The 'Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR)',
Philippines' only
land-locked region, consists of the
provinces of
Abra,
Benguet,
Ifugao,
Kalinga,
Mountain Province and
Apayao.
Baguio City is the regional center. The Cordillera region encompasses most of the areas within the
Cordillera Central mountain range of Luzon, the largest range in the country. This region is home to numerous
indigenous tribes collectively called the
Igorot.
Economy
Cordillera has abundant mineral reserves. These include metallic ores such as gold, copper, silver, zinc, and non-metallic minerals like sand, gravel and sulfur. Mineral reserves are found in all the provinces. However, mining is concentrated in Benguet.
Geography
Political Divisions

Political map of Cordillera Administrative Region
CAR is subdivided into 6
provinces and
Baguio City.
| Province/City | Capital | Population (2000) | Area (km²) | Pop. density (per km²) |
|---|
| Abra | Bangued | 209,491 | 3,975.6 | 52.7 |
| Apayao | Kabugao | 97,129 | 3,927.9 | 24.7 |
| Benguet | La Trinidad | 330,129 | 2,599.4 | 127.0 |
| Ifugao | Lagawe | 161,623 | 2,517.8 | 64.2 |
| Kalinga | Tabuk | 174,023 | 3,119.7 | 55.8 |
| Mountain Province | Bontoc | 140,439 | 2,097.3 | 67.0 |
| | | | | |
|---|---|
| Baguio City | — | 252,386 | 57.5 | 4,839.3 |
'¹' Baguio City is a highly urbanized city; figures are excluded from Benguet Province.
Tourist attractions
Tourist attractions in the region include the world famous
Banaue Rice Terraces in the province of
Ifugao. This is supposedly considered as the "Eighth Wonder of the World".
Natural attractions of the region include the Sumaguing Cave in
Sagada and the mummy caves of
Benguet and
Mt. Province. There are four National Parks: Cassamata Hill,
Mount Pulag (the second highest mountain in the Philippines with an elevation of 2,922 meters above sea level), Mt. Data and Balbalasang-Balbalan, located in the province of Kalinga. Kalinga is also offering world class white water rafting along the Chico River.
Festivals and Events
Cordillera Administrative Region has world famous festivals that has been celebrated all year round. Among the region's festivals are:
Panagbenga / Baguio Flower Festival which is celebrated in the month of February. The festival focuses on Baguio as the Flower Garden City of the North. Highlights include flower exhibits, lectures, garden tours, floral competition and city-wide parade of floats.
LANG-AY Festival, Mt. Province celebrated every
April 7. A week-long agro-industrial trade, tourism and cultural fair with tribal dances and songs in full regalia. Lang-ay is a native term which showcases the living tradition of the people of Mountain province to celebrate festivities, share happiness, foster family solidarity, hospitality and nurture friendship - all with a toast of home brewed wine.
Banaue Imbayah festival which is celebrated every 4 years. A 3 day festival from December 5 to 8 consisting of ethnic parade portraying the evolution of the Ifugao culture followed by ethnic games.
External links
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BIBAK.net Online Community (www.bibak.org)
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Cordillera Online - Showcasing the Cordillera Administrative Region
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Executive Order No. 561: FORMATION OF THE "SUPER" REGIONS AND MANDATE OF THE SUPERREGIONAL DEVELOPMENT CHAMPIONS
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North Luzon Super Region: Potentials
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North Luzon Super Region: Projects
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Ilocano: Ti Pagsasao ti Amianan
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Ilocano Wikipedia
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NAKEM Centennial Conference
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Cordillera Administrative Region