Kalinga Kalinga Province Whitewater Rafting Capital Of The North Capital: Tabuk No. of Towns: 8 A glance of the Philippine map will easily reveal the similarity of the physiography of Kalinga to that of a bust of a man akin to former President Ferdinand E. Marcos. The province’s geographic feature is charcterized in the western portion by sharp crested interlinking peaks of the steep slope, isolated flat lands, plateaus, and valleys. The eastern portion has generally rolling, gradually sloping foothills. With interlocking wide tracks of flat lands and flood plains along its main drainage system, this rare geography interposes a great role expected of the province in national development pursuits. Brief History The name Kalinga is derived from the Ibanag and Gaddang word that means “headhunters.” In the past, headhunting was considered noble and symbolized bravery. Tattoos, a status symbol that men respected and women admired, were given to mingols (warriors) as reward. The bodong (or peace pact) is an indigenous socio-political system that defines intertribal relationships to the Kalingas. It was developed to minimize traditional warfare and headhunting, and served as an institutional renewal, maintenance, and reinforcement of social ties. Recently, the bodong was expanded into a multi-lateral peace pact providing a means of strengthening unity in some parts of the Cordilleras. During the short-lived Philippine Republic, President Emilio Aguinaldo in his flight to Palanan, Isabela crossed the upper Kalinga areas in his vain attempt to elude his American pursuers. On March 18, 1900, he established his headquarters at Lubuagan where he stayed for 35 days until he learned that his pursuers were sighted at Mabongtot. He escaped northwards towards Tabuk in the historic last leg of his flight to Palanan where he was later captured. On June 18, 1966, Republic Act No. 4695 was enacted creating from the old Mountain Province five separate and independent provinces: Benguet, Ifugao, Mountain Province (Bonito), and Kalinga-Apayao. On March 26, 1967, President Ferdinand E. Marcos administered the oath of office to the new officials of the four newly born provinces. Presently, Kalinga is fast emerging as the “Land of Living Waters” following its operation as a regular and separate province on February 14, 1996. LANGUAGE/DIALECT Ilokano is the dominant dialect spoken in the lower parts of Kalinga, specifically in the municipalities of Tabuk and Rizal. The Kalinga dialect is spoken in other municipalities. Filipino and English are widely understood in all parts. MAJOR INDUSTRIES Loomweaving, rattan basketry, and banana chips processing in Tabuk; animal feeds prodcution n in Rizal; rattan furniture in Conner and Luna; gold jewelry manufacturing and coffee pre-processing in Tabuk, also the trading center. GEOGRAPHY Kalinga is nestled on an elevation of 300 to 5,000 feet above sea level with a northsouth assemblage of mountain ranges within the Cordillera Central. It has been dubbed as the “Prince of the Highlands” in the Philippines. POLITICAL SUBDIVISIONS The province is composed of eight (8) municipalities: Balbalan, Lubuagan, Pasil, Pinukpuk, Rizal, Tabuk, Tanudan, and Tinglayan. CLIMATE The prevailing climate falls under the Type III classification of the Weather Bureau. The relatively dry season occurs from November to April while the rest of the year is generally wet. Heaviest rain occurs during September, with an average rainfall of 2,000 mm. Typhoons frequently occur from July to October. POPULATION Kalinga has a total population of 154,145 based on the latest census. Getting there and away: By Land Autobus Lines – Tel# (02)743-6870 Victory Liner – Tel # (02) 920-7396 These Buses offers daily trip to Tabuk. Reservation is a must to get a secured seat. By Air Philippine Airlines flies three times a week from Manila to Tuguegarao. Jeepneys in Tuguegarao bound for Tabuk are available daily, with travel time at one and a half hours. PAL Reservations: (02) 855-8888 Chico River Quest Inc. - Kalinga's # White Water Rafting Company managed by Kalinga Natives.
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