The Making of Mountain Province

The slow birth of a separate Mountain Province began in the early 1920s when the Honorable Henry Kamora, Representative of the old Mountain Province, filed a separate bill for the creation of two provinces which did not find approval in Congress.

Congressmen Alfredo Lamen and Luis Hora made attempts in Congress in 1962 by filing House Bill No. 4600 proposing the subdivision of the province in accordance with the five existing sub-provinces which again did not gain popular support.

Congressman Juan Duyan and again Congressman Luis hora authored House Bill 1526 which was finally approved by the Lower House of representatives due to the support from a number of political leaders and civil society who pushed for the creation of a separate Mountain Province.

House Bill 1526 was then approved by Senate and finally signed in June 18, 1966 creating the provinces of Kalinga, Mountain Province, Benguet and Ifugao. On April 28, 1993 President FVR signed Proclamation No. 144 declaring April 7 as the Mountain Province Foundation Day.

Mountain Province is composed of 10 municipalities: Barlig, Natonin and Paracelis in the East; Sadanga in the north; the capital town Bontoc in the central part of the province; Sagada, Tadian and Besao in the west and; Bauko and Sabangan in the south.

Inhabitants of the eastern part includes the Baliwon and Balangao tribes. Applai which refers to the western part are inhabited by the Kankanaeys. The Bontok tribe is found in the central and northern part of the province. Just like the other provinces, the rest are Ilocanos, Ifugaos, Tagalogs and recently the Muslims.

It is accessible through the Halsem Highway, starting from La Trinidad as well as the Banaue-Bontoc Road. The Lubuagan-Bontoc Road is another access although the road is still narrow. A less traveled road is the Cervantes-Tadian Road. Exactly 16

years ago, this road, which passes through the Bessang Pass was used by gallant drivers in evacuating students stranded here in Baguio. This drivers came from Barangay Bayyo of Bontoc who are mostly driving Pacdal jeepneys.

Mountain Province has a lot of tourist attractions and places of interest.

Barlig is famous for its rattan weaving especially backpacks which we call pasiking. An example is here in front. Fresh water eels are also found here.

Besao has its citrus fruits and pears. The Stone Calendar of Gueday is also found here. At a certain day of September, the sun strikes directly this stone calendar which signifies the start of the planting season.

Bontoc has its ato - the informal government of the Bontoc people headed by the elders. The Mainit Hotsprings and Maligcong Rice Terraces are found at the upland part of Bontoc. The Bontoc Musem is also worth visiting.

Natonin also has its extensive rice terraces.

Paracelis has its Makilo Sphinx.

Sabangan, as its name connotes, has its bananas. It also shares with Ifugao the site of Mount Polis.

Sadanga, which is pronounced Sad-changa in our dialect has its fayas which is made from sugar cane. Bolo or funning are also being made here. An example is at the table in front.

Tadian has its enchanted eels found in Cagubatan. You might have watched it in one of ABS CBN featured series in MGB. The eels are still there, and theyre as big as my legs.

The world famous Sagada has its Sagada Caves. The Sagada woven products as well as the photos of Masferee are also known worldwide. Due to its elevation and climate citrus fruits are also grown there.

Mountain Province has been showcasing its culture, arts and tradition during the Lang-ay Festival held every April 7. Lang-ay is derived from maki-langay which has generally the same meaning to the different tribes of Mountain Province. It means dropping by a house to partake food. I internalizes the spirit of sharing, happiness, promoting family solidarity and nurturing friendships with a toast of home brewed wine.

It has been held twice already. I would like to invite everybody on the next years Lang-ay Festival.

So then, with the only Province with an English name, it is right to say: Gawis ay Mountain Province.