Mountain Province, Philippines

People of Mountain Province

• As of the 2020 Census, Mountain Province had a population of 158,200.
• In 2015, the province recorded a population of 154,590, reflecting a growth rate of approximately 2.3% over five years.
• Mountain Province is home to several indigenous groups collectively known as the Igorot, including the Bontoc, Kankanaey, and Balangao peoples. These communities are known for their rice terracing, oral epics, woodcraft, and strong clan-based governance.
• The major dialects spoken are Bontoc and Kankanaey, with Ilocano and Tagalog also widely used. English is the official medium of instruction in all schools, ensuring educational access and national integration.

Location of Mountain Province

• Mountain Province is located in the northern-central section of Luzon, within the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR). Its geographic coordinates are approximately 17.08°N latitude and 121.17°E longitude.
• The province spans a land area of 2,389.43 square kilometers, comprising 10 municipalities and 144 barangays. Its terrain is mountainous, with pine forests, deep valleys, and rice terraces. The climate is subtropical highland, with cooler temperatures and distinct wet and dry seasons.
• The capital of Mountain Province is Bontoc. The Provincial Capitol is located in Barangay Poblacion, Bontoc.
• Most people reach Mountain Province via land transport. From Manila, travelers take buses to Baguio or Banaue, then transfer to vans bound for Bontoc. The nearest airport is Loakan Airport in Baguio, while the closest major seaport is the Port of San Fernando, La Union, accessible by road in about 6–7 hours.

Tourist Attractions of Mountain Province

• Sagada Hanging Coffins: A unique burial tradition practiced by the Igorot people, attracting cultural and adventure tourists.
• Maligcong Rice Terraces: A scenic and less-commercialized terrace system in Bontoc, ideal for trekking and photography.
• Mount Amuyao: The highest peak in the province, offering panoramic views and challenging hikes.
• Chico River: A vital waterway for agriculture and recreation, with rafting and river tours available.
• Lang-ay Festival: Celebrated every April, this province-wide festival showcases indigenous dances, rituals, and crafts, promoting unity and cultural pride.

Economy of Mountain Province

• The province’s economy is primarily driven by:
  • Agriculture: Rice, corn, root crops, and highland vegetables are the main products. The rice terraces remain central to livelihood and heritage.
  • Tourism: Cultural heritage, eco-tourism, and adventure travel contribute significantly to seasonal income.
  • Crafts and weaving: Indigenous textiles, wood carving, and basketry support local artisans.
  • Services: Education, local governance, and small-scale trade sustain community-level commerce.
• While specific GDP figures are limited, Mountain Province ranks among the smaller economies in CAR but shows consistent growth through tourism and sustainable agriculture.

Educational Institutions of Mountain Province

• Young residents pursue higher education at:
  • Mountain Province State Polytechnic College (MPSPC): With campuses in Bontoc and Tadian, MPSPC offers programs in education, agriculture, engineering, business, and indigenous studies.
  • 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 Mountain Province

• Mountain Province was originally part of the old Mountain Province created by the American colonial government on August 18, 1908. It encompassed a vast area including present-day Benguet, Ifugao, Kalinga, Apayao, and Baguio City.
• On June 18, 1966, through Republic Act No. 4695, the old Mountain Province was divided into four separate provinces: Benguet, Ifugao, Kalinga-Apayao, and the new Mountain Province. Bontoc was retained as the capital of the reorganized province.
• The province is named after the Cordillera Central mountain range and is known for its indigenous governance systems, rice terraces, and resistance to colonization. Spanish missionaries had limited success in converting the highland tribes, who maintained their autonomy and cultural practices.
• Today, Mountain Province is a symbol of indigenous resilience and ecological wisdom. It continues to advocate for heritage preservation, sustainable tourism, and inclusive development rooted in ancestral values.

Elected Officials of Mountain Province

• As of the 2025 elections, Mountain Province is led by:
  • Governor: Bonifacio C. Lacwasan Jr. (PFP)
  • Vice Governor: Jose O. Dominguez (Independent)
  • Representative – Lone District: Maximo Y. Dalug Jr. (NP)
  • Board Members: Samuel Bayangan, Franklin Odsey, Joseph Kalang-ad, Jimmy Cawed, and others as listed in the official Halalan 2025 results.
• For full election results and updates, visit: Mountain Province Election Results.

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