UCHAYAN, WILFRED L.

LAYUGAN, ADRIAN B.

APAYAO
Group 2

I. DESCRIPTION / ORIGIN OF THE PROVINCE

ORIGIN OF THE PROVINCE

Apayao, formerly part of the Cagayan province during the Spanish Period, became part of the
Mountain Province on August 13, 1908 by the Americans.
Although Apayao which was then part of Cagayan, was among the earliest areas penetrated
by the Spaniards in the Cordilleras, the region remained largely outside Spanish control until
late in the 19th century.
As early as 1610, the Dominican friars established a mission in what is now the town
of Pudtol. In 1684, the friars again made attempts to convert the people and established a
church in what is now Kabugao.
On June 18, 1966, the huge Mountain Province was split into four provinces: Benguet,
Bontoc (renamed "Mountain Province"), Kalinga-Apayao and Ifugao.
Kalinga-Apayao, along with Ifugao, became one of the provinces of the Cagayan Valley
Region in 1972.
On July 15, 1987, the Cordillera Administrative Region was established and Kalinga-Apayao
was made one of its provinces.
Finally, on February 14, 1995, Kalinga-Apayao was split into two independent provinces thru
Republic Act 7878 initiated by Elias K. Bulut Sr., to better service the needs of individual
ethnic groups.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PROVINCE
Apayao is a landlocked province in the Philippines situated in the Cordillera Administrative
Region, occupying the northern-central section of Luzon with a land area of 4,413.35 square
kilometers or 1,704.00 square miles.. It is composed of seven municipalities and 133
baranggays. Its capital is the Municipality of Kabugao.
 II. PEOPLE AND THEIR LIVELIHOOD PRACTICES
In the early years, Apayao as a sub-province is predominated by the Isneg people. Apayao
province have 5 indigenous tribes.
1. The Isneg people are the earliest residents of Apayao Province and one of the
remaining tribes in Luzon. The Isneg are a small ethnolinguistic group inhabiting the
wide mountains of the area. They are concentrated mainly in the municipalities of
Kabugao, Conner, Luna, and Pudtol.The Isneg language is called Isnag and is spoken
by around 300,000 people. The Isneg settlements are mostly along the river and
practice the farming of rice and farming vegetables up the hills.
2. Ibanag. The Ibanag people are primarily found in the northern part of Apayao. They
are known for their agricultural practices, including rice farming and vegetable
cultivation.
3. Gaddang. The Gaddang tribe is primarily located in the eastern part of Apayao. They
are known for their skill in pottery, weaving, and metalworking.The Gaddang people
have a unique way of dressing, with women wearing colorful wrap around skirts and
men donning traditional garments adorned with intricate beadwork and embroidery.
4. Malaweg. The Malaweg people are a smaller indigenous group in Apayao. They have
a deep connection with the land and engage in subsistence farming and fishing. The
Malaweg have a close-knit community and preserve their traditional practices,
including storytelling, music, and dance.
5. Dumagat. The Dumagat tribe, also known as the “river people,” reside near the rivers
and forests of Apayao. They have a strong affinity for nature and practice sustainable
hunting and gathering techniques. The Dumagat are skilled in making crafts from
forest materials and are known for their unique musical instruments, such as bamboo
flutes and drums.
The current population of Apayao province as determined by the 2020 Census was 124,366
which is 6.92% of the total population of the Cordillera Administrative Region and 0.11% of
the entire population of the Philippines.
The houses on the different villages are close together for security and companionship. The
traditional house sits on four large wooden posts and has colourful adornments.

III. TOURISM

1. Lussok Crystal Cave

underground world filled with stalactite and stalagmite formations.
2. Manacota Underground River
A subterranean waterway that flows through a massive cave system.
3. Pudtol Church
Also known as the Santa Marcela Church, a beautiful stone structure that dates back to
the Spanish colonial period.
4. Apayao Eco-Tourism and Sports Complex
Features swimming pools, a zipline, and a hanging bridge. The complex also offers a
variety of accommodations and dining options.
5. Nagan River
 Offers swimming, fishing, and picnicking with friends and family.
6. Apayao Ancestral House
Step back in time as you visit the Apayao Ancestral House, a traditional wooden dwelling
that offers a glimpse into the province's past.
7. Mount Kilang
Apayao offers a trek for hikers in Mount Kilang with panoramic views of Apayao's lush
landscapes and rolling hills.
8. Bayugao Falls
A multi-tiered waterfall surrounded by lush vegetation.
9. Purag Cultural Village
Where you can learn about Apayao's indigenous people, their customs, and traditional crafts.
10. Apayao Provincial Museum
Showcases the province's history, culture, and natural wonders through a variety of
exhibits and artifacts.
Others includes:
1. Allacapan Butterfly Garden
2. Apayao River
3. Dupag Rock Formation
4. Agora Wildlife Sanctuary
5. Mataguisi Church Ruins
6. Apayao View Deck
7. Marag Valley
8. Bulala Lake
9. Apayao Indigenous Games Festival

IV. CULTURAL PRACTICE AND TRADITIONS

Oral Tradition
The Apayao Cordillerans have a strong tradition of oral storytelling, where myths,
legends, and folktales are passed down through generations. Through these stories, they
transmit their history, values, and wisdom, fostering a sense of identity and cultural pride.
Environmental Stewardship
The Apayao Cordillerans have a deep connection to the natural environment and practice
sustainable agriculture, forest management, and herbal medicine. These customs reflect their
ecological wisdom, respect for nature, and belief in the interconnectedness of all living
beings.
 Rituals and Ceremonies
2 main rituals of Apayao:
1. SAY-AM
Say-am is a significant religious ritual among the Isnags. It is a community affair
attended by the villagers and those from nearby villages. The say-am ceremony is
performed as a cleansing ritual, if hosted by those who went for a period of mourning,
and also as a thanksgiving ritual. It is highlighted with thanksgiving prayers as evidenced
in the message of the given prayers. For this specific reason of the say-am, it highlights
the essence of sharing one’s blessings. The say-am is celebrated with dancing, reciting or
chanting a prayer, eating, and wine drinking. Large animals like cattle and pigs are
butchered for this purpose.
2. PILDAP
Referred as say-am among the poor. Pildap is a less grander version of the say-am.
Smaller animals like dog or chicken are butchered for this celebration. Pildap is
performed to give significance to an event or for its healing effect. It is also performed by
a family as a means to request prayers for good health, abundance and prosperity as they
live in a new abode or house that a family is to occupy. Pildap is performed to give
significance to the first haircut of a man as an adult. When a member of the family is
seriously ill and pildap is performed, it is a healing ritual.
Traditional Craftsmanship
such as weaving, woodcarving, basket-making, pottery, and metalwork. These crafts are
not only practical but also serve as expressions of artistry and cultural identity.
Traditional Musical instruments
Gangsa
It is a set of small, knobbed gongs made of brass or bronze. The gangsa is played
by striking the gongs with wooden beaters, creating rhythmic patterns that form the
foundation of Apayao Cordilleran music.
Kudyapi
The kudyapi is a stringed instrument that holds a significant place in Apayao
Cordilleran music. It is a guitar-like instrument with two or four strings, traditionally
made of bamboo or hardwood. The kudyapi produces a warm, resonant sound and is
played by plucking or strumming the strings. It serves as both a melodic and
accompanying instrument, adding depth and texture to the traditional music of the
Apayao Cordillerans.

Traditional Dances
1. TADEK
Tadek is a traditional dance of the Apayao Cordillerans that represents the cycle of
rice farming and harvest. The dancers imitate the movements of planting, tending, and
 harvesting rice, symbolizing the importance of agriculture in their livelihood. The
dance is believed to invoke the blessings of their ancestors and nature spirits for a
bountiful harvest.

2. LAGA
Laga is a traditional courtship dance performed by the Apayao Cordillerans. The
dance embodies their beliefs about love, relationships, and the importance of finding a
suitable life partner.Laga reflects the Apayao Cordillerans’ reverence for the
institution of marriage and their belief in the harmony and balance between masculine
and feminine energies.
3. KABINNULIG
Kabinnulig is a communal dance that represents unity, cooperation, and solidarity
among the Apayao Cordillerans. The dance involves a large group of participants
moving in synchronization, symbolizing the collective strength and harmony of the
community. Kabinnulig embodies their belief in the power of working together for the
common good, emphasizing the importance of mutual support, collaboration, and
social cohesion. The dance serves as a reminder of their shared identity and the
resilience that comes from unity.

Reference:
https://www.apayaopio-news.com/copy-of-organizational-objective
http://www.ethnicgroupsphilippines.com/ethnic-groups-in-the-philippines/isneg/
https://www.icbe.eu/apayao-articles/310-apayao-rituals-their-features-and-significance
https://www.pinoytourist.com/destinations-philippines/
kk23j97mayzm2cyxc7ekycxpperhpn#google_vignette