern central section of Luzon. Its
capital is the municipality of Kabugao.
The province of Apayao has 133 barangays comprising its 27 municipalities

Attraction and Activities

(Historical, Cultural and Heritage Attractions)

• Emilia Church Ruins- it is the landmark of the begginings of the spread of catholicism in Apayao.
Spanish missionaries arrived at the Municipality of putdol in the 16th Century.

Natural Attraction

• Dupag Rock Formation-is a cluster of jagged limestone boulders that measure around 7-8 feet high.
Climbing to the peaks presents a real challenge especially if you are not an ardent hiker but surely the
thrill and the wonderful view at top will make up for that

• Bayugao Falls- a series of mini waterfalls with naturally built pools. Their cool and crystal clear water
cast a rejuvenating sight complementing the sorrounding forests.

• Lussok cave & Underground river- containing several chambers Lussok Cave showcases nature at its
best.It has a wide opening, reminiscent of a cathedral's dome.

Range of Accommodation

• Pannzian Beach

• Java Hotel

• Hotel Asuncion

Food & Delicacies

• Inalsa- also called sinursur is made up of kilwat(catfish) ungal (banana star) and ot-an (shellfish)
cooked in bamboo tubes called baho.

• Pinalatan-Pinalatan or Dinilian is a chicken dish in chili and pomelo leaves.

• Sininggub-an appetizer of stir-fried red chili pepper, mixed with a few sliced lemon leaves.
Festival and Events

• Say-am festival of Apayao which is celebrated every February 14. It is in celebration of the founding
anniversary of the province and the Isnags grandest feast or celebration. A feast featuring and ushering
the traditional way is Isnags thanksgiving to the higher supreme unseen called “ALAWAGAN” executed
and commenced through rituals spiced with pep songs, native chants and dances called the “TALIP and
TAD-DO"

BENGUET

• Capital: La Trinidad

• Benguet has a total land area of 2,769.08 Square Kilometers

• Also known as "Salad Bowl of the Philippines"

Benguet

• was established as a province in 1899 under the first philippine republic with juan Oraa "ahino" Carino
appointed as governor and president of the Board. The seat of the provincial government was in Tuel,
Tublay.

The province of Benguet comprises 13 municipalities subdivided into 140 baranggays.

Attraction and Activities

(Historical, Cultural and Heritage Attractions)

• Mt. Kalugong Cultural Village- Kalugong’ is a local word which means ‘hat’. Mt Kalugong was named as
such because the rock formations on top of the mountain make it look like a hat. When you’re down the
valley, you’ll clearly see the hat shape.

• Burnham Park- officially known as the Burnham Park Reservation, is a historic urban park located in
downtown Baguio, Philippines. It was designed by eponymous American architect and Baguio city
planner, Daniel Burnham.

• Strawberry Farm- is actually located in La Trinidad, Benguet. It is owned by the Benguet State
University. Though the place primarily serves as cultivation site of Baguio strawberry, it has become a
famous tourist attraction in Baguio
Range of Accommodation

• Elmar Cabin

• The Podium Boutique Hotel

• The Forest Lodge at Camp John Hay

Food & Delicacies

• Pinikpikan-is like the highland version of tinola. It’s prepared by beating the chicken with a stick before
it’s cleaned and cooked to make the blood clot near the surface of the skin making it tastier. Then, it is
smoked and cooked with ginger and a little bit of sayote. It’s warm savory soup and tasty chicken makes
the perfect meal for any cold day in Baguio.

• Pinuneg-Pinuneg or blood sausage is a delicacy unique to the Benguet kankanaey and is traditionally
served after a ritual or ceremony. The sausage is made from pig’s blood, intestine, and spices that give it
a little chewy texture. You can have this together with a little bit of chilly or vinegar.

• Kiniing and Etag-are both dried pork produced from decades-old practices of preserving meat in the
Cordilleras. Their difference is that Etag is cured in salt while Kiniing is soaked in water boiled with guava
leaves and salt and it does not go under fermentation like the Etag. After those preparations, both are
then hung up to be smoked. This gives it that rich, smoky taste and it also hardens the meat allowing it
to be stored longer.

Festival & Events

• Adivay Festival is held every month of November; with month-long activities located in La Trinidad,
Benguet. Adivay" is a provincial festival of Benguet as "coming-together" for its different municipalities.

IFUGAO

•Capital: Lagawe

• Ifugao has a total land area of 2,628.2 Square Kilometers

• Also known as "Land of the Eight World Wonder"

Ifugao officially the Province of Ifugao, is a landlocked province of the Philippines in the Cordillera
Administrative Region in Luzon. Its capital is Lagawe and it borders Benguet to the west, Mountain
Province to the north, Isabela to the east, and Nueva Vizcaya to the south.

The province of Ifugao comprises 11 municipalities subdivided into 175 baranggays.

Attraction and Activities

(Historical, Cultural and Heritage Attractions)

• Bintakan Cave- is located in Lagawe, Ifugao. It is located at the rocky slope of Ibulao, which is about 2
kilometers from the provincial capitol. The mouth of the cave is overlooking the Ibulao River.

• Tenogtog Falls- is only few minutes walk from the paved road. It has three layers with each layer
having its own natural pool. The waters in these pools cascade to the other creating a beautiful
succession. It is perfect for photography, picnics, and relaxation.

• The Banaue Rice Terraces-are terraces that were carved into the mountains of Banaue, Ifugao, in the
Philippines, by the ancestors of the Igorot people. The terraces are occasionally called the "Eighth
Wonder of the World". It is commonly thought that the terraces were built with minimal equipment,
largely by hand.The terraces are located approximate.

Range of Accommodation

• Batad view Inn and Restaurant

• Native Village Inn

• Baleh boble Guest House

Food & Delicacies

• Binakle is a type of steamed rice cake originating from the Ifugao province of the Philippines. It is made
from glutinous rice (diket) that is pounded into a paste, wrapped in banana or rattan leaves, and
steamed. Variants may also add sesame seeds or sweet potato. They are popularly eaten on special
occasions or as a snack. Uncooked binakle, along with rice wine (baya), are common offerings to the
bulul ancestor spirits in Ifugao rituals.

• Binaod is considered to be a Filipino delicacy. The pig intestines are prepared just after the pig manure
"have been dried and collected" (Comeau).
Festival & Events

• Kulpi-is a segment of the rice planting festival of the Ifugaos. Celebrated every april 25-27. This
practice starts after the planting phase to implore the aid of the gods and spirits for the protection of
the rice crops against diseases and pestilence thus ensuring a good harvest.

KALINGA

• Capital: Tabuk

• Also known as "White Water Rafting Capital of the North”

• Kalinga covers a total area of 3,231.25 square kilometers

Kalinga

• Officially the Province of Kalinga, is a landlocked province in the Philippines situated within the
Cordillera Administrative Region Luzon.

HISTORY

• Kalinga was taken from Cagayan and Isabela provinces and established by the Americans through
Philippine Commission Act No. 1642 on May 9, 1907, as a sub-province of Lepanto-Bontoc.

The province of Kalinga comprises 7 municipalities subdivided into 152 baranggays.

ATTRACTIONS AND ACTIVITIES

(Historical,Cultural & Heritage)

• Palan Ah Falls

The Palan-ah Falls and Hot Springs is very unique because they are close together. You can enjoy the
cold water in the falls and relax in the hot springs at the same time.

• Balbalasang National Park

Balbalasang Balbalan National Park, also known as Mount Balbalasang National Park, is a protected area
of the Philippines located in the municipality of Balbalan, Kalinga in the Cordillera Administrative Region.

NATURAL ATTRACTIONS

• TINGLAYAN RICE TERRACES

Tinglayan is a name of a town in Kalinga. Tinglayan Rice Terraces may refer to a group rice terraces
scattered in town.

• LUBO RICE TERRACES

The Lubo and Mangali Rice Terraces are located in Tabuk, Kalinga, Philippines. The rice terraces
surround the villages of Lubo.

• BUAYA CAVES

Buaya Caves is located in Balbalan, Kalinga, Philippines. It is similar to Sagada Caves with stalactites and
stalagmites formation.

BUILD ATTRACTIONS

• TUGA CATHOLIC CHURCH

Tuga Catholic Church, referred to as the first seat of the early missionaries in the province

• ST WILLIAMS CATHEDRAL

St. Williams Cathedral which has alluring designs showcasing the beauty of Kalinga culture and arts.

• RYAN & SON'S WINERY

For garden lovers, wine tasting at the Ryan and Sons Winery is a visual and delightful treat with Corazon
Kub-ao Ryan's story telling.

Range of Accommodation

•Sagada Sunrise View Homestay

•Banaue Hotel

•Benayr- Al Saraya
FOODS AND DELICACIES

• UNOY RICE - Kalinga Unoy or Chong-ak is a red-colored rice with oblong, medium-sized grains.

• NILAGANG KAMOTE - nilagang kamote used as staple

• INIHAW NA BABOY RAMO-Wild pigs are a staple in Kalinga cuisine and have a gamey flavor you wont
taste in commercially bred pigs.

FESTIVALS

• ULALIM FESTIVAL

The Ullalim Festival is a tourism and industry promotional event for three days (February 13-16)
showcasing the rich cultural heritage of the people and their bountiful natural resources.

MT. PROVINCE

• Capital: Bontoc

• Also known as "Weaver's Paradise"

• Mountain Province covers a total area of 2,157.38 square kilometers

Mountain Province

• is a landlocked province of the Philippines in the Cordillera Administrative Region in Luzon. Its capital is
Bontoc. Mountain Province was formerly referred to as Mountain in some foreign references. The name
is usually by locals to Mt. Province

HISTORY

• Mountain Province became a special province of the Philippines in 1907. It was made up of the sub-
provinces of Bontoc-Lepanto, Amburayan, Apayao, Benguet, Ifugao and Kalinga. The provincial
supervisor was appointed Governor of the province and Bontoc was then the capital town.

The province of Mt. Province comprises 10 municipalities subdivided into 144 baranggays
ATTRACTIONS AND ACTIVITIES

(Historical, Cultural, Heritage)

• PONGAS FALLS-

Pongas Falls is less challenging and tiring than Bomod-ok Falls. And its beauty and majesty is not
comparable to the latter.

• THE HANGING COFFINS OF SAGADA-

The dead are placed inside their coffins (sometimes breaking their bones in the process of fitting them
in), and the coffins are brought to a cave for burial.

• BOMOD-OK BIG FALLS-

Bomod-ok's cold, cold water cascades from the top of a beautiful naturally contoured cliff to a pool
below, forming a 200-ft column of water and wonder.

NATURAL ATTRACTIONS

• MALIGCONG RICE TERRACES

Considered as one of the emerging treasures of Bontoc, the Maligcong Rice Terraces is known for its
stone walls which make the terraces more steady in withstanding erosion.

• MOUNT AMPACAO

Rising above the highland town of Sagada, famous for its natural and cultural wonders, is its highest
point, Mt. Ampacao.

• KILTEPAN

Kiltepan Viewpoint is the most popular spot to catch the famous Sagada sunrise.

BUILD ATTRACTIONS

• THE EPISCOPAL CHURCH OF SAINT MARY THE VIRGIN-

A huge old church which was located in the heart of the Mountain province. This church is known for its
architecture and The church is subsequently a member of the Episcopal Church in the Philippines and
American historian William Henry Scott was buried in its grounds on October 10, 1993.
• BONTOC MUSEUM

It features a range of artifacts crafted by the Igorots for domestic purposes, to be used for traditional
celebrations or practices.

• GANDUYAN MUSEUM

Ganduyan Museum is a legacy of the late Mrs. Christina Aben.

Range of Accommodation

• Kanip-aw Pines Lodge

• Banga-an Bnb and Coffee House

• The shire of Sagada

FOODS AND DELICACIES

• PINIKPIKAN-Pinikpikan is a controversial dish originating from the Cordillera mountainous region in the
Philippines.

• ETAG, INASIN-Etag (igorot) or Innasin (iloko) – An Igorot food that is preserved small slab of meat (esp.
pork) made through salt-treating, sun-drying; and/or smoking.

• LEMON PIE- Sagada Lemon Pie House is known for its lemon pies.

FESTIVALS AND EVENTS

• LANG-AY FESTIVAL- Lang-ay Festival is a founding anniversary celebration and a summertime festival
of the province of Mountain Province, Philippines held every first week of April.