All you need to know about the Province of Ifugao, the Land Of The 8th Wonder of the World.
Ifugao is a landlocked province of the Philippines in the Cordillera Administrative Region in Luzon. Its capital is Lagawe and it borders Benguet to the west, Mountain Province to the north, Isabela to the east, and Nueva Vizcaya to the south.
Ifugao culture is found among the Ifugao people. They have their own language, culture, belief system as well as complete survival technique. They are most peaceful people and living around the nature, therefore in modern civilization they are considered as Animist.
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| Ifugao Province in the Philippines |
The Rice Terraces of the Philippine Cordilleras and Banaue Rice Terraces are the main tourist attractions in the province. These terraces are believed to have been hand-carved into the mountains 2,000 years ago to plant rice. However, recent research by carbon dating suggests that they were built much later.
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| Banaue Rice Terraces |
In 1995, the Rice Terraces of the Philippine Cordilleras were declared as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
In 2008 and 2015, the Hudhud chants of the Ifugao and the Punnuk (Tugging rituals and games) were inscribed in the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage Lists.
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For Your Trip to Ifugao
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IFUGAO IN DETAILS
- Location: 16°50′N 121°10′E
- Year Founded: 1966
- Capital: Lagawe
- Area: 2,628.21 km2 (1,014.76 sq mi)
- Population: 207,500
- Density: 77/km2 (200/sq mi)
- Division: Luzon
- Region: CAR
- Cities & Towns: 11 Towns (Municipalities)
- Demonym(s): Igorot
- Elevation: (Mount Pulag) 2,926 m (9,600 ft)
- Time Zone: PST (UTC+8)
- Zip Code: 3600–3610
- Area code: +63 -(074)-XXX-XXXX
- Electricity: Standard voltage is 220V. Plug commonly used is Type A but Types B and C are used as well.
- Currency: Philippine Peso (PHP)
- Exchange Rate: Approximately 1 USD = 50 PHP | click for exact exchange rate
- Income Class: Fourth Class
- Religion(s): The Ifugao people have an indigenous religion unique to their traditional culture but Roman Catholicism has grown in the province with approximately 60% of the population being converted by missionaries.
- Language(s): Ifugao, Tuwali, Kalanguya, Ilocano, Tagalog, English
- Known For: Banaue Rice Terraces
- Major Industries: Agriculture (rice), Tourism
- Climate: Tropical
- Best Time to Visit: June to July, August to September, October to November
- Clothing: Casual light clothing: shorts, t-shirt, sandals. Light jacket and pants at night, at higher elevations, and boating.
- Airport(s): None
- Seaport(s): None
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| Ifugao Provincial Capitol located in Lagawe, Ifugao in 2019 |
Before traveling, you might want to check the live weather forecast and updates to make your trip even easier and safer for you. You can also get the latest report for land traffic in Metro Manila and major parts of the Philippines.
WHAT TO PACK FOR IFUGAO
Here are some things you might consider bringing with you for your day tour / adventure:
- Stylish face mask
- Water container/tumbler to rehydrate
- Sunscreen for skin protection
- Goggles for swimming or snorkeling
- Stylish Swimsuit
- Travel backpack / luggage
- Reusable vacuum storage packs
- Selfie stick
- Waterproof phone case
- Acion cam
- Camping tent
- WiFi kit
- Power bank
Shopee is my go-to app for things I needed like the ones above. If you'd like discounts and vouchers, you may get the best offers here:
Etymology
Ifugao is named after the term i-pugo ("i" [from/people] and pugo [hill]), which translates to people of the hill.
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| Ifugao youth in their traditional clothing |
Alternatively, the province's name may have come from the word pugaw, which means "the cosmic earth", ipugaw then referring to "mortals".
Finally, the name may have been derived from ipugo, a type of grain in local mythology given to the people by Matungulan, the god of grains
History of Ifugao
During the Spanish regime
The Spanish had great difficulty in taking over Ifugao, like most of the Cordilleras due to the fierce belief of the Cordillera people of their rights since ancient times. The Ifugao battled colonizers for hundreds of years, even after the state was colonized and was transformed into a part of Nueva Vizcaya province of the Spanish-administered Philippines.In 1891, the Spanish government established Quiangan as a comandancia-politico-militar for the Ifugao area. The Spanish occupation in the province ended with the outbreak of the Philippine Revolution.
American occupation
On August 18, 1908, Ifugao was separated from Nueva Vizcaya and, along with Amburayan, Apayao, Benguet, Bontoc, Kalinga and Lepanto, was annexed to the newly created Mountain Province established by the Philippine Commission with the enactment of Act No. 1876.
Post World War II
On June 18, 1966, Republic Act No. 4695 was enacted, and Ifugao was converted into a regular province when the huge Mountain Province was split into four (the other three being Benguet, Mountain Province, and Kalinga-Apayao).
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| Man & wife of former Ifugao headhunters between 1959 and 1961 |
Ifugao and Kalinga-Apayao were placed under the jurisdiction of the Cagayan Valley region. The capital was moved from Kiangan to Lagawe due to the harsh landscape of Kiangan which made it unsuitable for public transportation and as a capital.
Post-martial law era
On July 15, 1987, the Cordillera Administrative Region was established by then-President Corazon Aquino through Executive Order 220, and Ifugao was made one of its provinces.
Since the 20th century, the province has been central to the archaeological research of various international institutions, mostly from the United States and the Philippines. A major discovery was the archaeological site of Kiangan, which proved the oral tradition of the Ifugao that the first settlement in the province was in Kiangan.
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| A traditional Ifugao house with the Batad rice terraces in the background |
UNESCO recognitions in Ifugao
UNESCO has inscribed two Ifugao elements in the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2008 and 2015, respectively. UNESCO has also inscribed one Ifugao site with five properties in the World Heritage Site in 1995.
Rice Terraces of the Philippine Cordilleras
In 1995, the Rice Terraces of the Philippine Cordilleras was inscribed in the UNESCO World Heritage List. UNESCO states:
"For 2,000 years, the high rice fields of the Ifugao have followed the contours of the mountains. The fruit of knowledge handed down from one generation to the next, and the expression of sacred traditions and a delicate social balance, they have helped to create a landscape of great beauty that expresses the harmony between humankind and the environment."
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| Batad Rice Terraces |
The inscription has five sites: the Batad Rice Terraces, Bangaan Rice Terraces (both in Banaue), Mayoyao Rice Terraces (in Mayoyao), Hungduan Rice Terraces (in Hungduan) and Nagacadan Rice Terraces (in Kiangan), all in the Ifugao Province, the Philippines. The Banaue Rice Terraces are not included in the inscription, but may be included through an extension nomination to UNESCO, along with other rice terraces sites in other Philippine Cordillera provinces.
Hudhud Chants of the Ifugao
In 2001, the Hudhud ni Aliguyon (or Hudhud Chants of the Ifugao) became one of the first 11 Masterpieces of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity in 2001. The element was inscribed in the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2008. UNESCO describes the element as follows:
The Hudhud consists of narrative chants traditionally performed by the Ifugao community, which is well known for its rice terraces extending over the highlands of the northern island of the Philippine archipelago. It is practised during the rice sowing season, at harvest time and at funeral wakes and rituals. Thought to have originated before the seventh century, the Hudhud comprises more than 200 chants, each divided into 40 episodes. A complete recitation may last several days. Since the Ifugao’s culture is matrilineal, the wife generally takes the main part in the chants, and her brother occupies a higher position than her husband. The language of the stories abounds in figurative expressions and repetitions and employs metonymy, metaphor and onomatopoeia, rendering transcription very difficult. Thus, there are very few written expressions of this tradition. The chant tells about ancestral heroes, customary law, religious beliefs and traditional practices, and reflects the importance of rice cultivation. The narrators, mainly elderly women, hold a key position in the community, both as historians and preachers. The Hudhud epic is chanted alternately by the first narrator and a choir, employing a single melody for all the verses. The conversion of the Ifugao to Catholicism has weakened their traditional culture. Furthermore, the Hudhud is linked to the manual harvesting of rice, which is now mechanized. Although the rice terraces are listed as a World Heritage Site, the number of growers has been in constant decline.The few remaining narrators, who are already very old, need to be supported in their efforts to transmit their knowledge and to raise awareness among young people.
Tugging Games and Ritual: Punnuk of the Ifugao
The Punnuk of the Ifugao was inscribed in the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2015 under the multinational inscription of the Tugging Rituals and Games element.
Ifugao Geography
Ifugao covers a total area of 2,628.21 square kilometres (1,014.76 sq mi) occupying the southeastern section of the Cordillera Administrative Region in Luzon. The province is bordered by Benguet to the west, Mountain Province to the north, Isabela to the east, and Nueva Vizcaya to the south.
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| Political division of Ifugao |
Situated within the Cordillera Central mountain range, Ifugao is characterized by rugged terrain, river valleys, and massive forests.
Ifugao comprises 11 municipalities, all encompassed by a lone legislative district.
- Aguinaldo
- Alfonso Lista
- Asipulo
- Banaue
- Hingyon
- Hungduan
- Kiangan
- Lagawe (Capital)
- Lamut
- Mayoyao
- Tinoc
Ethnicity
Based on the 2000 census survey, the Ifugao comprised 67.91% (109,659) of the total provincial population of 161,483. Other ethnic groups in the province included the Ilocanos at 13.73% (22,171), Kalahan at 8.64% (13,946), Ayangan at 6.15% (9,935), and Kankanaey at 0.64% (1,037).
The total number of Tinguian in the province of Ifugao is 2,609. (source: Philippine Statistics Authority)
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| Fabric weaved from Ifugao |
Religion
The Ifugao people have an indigenous religion unique to their traditional culture, and highly significant to the preservation of their life ways and valued traditions. They believe in the existence of thousands of gods, which may enter specific sacred objects such as the bul-ul.
Roman Catholicism has a growing influence in the province with approximately 60% of the population being converted by missionaries. In most areas, especially at the east and south of the province, indigenous traditions have degraded due to the influx of Christianity.
In 2014, the Apostolic Vicariate of Bontoc-Lagawe recorded a 61.5% Roman Catholic adherence. The most significant religion other than Roman Catholicism is Protestantism that make up 20%-30% of the population and are mostly found in the central and south-western parts of this province. Other religions includes animism.
Wet rice cultivation and ritual feasting
Shifting to wet rice cultivation is one factor that intensified the social ranking that was already present among the Ifugao society. Those who adopted wet rice cultivation were able to consolidate political resources. “In Ifugao, the adoption of wet-rice agriculture is at the forefront in discussions regarding social ranking vis-Ã -vis prestige economy.”
The Ifugao social status is based on their rice lands and ability to sponsor feasts. One reason being is that an individual needs to be skilled in mobilizing rice terraces, and because rice terraces require labor-intensive work.
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| Ifugao people in their traditional clothing |
Ifugao Climate
The rainy season in Ifugao begins in July and runs through January. The weather remains cool from November to February.
June to July is a good time to see green rice terraces. August to September is the best time to see the rice terraces at its greenest. October to November is the best time to see the rice terraces in its golden color.
The most appropriate clothing in this province is casual light clothing: shorts, t-shirt, sandals. Light jacket and pants at night, at higher elevations, and boating.
ATTRACTIONS TO SEE IN MANILA
Klook.comTOURIST SPOTS TO SEE IN IFUGAO
The following is a list of points of interest relating to the Ifugao province:
- Bacung Spider Web Rice Terraces
- Banaue Museum
- Banaue Rice Terraces
- Batad Rice Terraces
- Bintakan Cave
- Bogyah Hot Spring
- Buyukan Falls
- Chapah Waterfalls
- Guihob Natural Pool
- Hapao Rice Terraces
- Hungduan Rice Terraces
- Ifugao Museum
- Lumauig Stone
- Mayoyao Rice Terraces
- Million Dollar Hill
- Nah-toban Cave
- Nungulunan Rice Terraces
- O’ Phaw Mahencha Falls
- Philippine War Memorial Shrine
- Tam-an Village (Banaue)
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| Ifugao House on capitol grounds (Lagawe) |
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| Bacung Spider Web Rice Terraces |
ACTIVITIES AND TOURS IN MANILA
HOW TO GET TO IFUGAO
There are several ways to get to Ifugao, the most common being from Manila. You can fly to an alternate airport (Baguio, Cauayan or Tuguegarao), however the time will be approximately the same, but the cost will be significantly more.
Manila to Banaue by Bus
Traveling to Banaue is a long journey and may be a bit difficult due to the road conditions especially as you approach the mountainous regions.
Here are buses that have direct trip from Manila to Banaue (vice versa):
Coda Bus Manila to Banaue Schedules [ Find Tickets ]
- Cubao - Banaue, Ifugao 5:10PM, 6:10PM, 6:30PM, 7:00PM, 9:00PM
- Banaue, Ifugao - Cubao 7:00PM
Coda Bus Fares [ Find Tickets ]
- Manila - Banaue Express ₱667
- Manila - Banaue VIP ₱780
Ohayami Trans Manila to Banaue Schedules [ Find Tickets ]
- Cubao - Banaue 9:00PM, 10:00PM
- Banaue - Cubao 6:30PM, 7:00PM
Ohayami Trans Banaue to Lagawe Schedules [ Find Tickets ]
- Baguio - Lagawe 9:00PM
- Lagawe - Baguio 6:30PM
Ohayami Trans Banaue to Baguio Schedules [ Find Tickets ]
- Baguio - Banaue 9:00PM
- Banaue - Baguio 5:30PM
Ohayami Trans Bus Fares [ Find Tickets ]
- Manila Banaue Regular AC ₱540
- Manila Lagawe Regular AC ₱500
- Baguio Banaue Regular AC ₱480
For detailed directions, fares and bus trip schedule, read my Manila to Ifugao guide.
FESTIVALS IN IFUGAO
The following is a list of festivals celebrated in Ifugao throughout the year:
- Imbayah (April) – Banaue
WHERE TO STAY IN IFUGAO
Here are some of the hotels and resorts accommodation you book for your stay in Ifugao:
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| Hillside Inn and Restaurant |
- Banaue Hotel - Check Rates and Availability!
Location: Town Center, Banaue, Ifugao - Native Village Inn - Check Rates and Availability!
Location: Barangay Uhaj, Town Center, Banaue, Ifugao - Batad View Inn and Restaurant - Check Rates and Availability!
Location: Chungchung Batad, Banaue, Ifugao
- Hillside Inn and Restaurant - Check Rates and Availability!
Location: Viewpoint, Upper Batad, Batad, Banaue, Ifugao - Banaue Evergreen Hostel and Restaurant - Check Rates and Availability!
Location: Ilogue Tam-an First and Second Floor, Town Center, Banaue, Ifugao
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Ifugao
The following are the most frequently asked questions about the Ifugao province.
- Where in the Philippines is Ifugao located?
Ifugao is located on northern central section of Luzon. - Is Ifugao a city or province?
Ifugao is a province. - What is the Capital of Ifugao?
The capital of Ifugao is Lagawe. - What is Ifugao famous or known for?
Ifugao is famous or known for Banaue Rice Terraces
OTHER PROVINCES IN CAR
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