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<<Location
and Land Area
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A landlocked region, CAR is located in the northern central
portion of Luzon. It is bounded on the north by the provinces
of Ilocos Norte and Cagayan; on the south by the provinces
of Pangasinan and Nueva Vizcaya; on the east by Cagayan
Valley; and on the west by the Ilocos Region. It has a
total land area of 18,293.70 square kilometers which is
about 16% of the total land area of the Philippines.
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<<Basic
Information
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FACTS AND FIGURES
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Population*
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1,520,743
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Land Area (sq. km.)
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18,293.70
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| No. of Provinces |
6
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| No. of Cities |
2
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| No. of Municipalities |
75
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No. of Barangays
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1,176
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Data Sources:
* 2007 NSO Census of Population
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<<Creation
The Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR) was
created by Executive Order No. 220 signed by former President
Corazon C. Aquino on July 15, 1987, otherwise known as the Organic
Act of CAR. Originally, the region was composed of the provinces
of Abra, Benguet, Ifugao, Kalinga-Apayao, Mt. Province and the
City of Baguio. The provinces of Abra, Benguet, Mt. Province and
Baguio City were formerly part of the Ilocos Region while Kalinga-Apayao
and Ifugao were part of the Cagayan Valley Region.
On February 14, 1995, Republic Act No. 7878 was
enacted which bifurcated the province of Kalinga-Apayao into 2
separate provinces - Kalinga and Apayao. Also, on June 23, 2007,
the Municipality of Tabuk became a Component City by virtue of
Republic Act No. 9404. There are now 75 municipalities, 2 cities
and 1,176 barangays in CAR.
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<<Physical
Profile
The region is dominated by a mountainous topography,
characterized by very steep slopes and high elevation. About 71%
of its land area have steep slopes, which constrains cost effective
physical development. Infrastructure projects, for example, is
30% more expensive in CAR compared to similar projects in the
lowland areas because along the process of incorporating mitigating
measures it further aggravates construction costs. Thus, determining
the appropriate location of projects is very critical in the face
of the region’s topography and cost of construction.
More than three-fourths of the region is classified
as “high elevation” (500-2,000 meters above sea level). This gives
the region its generally cool climate which nurtures many unique
and rare bio-species, and attracts many domestic tourists escaping
from the sweltering lowland heat.
Located in a “seismo-tectonically active area”,
and owing to its unique topography, the region is highly prone
to geologic hazards such as mass movements, ground subsidence,
seismic induced hazards, and flooding. The region is entirely
traversed by numerous active fault lines including branches of
the Digdig Fault. The July 16, 1990 earthquake caused major damages
to private and public properties estimated at PhP 3.7 Billion.
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<<Forestry,
Mineral, Water and Energy Resources
The region derives much benefits from its abundant mineral natural
resource base. A major wealth is its forest resources, which include
an estimated 93.2 million cubic meters in dipterocarp timber and
27.10 million cubic meters of pine timber.
The region, likewise, harbors rich metallic and non-metallic
mineral deposits. Some 33,265 hectares are covered by mining claims,
of which 27% are presently mined out. For the last 10 years, mining
companies in the region have produced some US $1.92 Billion worth
of gold, copper and silver. Mining is one of the region’s flagship
industries and contributes about 21% to the region’s economy.
The region’s mountainous topography, coupled with its extensive
forests, also make it the “watershed cradle” of Northern Philippines.
The headwaters of 9 major rivers emanate from the region and these
provide irrigation and energy resources to the Luzon Island of
the Philippines.
Only a minor segment of the region’s natural energy potentials
is currently exploited. The Ambuklao, Magat and Binga Hydro-Electric
Plants and a number of mini-hydroelectric plants, mainly located
in Bakun, Benguet, supply about 11% of the Luzon Grid’s power
requirements. The San Roque Multi-Purpose Project which is said
to be the biggest dam in Asia, aside from providing irrigation
and serving as a flood control structure, generates 345 megawatts
of electricity and 947 GWH hydropower. Meanwhile, the region's
geothermal and oil potentials remain unexplored.
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<<Seal
and Symbolism
SYMBOLISM
The seven overlapping and interlocking triangles
represent the six provinces (Abra, Apayao, Benguet, Ifugao, Kalinga
and Mt. Province) and one city (Baguio City) of the region. The
interlocking triangles denote interdependence, linkages and coordination
essential for the holistic and synergistic development of the
region. The triangles form a crown affirming Cordillera’s primacy
as the country’s watershed cradle from which emanates the headwaters
cascading into the river systems of low-lying regions. The triangle
was chosen to manifest stability and strength.
The majestic rice terraces provide the backdrop
for the crisscrossing triangles for these are world renowned and
incomparably unique Cordillera landmarks. They also stand as monuments
to the Cordilleran’s resilience, steadfastness and self-reliance
in the face of adversity and challenges.
The Shield, the traditional symbol of Cordilleran
defense in times of war, represents the region’s desire for protection
against ignorance, apathy and intolerance, and the indomitable
Cordilleran spirit of preserving its way of life, environment,
customs and traditions.
The three stars on the shield signify that the
region remains an integral part of the Philippines contributing
substantially to national development.
The emblem gives the impression of sun rays at
daybreak heralding the dawning of a new era and the emergence
of a region capable of greatness.
The gong, an indigenous instrument which accompanies
all Cordilleran dances and festivities, conveys unity, cohesion
and solidarity towards the attainment of a singular unified vision
for development for the region.
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<<City/Provinces
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reserved.
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