Mountain Province
Mountain Province is a landlocked province in the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR) in the Philippines. It covers about 2,157.38 square kilometers and is composed of 10 municipalities, subdivided into 144 barangays. The capital of the province is Bontoc, which also serves as the province’s administrative and commercial center. The name 'Mountain Province' was derived from its mountainous terrain, reflecting the rugged landscapes, rich culture, and traditions of the Igorot people who inhabit the area.
HISTORY
Mountain Province was created on August 13, 1908, during the American colonial period, through Act No. 1876 passed by the Philippine Commission. Originally, it covered a much larger territory that included the present-day provinces of Benguet, Ifugao, Kalinga, and Apayao, as well as the current Mountain Province. Its establishment was meant to unify the governance of the Igorot tribes in the Cordillera highlands under one administrative unit. The capital was set in Bontoc, which continues to serve as the provincial center. Over time, however, the vast province was gradually divided: Benguet and Ifugao became separate provinces in 1966, followed by Kalinga and Apayao, which eventually split in 1995. What remained is today’s Mountain Province. Mountain Province is deeply tied to the history and culture of the Igorot people, known for their traditions such as the famous hanging coffins of Sagada and their centuries-old rice terraces. Unlike other parts of the Philippines, the area resisted full colonization during the Spanish era due to its rugged terrain and the strong independence of its people, though it was later brought under American administration. Today, Mountain Province is recognized not only for its unique cultural heritage but also for its important role in preserving the identity and traditions of the Cordillera region.
QUICK FACTS | |
| Population (Census 2024) | 149,775 |
| Land Area (2013) | 2,157.38 km² |
| No. of households | 37,601 |
| Average Household Size | 4.20 |
| Registered Voters | 122,042 |
| Major Landmarks | Hanging Coffins of Sagada |
| Coastal Access | no |
| Estimated elevation above sea level | 1,100 meters |
Map
Mountain Province is located in the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR) in the northern part of the Philippines. It is a landlocked province bounded by Kalinga to the north, Ifugao to the east, Benguet to the south, and Ilocos Sur and Abra to the west.
MUNICIPALITIES POPULATION DATA
Mountain Province has 10 municipalities and 272 barangays.
| name | type | barangay_count | population_2020 | population_2024 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Barlig | Municipality | 41 | 4796 | 4363 |
| Bauko | Municipality | 24 | 32021 | 31470 |
| Besao | Municipality | 32 | 6873 | 6315 |
| Bontoc | Municipality, Capital | 14 | 24104 | 23466 |
| Natonin | Municipality | 36 | 10339 | 8906 |
| Paracelis | Municipality | 37 | 31168 | 30143 |
| Sabangan | Municipality | 22 | 9621 | 8556 |
| Sadanga | Municipality | 20 | 8427 | 7781 |
| Sagada | Municipality | 20 | 11510 | 10702 |
| Tadian | Municipality | 26 | 19341 | 18073 |
DEMOGRAPHICS
Population by Age Group
Based on the 2020 Census, the largest age group is 15-19, with 16,812 individuals, followed closely by those aged 10-14 years (16,721) and 5-9 years (15,809). In contrast, the smallest population is found in the 75-79 years, with only 1,830 individuals.
| age | population_2020 |
|---|---|
| Below 5 | 13607 |
| 5-9 | 15809 |
| 10-14 | 16721 |
| 15-19 | 16812 |
| 20-24 | 14685 |
| 25-29 | 13183 |
| 30-34 | 11728 |
| 35-39 | 9726 |
| 40-44 | 8473 |
| 45-49 | 7500 |
| 50-54 | 7215 |
| 55-59 | 6377 |
| 60-64 | 5353 |
| 65-69 | 4038 |
| 70-74 | 2649 |
| 75-79 | 1830 |
| 80+ | 2494 |
Population by Gender
In 2020, the population was composed of approximately 52.01% males and 47.99% females, indicating a higher number of males than females.
ECONOMY
Agricultural Production Trends (2018–2023)
From 2018 to 2023, crop production slightly fluctuated but showed overall growth, starting at 1,735 in 2018 and increasing to 2,041 in 2023. Livestock production also improved, rising from 446 in 2018 to 780 in 2023, with notable growth in 2021. Poultry production consistently increased, from 102 in 2018 to 212 in 2023, reflecting steady expansion. Fisheries production, though relatively small, gradually rose from 2 in 2018 to 7 in 2023, showing continuous improvement each year.
| title | 2022 | 2023 |
|---|---|---|
| Crops | 1725 | 2041 |
| Livestock | 645 | 780 |
| Poultry | 176 | 212 |
| Fisheries | 6 | 7 |