Mountain Province at a glance

Landlocked Mountain Province is found in the central part of the Cordillera mountain ranges in north Luzon of the Philippines. It is bounded on the north by the province of Kalinga, Apayao and Abra; on the south by Benguet; on the east by Ifugao and Isabela; and on the west by the province of Ilocos Sur.

Population as of 2007 Census is 148,661 spread out in 10 municipalities with its 144 barangays. The ten municipalities are Besao, Bauko, Bontoc, Sabangan, Sadanga, Sagada, Tadian, Paracelis. Barlig and Natonin.

Eighty three percent (83%) of the 229,231 hectares is mountainous with 10% of the area devoted to agriculture.

Towering mountain heights and sharp ridges characterize the central and western landscape of the province while gradually sloping and rolling foothills mark the eastern towns.

Land elevation reaches up as high as 2,582 masl in Mt Amuyao in Barlig. Climate is generally cool in the higher elevations of the municipalities of Sagada, Besao, Bauko, Natonin and Sadanga to prevalently warm in the low elevations of Bontoc, Paracelis and Sabangan owing to warm winds from Ilocos region from the west, and Isabela from the east.

Major headwaters include the mighty Chico River which irrigates agricultural lands of Bontoc, Sadanga, and Sabangan, aside from posing potential for white water rafting. Equally, mighty Siffu River irrigates the rice producing towns of Barlig, Natonin, and Paracelis in the eastern front.

Mountain Province with its many tourist attractions locates virginal forests and mysterious lakes fit for relaxation. In Sadanga where the mighty Chico River runs through, one finds Sadanga Hot Springs. A scenic panorama greets the weary traveler along Sabangan with its astounding greeneries blanketing the mountains. Abysmal and enigmatic caves are a sight in western Mountain Province including the famous Sumaguing Cave in Sagada. Waterfalls in this western side of the province locate the equally powerful and soothing Bomod-ok falls in Fidelisan, Sagada. Further in Besao is the spectacular view of the Besao sunset.

The bustling capital town of Bontoc offers a wide array of natural spots- from woodland lanes along the Bontoc-Can-eo and Mainit- Maligcong routes to expansive viewpoints at Pagturaw- Maligcong, Mount Polis and Bagabag.

Adventurers would love white water rafting along the mighty Chico River which flows through Kalinga, Sadanga, Bontoc, and Sabangan. Mountain climbing is best in Mt Amuyao in Barlig, Mt Kalawitan in Sabangan, Mt Ampakaw in Sagada, Mt Mogaw in Tadian and Mt Polis in Bontoc.

Mountain Province is predominantly inhabited by hard working indigenous peoples including migrants from the provinces of Ilocos and Pangasinan. A major bulk of the populace compose at least 80% of the farming occupation. Weaving is a traditional source of livelihood in almost parts of the province.

Each of the ten towns have their own One Town One Product (OTOP). Sagada is promoting its Arabica Coffee. Paracelis with its rice and corn. Bauko with its Lang-ay wines. Most of the towns have eco-cultural tourism as their OTOP.

Mountain Province was separated from the old Mountain Province when the Provincial legislature Board in April 7, 1967 passed the first resolution declaring the birth of a new district and separate Mountain Province.

The old province was established by the Americans in 1908 and was later split in 1966 into Mountain Province, Benguet, Kallinga-Apayao and Ifugao.

RA 4695 was signed for former President Marcos in June 18, 1966 creating the provinces of Kalinga Apayao with 14 municipalities, Mountain Province with ten towns, and Ifugao with seven municipalities. Abra and Apayao provinces were created in separated laws.

*Updated from Up North in Mountain Province