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.