CAPITAL: Bontoc
LAND AREA: 2,097 sq km
TEL. AREA CODE: 074
NO. OF TOWNS: 10
ZIP CODE: 2619
BRIEF HISTORY
Mountain Province became a special province of the Philippines
in 1907. It was made up of the sub-provinces of Bontoc-Lepanto,
Amburayan, Apayao, Benguet, Ifugao and Kalinga. The Provincial Supervisor,
Samuel Kane, was appointed Governor of the province and Bontoc was
then the capital town.
In February 1942, the dreaded Japanese Army arrived in Bontoc via
the Nueva Viscaya and Kalinga route. A garrison was established
in the town. The Anglican Mission dormitories were served as quarters
for the officers. Dr. Hillary Clapp was made governor of Mountain
Province and during his term, the people were spared from so much
suffering from the Japanese colonizers.
On January 9, 1945, the American Forces landed in Lingayen and
the Japanese forces retreated northwards. In February of the same
year, American planes dropped incendiary bombs in Bontoc and bombed
again the place the following month. It razed the town so the people
fled to the mountains for cover while the Japanese troops arrived
daily fleeing towards Aparri and Kiangan to join the troops of General
Yamashita.
In August 1945, USAFE troops arrived and the people came out from
their hiding.
Peace came earlier in Bontoc than the rest of the country.
On July 4, 1945, the Philippine Republic was born. Bontoc slowly
rose from the ruins of the war and the following years marked the
changes and developments.
Being the provincial capital, people flocked to Bontoc and business
flourished. Hotels, lodging houses, restaurants, stores and houses
sprouted. The Baguio-Bontoc road was rehabilitated with the assistance
of Lepanto Mining Corporation and the Dangwa Development Corporation.
Mountain Province became an independent province on March 25, 1967
when President Ferdinand E. Marcos officially appointed and inducted
into office the first set of provincial officials: Alfredo Lamen
as Governor; Victor Dominguez as Vice-Governor; and Pablo Felva
and Alejo Manao as Board Members. On April 7, 1967, the new Mountain
Province came into operation. This date was unanimously adopted
by the Sangguniang Panlalawigan on their regular meeting held on
June 10, 1980 as the Mountain Province Day.
To date, Mt. Province is growing in popularity as a "Spelunkers
Delight and Weavers Paradise". It is becoming a favorite destination
of both local and foreign visitors.
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LANGUAGE/DIALECT
The inhabitants are generally speaking Kankanaey with Bontoc as
their major dialect. Others speak Gaddang and Kalinga. English and
Ilocano are widely spoken and understood.
HOW TO GET THERE
From Manila, the quickest way to Banaue is by bus 9 hours. From
Banaue to Sagada take a jeepney to Bontoc (2.5 hrs) and connect
with another jeepney to Sagada (40 minutes)
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