Skip to main content »
Igorotage

A Brief History of Mountain Province: From La Montanosa to CAR

Read the brief history of Mountain Province, from the Comandancia era to its pivotal role in the Cordillera Administrative Region today.

Discover the intriguing history of Mountain Province with a concise overview, tracing pivotal events from its Comandancias Politico-Militar to its role in shaping the Cordillera region under Republic Act No. 4695.

During the Spanish era, Mountain Province-referred to locally as La MontaƱosa or Montanyosa-comprised six Comandancias Politico-Militar: Benguet, Lepanto, Bontoc, Amburayan, Kayapa, and Cabugaoan.

Under American colonial rule, the Philippine Commission enacted Act No. 1876 on August 19, 1908, consolidating the entire Cordillera region into a single province named Mountain Province, with Bontoc as its capital. Initially encompassing Amburayan, Apayao, Benguet, Lepanto-Bontoc, Ifugao, and Kalinga sub-provinces, Mountain Province underwent subsequent administrative changes.

Discover the brief history of Mountain Province, tracing its evolution from the era of Comandancia to its pivotal role in the Cordillera Administrative Region today.

In 1920, Amburayan was abolished, and its territories were redistributed to Ilocos Sur and La Union provinces. Similarly, Lepanto's size was reduced, integrating its towns into Bontoc, Benguet, and Ilocos Sur.

On April 7, 1967, Republic Act No. 4695 divided the former Mountain Province into Benguet, Ifugao, Kalinga-Apayao, and the newly reconstituted Mountain Province. These provinces are integral parts of the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR), established under Executive Order No. 220 in 1987, to cater to the unique cultural and administrative needs of the Cordillera people.


Sharing is caring, kailian!

We do hope you find something great in this story. If you find this helpful, please do share it with the people you care about.


Igorotage is a platform for people to share their thoughts and ideas. The views expressed on Igorotage are the opinions of the individual users, and do not necessarily reflect the views of Igorotage.

Comments

Sign in to share your thoughts. No account yet?

What to learn next?

You might also like to read more related articles filed under Provinces and Cities — or jump to a random article!

Provinces and Cities Surprise me

NAIA Poster: DOT Places Banaue Rice Terraces in Benguet Instead of Ifugao

DOT poster at NAIA incorrectly claims the world-renowned Banaue Rice Terraces are located in Benguet.

Jul 15 · 2 min read

Laborer in Benguet Dies After Opening Vintage Bomb Mistaking it for Treasure

A 67-year-old laborer in Sablan, Benguet dies after opening a vintage bomb with a grinder, believing there was treasure inside.

Apr 12 · 2 min read

Travel Alert: Bontoc-Baguio Road Not Passable - Safety Advisory | March 2024

As of March 06, 2024, the Bontoc-Baguio Road is closed due to a forest fire. Travelers must detour via Sagada-Balili for safety.

Mar 6 · 2 min read

Two Honest Bontoc Students Return P50,000 Cash to Rightful Owner

Witness the honest actions of two Bontoc students upholding Igorot values, returning P50,000 cash to its rightful owner.

Mar 5 · 5 min read

BENECO Scheduled Power Interruption: March 5-9, Baguio-Benguet

Stay informed about BENECO's power interruption schedule in Baguio and Benguet from March 5th to 9th, 2024.

Mar 4 · 3 min read

Tourist's Lost Cards and Cash in Benguet Met with Unbelievable Kindness

Discover how a tourist's lost cards and cash in Benguet led to heartwarming acts of kindness and community spirit.

Feb 6 · 4 min read

The Untold History of Mt. Kalugong in La Trinidad, Benguet

Unlock the enchanting history of Mt. Kalugong in La Trinidad, Benguet, and unveil the hidden stories that have shaped this scenic landscape.

Jan 20 · 3 min read

1LT Jerson P. Balagot: Igorot is Top 3 in Infantry Officer Advance Course

1LT Jerson Balagot, an Igorot from Benguet, ranked 3rd in the Philippine Army's Infantry Officer Advance Course CL184-2024.

Bontoc Jar Burials: The Remains of an Ancient Tribe

It's not just skeletons in jars, it is also a figment of an ancient tribe's history, culture, and mysteries unsolved

Mar 14 · 2 min read

La Trinidad, Benguet Celebrates the 42nd Strawberry Festival: A Sweet Tradition Continues

Celebrate tradition and taste at La Trinidad's 42nd Strawberry Festival! Join the fun with culinary contests, cultural performances, and festivities.

Mar 5 · 3 min read