December 5, 2011

History of Ifugao

In Brief:
Ifugao was formerly known as a part of the old Mountain Province. It was created as an independent province on June 18, 1966 by virtue of Republic Act No. 4695, otherwise known as the Division Law of Mountain Province. Under this Law, Mountain Province was divided into four provinces namely: Benguet, Ifugao, Kalinga Apayao, and Mountain Province. The word "Ifugao" means hill. The Spaniards changed 'pugo' to 'pugaw' and was finally changed by the Americans to "Ifugao". The province of Ifugao is a land-locked area located at the foot of the Cordillera mountain ranges. It is bounded by the high peaked mountain of Benguet in the western side, Nueva Vizcaya on the southern side, Isabela on the eastern side, and on the north by the protruding strip of the territory of Mountain Province. It is generally located at 120 degrees 40'17" longitude.
Special Interests:
1. Rice Terraces of the Philippine Cordilleras - internationally acclaimed by UNESCO as a cultural heritage site inscribed in five locations in the province. They are the following:
    a. Nagacadan Rice Terraces, Kiangan
    b. Hungduan Rice Terraces, Hungduan
    c. Mayoyao Rice Terraces, Mayoyao
    d. Bangaan Rice Terraces, Banaue
    e. Batad Rice Terraces, Banaue
2. Banaue Rice Terraces - aside from the five recognized by UNESCO as world heritage sites, the Banaue rice terraces is a leading tourist destination due to its easier travel accessibility. The rice terraces were built more than 2,000 years ago.
3. Mount Amuyao - the 8th highest peak in the Philippines with an elevation of 2,702 meters (8,865ft.) above sea level. It is located between the boundary line of Banaue and Mayoyao and between the provinces of Ifugao and Mt. Province.
4. Mount Napulawan - located at the municipality of Hungduan. It is very accessible to mountain trekkers.
5. Mount Anapawon - it is considered as a suitable area for camping in the province. It is located at the central part of the province. It provides a very good view of some areas in Hungduan, Lagawe, and Kiangan as well as the rice terraces of Hingyon.

For further readings, visit the following:
Ifugao origin, language, and rituals
Universal Value of the Rice Terraces of the Philippine Cordilleras

5 comments:

Anonymous said...

let's not forget that Ifugao has several tourist destinations in terms of rice terraces as mentioned in this report. Banaue rice terraces is more known internationally, but UNESCO's list should also be considered for purposes of fair cultural preservation and promotion.

Anonymous said...

Ifugao has magnificent stories with its own gigantic historical background. The Philippine government should consider this province a priority for development so that tourists all around the world will have better travel access and security.

Anonymous said...

very brief but informative though

Unknown said...

How to add more details and the history of ifugao since starting from the spanish occupation in our country?

Anonymous said...

These are really wonderful ideas in on the topic of blogging.
You have touched some nice things here. Any way keep up wrinting.


Also visit my weblog; CT limo

Recent Posts