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Mountain Province - "Weaver's Paradise" Mountain Province is known as the “Weaver’s Paradise” due to the presence of various weaving centers sporting different designs that bespeak of the province’s cultural heritage. 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. Geography Mountain Province is bounded by Isabela on the east; the provinces of Kalinga, Apayao, and Abra on the north; the provinces of Benguet and Ifugao on the south; and the province of Ilocos Sur on the west. It has an area of 229,231 hectares where 83% is mountainous while 17% make up hills and levels. It is a province of rivers, falls, mountains, and caves. Political Subdivisions Mountain Province is composed of ten municipalities, namely: Bontoc, Barlig, Bauko, Besao, Natonin, Paracelis, Sabangan, Sadanga, Sagada, and Tadian, with Bontoc as the capital town. There are 144 barangays comprising the 10 municipalities. Population Mountain Province is home to 140,439 people (NSO 2000 census) with mostly Bontoks occupying the central and northern parts, Kankanaeys occupying the western part, and Balangaos on the eastern areas. Language/Dialect Kankanaey is the major dialect spoken although English, Ilocano, and Tagalog are also widely spoken. Climate The province has two seasons - dry from November to April and wet for the rest of the year. Major Industries The furniture industry is a growing venture in the province. Fixtures and furniture are made from raw materials like pinewood, bamboo, and steel. Bamboo and rattan basketry is presently diversifying due to product development. Backstrap weaving, an age-old handicraft, expanded to the use of loom. Colorful costumes are now designed for product lines like bags, purses, tapestry, ethnic costumes, blankets, linen, and fashion accessories. Brief History of Mountain Province Spanish exploratory attempts to conquer Mountain Province were made between 1566 to 1665. Total subjugation of the area was never achieved throughout the three centuries of Spanish rule because the fierce, war-like, and hostile Igorots (native tribe) and formidable travel obstacles intimidated the Spaniards. Spanish occupation succeeded in some portions of the Cordilleras but it ended on September 3, 1899 when the Spanish headquarters in Bontoc was taken by Filipino forces. With the establishment of a civil government during the American occupation in 1901, Mountain Province became a special province of the Philippines in 1907. Bontoc-Lepanto, Amburayan, Ifugao, Kalinga, Benguet, and Apayao comprised the sub-provinces. Samuel Cane, the provincial supervisor, was appointed governor, and Bontoc was made the capital town. In 1908 the old Mountain Province was created with seven sub-provinces later merged into five: Benguet, Ifugao, Bontoc, Apayao, Kalinga (BIBAK). In 1967 the division of these five provinces gave birth to four new provinces: Benguet, Ifugao, Kalinga-Apayao, and Mountain Province. The sub-province of Bontoc retained the name Mountain Province and maintained Bontoc as its capital town. On March 25, 1967, Mountain Province became an independent province. On June 15, 1987, Mountain Province became a part of the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR). Mountain Province is Famous for... Hanging Coffins Coffins arranged in high steep rock formations. Sagada Caves If you want to go underground without special training and equipment, Sagada is your best bet. The town sits in a limestone valley riddled with over 60 known caves. The Sagada caves feature shimmering underground streams 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; the basic tour lasts around three hours but it is possible to spend an entire day inside. There are also many opportunities here for serious spelunkers. Alab Petroglyphs A huge rock inscribed with bows and arrows believed to tell the ancient fertility rites of the natives. Mount Amoyao Thickly forested, it beckons for a wilderness walk; site of the ABS-CBN and RCPI satellites. Mainit Hot Springs Sulfuric hot spring 18 kilometers up from Bontoc; 30 minutes by chartered or public utility jeepney from Bontoc to Mainit (available from 1:00 to 2:00pm) or two hours by foot. Bumod-ok Falls Has a natural swimming pool; frequented by visitors due to its proximity to Sagada town proper. Mt. Clitoris (Tadian) Formerly Mount Mogao, it is conical in shape and stands proudly over 3 villages. Considered sacred, it appears serene and solemn at dusk and dawn. Cagubatan Enchanted Eels The eels thriving in the spring are conceived to be sacred and thus could not be eaten. They are believed to maintain the continuous flow of water to irrigate the rice fields. Besao Sunset (Besao) A primitive formation of two rocks enabling farmers to determine seasons by how the sun's rays fit into the crevices. Chico River Mountain tops and sides provide a panoramic view of the winding Chico River meandering through ricefields, rocks, and sand as well as a good vantage point to the humble dwellings of the villagers. Sagada / Cordillera Mountainbiking The rugged mountains of Northern Luzon offer fabulous scenery and give you a close look at some of the Philippines’ most fascinating tribal groups. Start in Baguio, where local bikers will be happy to guide you along routes ranging from a quick run up Mt. Sto. Tomas to a lung-busting full day down to Ambuklao Dam and back. If you want more mountain adventure, you’ll find plenty here. Try a two-day ride to Sagada, then base yourself there to explore the numerous local roads and trails. From Sagada, you can ride to Bontoc, then out through untouched mountain wilderness to the rice terraces of Banaue. From Banaue, you can make side trips to the equally spectacular terraces at Hungduan and Mayoyao, far off the usual tourist trail. Or wind your way from Baguio to Ambuklao and up to Abatan, then down to Cervantes and over historic Bessang Pass. Up here, the mountain air is cool, the people you meet are friendly, and the rugged roads will challenge even the most dedicated of upland bikers. Mountain Province / Cordillera Trekking The Luzon Cordillera is the country’s largest mountain range and home to some of its most distinctive tribal groups. It is a trekker’s paradise. Start in Baguio, jumping-off point for the ascent of Mt. Pulog (2930m), the highest point in Luzon, and the second highest mountain in the country. Continue your Cordillera adventure in Sagada or Banaue. These popular traveller’s hideaways offer beautiful mountain vistas and make fine bases for hikes ranging from easy strolls through rice terraces and tribal villages to extended backcountry treks. Cultural Heritage Bontoc Village Museum (Bontoc) Located within the Catholic Sisters’ Convent and Saint Vincent's Elementary School. Founded by Sister Basil Gekiere, ICM, it features a range of artifacts crafted by the Igorots for domestic purposes and traditional celebrations or practices. Inside the museum, one could appreciate the distinct richness of the Igorots' way of life. Hanging Coffins Coffins arranged in high steep rock formations. Blackstrap and Loom Weaving 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 popular products. Ato/Dap-ay Traditionally, a place where the council of elders hold various ceremonies, meetings, and happenings, which may be religious, social, or political in nature. It is a public structure used as a dormitory by the bachelors, widowers, young boys, and visitors in the village. A fireplace is built at the center and a wooden pole stands opposite it where heads of animals butchered and sacrificed are hung. Liang Burial Cave (Besao) This can be reached through regular jeepney ride to the poblacion and hiking to reach the caves. Natural Formations Sagada Caves Feature shimmering underground streams with golden or silvery stalactite and stalagmite formations and cool natural pools inside. Matangkib Cave, Sugong Cave, Lumiyang Cave, Sumaguing Cave, Balangagan Cave, Nangongogan Cave, Latipan Cave, Cansil Cave. Lakes and Waterfalls Lakes and waterfalls can be found amidst tall, green pine trees evoking feelings of freshness and tranquility. • Sagada: Bumod-ok Falls, Danum Lake • Bodong: Lake Aguid • Fidelisan: Waterspots. • Besao: Banao Lake • Tadian: Gawaan Lake *accessibility - regular public utility jeepney and foot trekking to site Mainit Hot Springs Sulfuric hot spring 18 kilometers up from Bontoc; 30 minutes by chartered or public utility jeepney from Bontoc to Mainit (available from 1:00 to 2:00pm) or two hours by foot. Mornang Hot Spring Located four kilometers from Barlig town proper. Sadanga Hot Spring 29 kilometers from poblacion Bontoc; with bathroom facilities. Caves / Hanging Coffins The caves feature shimmering underground streams with golden or silvery stalactite and stalagmite formations and cool nature pools inside. The hanging coffins are found on high steep rock formations. Mt. Clitoris (Tadian) Formerly known as Mount Mogao, it is conical in shape and stands proudly over 3 villages. Considered sacred; appears serene and solemn at dusk or dawn. Mt. Amoyao (Barlig) Thickly forested, it beckons for a wilderness walk; site of the ABS-CBN and RCPI satellites. Besao Sunset (Besao) A primitive formation of two rocks enabling farmers to determine seasons by how the sun's rays fit into the crevices. Alab Petroglyph (Bontoc) A huge rock inscribed with bows and arrows believed to tell the ancient fertility rites of the natives. Chico River Mountain tops and sides provide a panoramic view of the winding Chico River meandering through ricefields, rocks, and sand as well as a good vantage point to the humble dwellings of the villagers. Viewpoints: Gala (Sabangan); Mt. Polis; Pagturao (Bontoc); Maligcong Cagubatan Enchanted Eels The eels thriving in the spring are conceived to be sacred and thus could not be eaten. They are believed to maintain the continuous flow of water to irrigate the rice fields. Man-Made Attractions Rizal Memorial Plaza (Bontoc) Situated at the heart of the capital town. The statue of Dr. Jose Rizal stands towering over the plaza, which serves as a good respite, playground, and meeting venue for programs and social gatherings. Mountain Province Trade Center A mini shopping center managed by the Department of Trade and Industry where skillfully crafted indigenous products are sold. Rice Terraces Mini stairways to the sky, distinct from the Banaue Rice Terraces because they are made up of perfectly engineered stone riprap. • Bauko: Bangen Rice Terraces • Besao: Besao Rice Terraces, Bucas Rice Terraces • Bontoc: Maligcong Rice Terraces, Bayyo Rice Terraces, Bontoc Poblacion Rice Terraces, Dalican Rice Terraces • Sagada: Kiltepan Rice Terraces, Tanulong Rice Terraces, Suyo Rice Terraces, Bulongan Rice Terraces, Bangaan Rice Terraces, Ambasing Rice Terraces, Fidelisan Rice Terraces • Sadanga: Sadanga Rice Terraces, Focong Rice Terraces • Natonin: Natonin Rice Terraces • Barlig: Barlig Rice Terraces Festivals Begnas (January, June, April, September, November) Ethnic offering of thanksgiving for a bountiful harvest, where pigs or chicken are butchered for the family or clan members to partake of. Amdayoyong (January) This month is considered the spring period in Banaue and start of planting season where rice seedlings are finally transplanted (hopnak) in the rice fields. Litotong / Bisbis (February/March) This is the period when people celebrate the thanksgiving rites called "ulpi". During this celebration, the whole family stays home to drink their homemade wines called "baya". They butcher sacrificial animals as offering for a bountiful harvest. Ikghumtad ad Mayoyao (Mayoyao, Ifugao - March 13-15) Town fiesta adopting the cultural festival "Ikghumtad" similar to the "Gotad of Hingyon & Kiangan". Luya / Opeh (April/May) This summer months in Banaue, characterized by sunny and clear blue skies, the perfect months for touring and picture taking to the later part of May. The rice terraces change from green to yellow with the ripening of the rice plants. Lang-Ay Festival - Mountain Province Foundation Day (April 7) An agro-industrial trade, tourism, and cultural affair with tribal dances and songs in full regalia. Kulpi ad Asipulo (Asipulo, Ifugao - April 16-19) Town Fiesta adopting the ritual term "kulpi", a family thanksgiving after transplanting the rice seedlings. Tungoh ad Hungduan (Hungduan, Ifugao - April 17-19) Town fiesta adopting the cultural festival term "tungoh", where the community celebrates the end of rice planting season. Gotad ad Hingyon (Hingyon, Ifugao - April 23-25) Town fiesta adopting the festival term "Gotad" which is culminating activity of a "bimmayah" - a well-to-do. Kulpi ad Lagawe (Lagawe, Ifugao - April 25-27) same as that of Asipulo Urpih Bannawar (Banaue, Ifugao - April 26-27) Town fiesta at the same time performing the cultural ritual of the "urpih" by the town mayor. Similar to the kulpi of Lagawe & Asipulo except that Banaue has no "K" in their dialect. Immbayah (Banaue, Ifugao - April 27-29) A festival celebrated every after 3 years. The event title was coined after the term "bumayah" refering to a well-to-do who celebrates his good health or ripe old age w/ gong-beating and dancing culminating the feast. Gotad ad Kiangan (Kiangan, Ifugao - April 30 - May 2) Same as that of Hingyon where the program includes cultural dances, presentation or Contested ethinic songs and games. Ammong ad Alfonso Lista (Alfonso Lista, Ifugao - May 11) Town fiesta adopting the Ifugao term "ammong" which means a gathering. Menaliyam Festival (May 27-28) A mini-Lang-ay Festival that showcases the tribes’ “best” as the Balangao, Baliwon, and Barlig tribes converge to be reminiscent of their old and living customs and traditions in merriment and amidst the sound of gongs and chanting of sacred prayers. Ludu / Bocaco (June/July) The start of the harvesting season, farmers celebrate the thanksgiving harvest ritual called "apuy". They open their sealed rice granaries to bring out the stored grains but before doing so, they have to bath their butchered sacred wooden idol or rice god called "bulul" with blood from their sacrificial animals, either chicken or pig. Ifugao Day (Lagawe Ifugao - June 18) Provincial celebration of the anniversary of Ifugao as a Province. It-Iti / Manaba / Hawa (August, September, October) These are months of ceremonials and rituals performed for the dead ancestors and relatives. People feast by dancing and drinking for the days called "gotad". Also during this time, repairs on damaged rice paddies are undertaken. Weather is unpredictable. Victory Day (Kiangan Memorial Shrine, Kiangan, Ifugao - September 2) Anniversary celebration of the surrender of the Japanese Imperial Army led by Gen. Tomoyuki Yamashita. "Go Country in Banaue" (Octoberfest Celebration) (Last Saturday of October) A folk and country music concert starting the 1st and every Saturday of October with folk and country band. Live band competition. Chattu / Ocar (November, December) The months for sowing rice seedlings people continue cleaning and preparing the rice fields to be ready for the planting season. Christmas (Lagawe, Ifugao - December 15-23) Nightly presentations before Chirstmas eve sponsored by each municipality. Special Interest Chom-no or Chonno The grandest and 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. Nature Trekking Trudge through the mountains and valleys to best appreciate the natural wonders and beauty of the province in their natural state. Some trekking routes: Guina-ang - Dalican – Aguid; Bontoc Poblacion – Caneo; Bontoc Poblacion – Dalican; Mainit - Maligcong – Belwang Mountain Climbing Mountains great for scaling are Mt. Amoyao (Barlig); Mt. Calawitan (Sabangan); Mt. Pagturao (Bontoc); Mt. Ampacao (Sagada); Mt. Clitoris (Tadian); Mt. Polis (Bontoc); and Barlig Forest. River Rafting The Chico River offers a challenging and thrilling route for rafting especially on the rainy months of June and August. Sagada Spelunking (November 27-29) Cave exploration and trekking. How to Get to Mountain Province The central and eastern mountain towns of Bontoc, Sagada, Besao, and Basuko can be reached by bus or car through the Halsema Highway. The Dangwa Tranco or Lizardo bus lines in Baguio make at least two trips daily to the capital town of Bontoc, Sagada, Bauko, and Besao. No reservations are taken so travelers are advised to be at the bus station as early as 6:00 a.m. From Manila, buses travel only up to Banawe, Ifugao. From there, jeepneys are available for the 3 to 4 hour ride to Bontoc or Sagada. Medical Facilities St. Theodore Hospital Sagada Robespierre Lim Memorial Clinic Natonin Besao District Hospital Besao Barlig District Hospital Barlig Bontoc General Hospital Bontoc Luis Hora Memorial Hospital Abatan, Bauko Paracelis District Hospital Paracelis Igolot Clinic & Pharmacy Bontoc The are 102 Barangay Health Centers at various barangays are villages of the province. There are 10 Municipal Health Centers, one in every municipality. |
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