General Information

The Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR), Philippines only land-locked region, consists of the provinces of Abra, Benguet, Ifugao, Kalinga, Mountain Province and Apayao. Baguio City is the regional center. The Cordillera region encompasses most of the areas within the Cordillera Central mountain range of Luzon, the largest range in the country. This region is home to numerous indigenous tribes collectively called the Igorot.

Economy/Resources

Cordillera has abundant mineral reserves. These include metallic ores such as gold, copper, silver, zinc, and non-metallic minerals like sand, gravel and sulfur. Mineral reserves are found in all the provinces. However, mining is concentrated in Benguet. Baguio City and La Trinidad, Benguet are considered as the industrial centers in the region due. In Baguio, you will find an Export Processing Zone where operations of big companies like Texas Instruments, and MOOG are located. In La Trinidad you will find the Provincial Capitol and regional branches of government organizations.

Culture

The Cordillera region is known for its unique musical instruments including the gangsa kalinga, nose flute, bamboo flute, buzzer, bangibang, tongatong, diwdiw-as, saggeypo, and bamboo zither. Panagbenga / Baguio Flower Festival which is celebrated in February. The festival focuses on Baguio as the Flower Garden City of the North. Highlights include flower exhibits, lectures, garden tours, floral competition and a parade of floats.

Climate

The climate in the region is generally cool in the uplands. The rainy season is from May – October, while the dry season is from November to April.