PHILIPPINES: Apayao

The province of Apayao boasts its own collection of natural wonders that are otherwise not found in the rest of the Cordilleras. Little wonder that it has been dubbed as “Cordillera’s Last Frontier for Nature Richness.” Here, underground rivers, majestic waterfalls, magnificent lakes hug a unique land that is replete with captivating caves, picture-pretty parks, and exotic wildlife.

Delve deep into underwater splendor being offered by Malabisin Lake and Underground River as well as Waton Subterranean River. Come up the surface to gape at fish and wildlife, which are highly visible in the unpolluted waters of Apayao River. And do stop to admire the myriad of picturesque waterfalls of varying sizes that are found along the river.

Commune with nature and marvel at wondrous sights at the Agamata, Agora, and Anag-Sicapo wildlife sanctuaries. Scale the heights of Mount Solo, the highest peak in Apayao. Stumble into untold discoveries at Purit, Anganupan, Nalvo, and countless other caves that make Apayao a whole lot more than simply interesting.

GEOGRAPHY

The province of Apayao is located at the northernmost tip of the Luzon mainland. It is bounded on the east by the province of Cagayan, on the west by Ilocos Norte and Abra, and on the south by Kalinga. Total land area is 392,790 hectares or 21% of the total land area of the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR).

POLITICAL SUBDIVISIONS

Apayao is made up of seven municipalities with 131 barangays.

LANGUAGE/DIALECT

Ilocano is the dominant dialect spoken by almost half of the province's 26,812 households, followed by Isneg and Tagalog.

CLIMATE

The prevailing climate in the province falls under Corona's Type III Classification. It is characterized by relatively dry and wet seasons, from November to April, and wet during the rest of the year. Heaviest rain occurs during December to February while the month of May is the warmest.

INDUSTRIES

Updated records of the Department of Trade and Industry Provincial Office reveal that existing industries in the province are furniture, garment craft, food processing, gifts and house wares, and agricultural support.

HOW TO GET THERE

From Manila, there are two bus lines travelling direct to Junction Luna. in Abulog, Cagayan. The Florida Bus Line and RCJ Bus, The terminal of the two bus lines are located in Sampaloc, Manila. Travel Time from Manila to Junction Luna, is around 12 hours.