Kalinga Province, Philippines

People of Kalinga

• As of the 2020 Census, Kalinga Province had a population of 229,570.
• In 2015, the province recorded a population of 212,680, reflecting a growth rate of approximately 7.9% over five years.
• Kalinga is home to the Kalinga people, an indigenous group known for their warrior traditions, tattoo artistry, and strong clan-based governance. The province also includes communities of Gaddang, Isneg, and Ilocano settlers.
• The major dialect spoken is Kalinga, with regional variations across municipalities. Ilocano and Tagalog are also widely used. English is the official medium of instruction in all schools, ensuring educational access and national integration.

Location of Kalinga

• Kalinga is located in the northern Cordillera mountain range of Luzon, within the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR). Its geographic coordinates are approximately 17.75°N latitude and 121.25°E longitude.
• The province spans a land area of 3,231.25 square kilometers, comprising one component city (Tabuk) and seven municipalities. Its terrain includes river valleys, forested mountains, and rice terraces. The climate is tropical highland, with cooler temperatures and distinct wet and dry seasons.
• The capital of Kalinga is Tabuk City. The Provincial Capitol is located in Barangay Bulanao, which also houses major government offices.
• Most people reach Kalinga via land transport. From Manila, travelers take buses to Tuguegarao City, then transfer to vans or buses bound for Tabuk. The nearest airport is Cauayan Airport in Isabela or Tuguegarao Airport in Cagayan. The closest major seaport is the Port of Aparri, accessible by road in about 3–4 hours.

Tourist Attractions of Kalinga

• Chico River: A lifeline of the province, ideal for white-water rafting, kayaking, and scenic river tours.
• Sleeping Beauty Mountain: A mountain range resembling a reclining woman, steeped in local legend and trekking appeal.
• Buscalan Village: Home to the famed traditional tattoo artist Apo Whang-Od and a center of Kalinga tattoo culture.
• Lubuagan Rice Terraces: Ancient terraces carved into the mountains, showcasing indigenous agricultural engineering.
• Bodong Festival: Celebrated every February, this festival honors the Kalinga peace pact system (bodong) through cultural dances, rituals, and civic parades.

Economy of Kalinga

• Kalinga’s economy is anchored in:
  • Agriculture: Major crops include rice, corn, coffee, banana, and root crops. The province is a leading producer of heirloom rice and robusta coffee.
  • Tourism: Cultural heritage, tattoo artistry, and eco-tourism attract both domestic and international visitors.
  • Crafts and weaving: Indigenous textiles and bamboo crafts support local artisans.
  • Services and trade: Tabuk City serves as the commercial hub for the province.
• In 2024, Kalinga posted a Gross Provincial Domestic Product (GPDP) of approximately ₱28.4 billion, with a growth rate of 4.9%, placing it mid-tier among CAR provinces.

Educational Institutions of Kalinga

• Young residents pursue higher education at:
  • Kalinga State University (KSU): Located in Tabuk City, KSU offers programs in agriculture, education, engineering, business, and public administration.
  • Technical-vocational schools: TESDA-accredited centers provide training in welding, electronics, culinary arts, and other trades.
  • Public high schools: Each municipality has DepEd-supported secondary schools and senior high programs, including science and technical tracks.

History of Kalinga

• Kalinga was originally part of the old Mountain Province, created during the American colonial period. The Kalinga people maintained their autonomy through centuries of resistance to Spanish and American rule, preserving their rituals, tattoo culture, and peace pact system known as “bodong.”
• The name “Kalinga” is believed to come from the Ibanag and Gaddang word meaning “enemy” or “headhunter,” reflecting the region’s fierce reputation among lowland communities. Despite its origins, the term was embraced by the people and became the official name of the province.
• On May 8, 1995, Kalinga was officially separated from Apayao through Republic Act No. 7878, creating two distinct provinces. Tabuk was designated as the capital and later became a component city in 2007.
• Today, Kalinga is known for its cultural resilience, ecological richness, and indigenous governance. It continues to advocate for heritage preservation, sustainable tourism, and inclusive development rooted in ancestral values.

Elected Officials of Kalinga

• As of the 2025 elections, Kalinga Province is led by:
  • Governor: James S. Edduba (Lakas)
  • Vice Governor: Dave Odiem (PFP)
  • Representative – Lone District: Caroline Agyao (PFP)
  • Board Members: Roger Saga-oc, Romeo Saclag, Harley Duguiang, Emilio Kitongan, Sikoy Lucas, Hilario Aggalao, Johnny Tiwang, Maria Socorro Saclag, Alfredo Gamongan Sr.
• For full election results and updates, visit: Kalinga Election Results.

Featured News of the Philippines