Kalinga is a landlocked province in the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR) in Northern Luzon, Philippines. It covers about 3,282.6 square kilometers and is composed of 1 component city, 7 municipalities, and 153 barangays. The capital of the province is Tabuk City, which also serves as its only city. The name “Kalinga” is derived from the Ibanag and Gaddang word “kalinga,” meaning “enemy” or “fighter,” reflecting the fierce warrior culture of its people.

History

The area now known as Kalinga has been inhabited since ancient times by indigenous peoples who relied on swidden farming, rice terrace cultivation, hunting, and river trade along the Chico River. Communities were organized into independent villages bound by kinship and governed through the bodong (peace pact system). During the Spanish period, Kalinga resisted colonial rule due to its rugged terrain and warrior tradition. When the Americans arrived, Kalinga was placed under the Mountain Province in 1908, but the people continued to safeguard their culture and way of life.