The Colorful Tapestry of MT Province's Past

 Introduction

    Tagged as the Weaver's Paradise, Mountain Province pulsates with diverse weaving centers crafting distinctive designs that intricately narrate the province's cultural tapestry.

    Mountain Province, a picturesque landlocked province nestled within the Cordillera Administrative Region on Luzon Island, proudly claims Bontoc as its vibrant capital. Its name originates from its lofty perch within the Cordillera Central mountain range, adorning the upper echelons of Luzon Island—a breathtaking geographical feat!

    Now, delving deeper, let’s unfurl its historical narrative, from the times of Spanish Colonialism to the American Regime, and finally, the tumultuous period of the Japanese invasion.

Beautiful Mountain Ranges in Sagada, MT. Province

Spanish Colonialism   

    Between 1566 and 1665, an expedition was mounted in a bid to conquer this land. However, the formidable combination of unforgiving topography and the resilient resistance of the indigenous inhabitants proved insurmountable barriers to complete subjugation.

    It wasn't until 1785 that a resolute and concerted endeavor emerged to subdue the region. Soldiers from Cagayan were rallied to suppress a Kalinga rebellion, marking a pivotal moment in the Spanish pursuit of control. Renowned explorer Guillermo Galvez led over 40 arduous expeditions into this rugged mountainous expanse, exemplifying an unwavering pursuit of dominance.

    Known as La Montañosa among Spanish colonists for its mountainous terrain, this area was intricately divided into six distinct political legions. This division underscored the intricate complexities of governance within this challenging and demanding terrain.

American Regime

    On August 19, 1908, amid the epoch of American colonial rule, the Philippine Commission executed Law No. 1876, a pivotal legislation that unified the expansive expanse of the Cordillera Mountains under a singular banner known as the Mountain Province. Steering its initial governance was Governor Samuel Kane, with the vibrant township of Bontoc elevated as its distinguished capital.

    Originally comprising the territories of Ambrayan, Apayao, Benguet, Lepanto-Bontoc, Ifugao, and Kalinga, the province underwent significant reconfigurations. Notably, Ambrayan met its dissolution in 1920, its territories redistributed to Ilocos del Sur and La Union. Lepanto underwent size reduction, culminating in the merging of the town into the territories of Bontoc and Benguet, along with Ilocos del Sur.

    These transformative shifts underscored the evolving territorial dynamics within the region during the tenure of the American Regime. The administrative metamorphosis, marked by reorganizations and territorial realignments, reshaped the landscape and administrative boundaries, sculpting the historical tapestry of the Mountain Province.

Japanese Invasion

  The early days of February 1942 saw the arrival of Japanese troops in Bontoc, resulting in the burning of homes. The Japanese then return in June 1942 marked the establishment of a garrison within the town, seizing control of key government edifices, including the Anglican Mission Compound until 1945. Notably, Eyeb was repurposed as a concentration camp for American prisoners.

    On September 8, 1942, the Japanese introduced KALIBAPI, slated to become the sole political entity in the country. The finalization of the constitution on September 4, 1943, led to the election of Florencio Bagwan as the Mountain Province representative on September 20 of that year. Tragic events unfolded on the night of April 6 or 7, 1945, with the abduction and execution of Governor Hilary Clapp and Justice of the Peace Quire over their alleged involvement in the capture and demise of Major Ralph Praeger.

    The tides shifted in June 14, 1945, as Field Artillery and Air Force Units secured Tagudin, Cervantes, Bessang Pass, and, by July 9, Bontoc was reclaimed by the Americans. The turning point arrived when General Yamashita surrendered in Kiangan on September 2, 1945. However, the aftermath of hunger and disease wrought havoc on the populace, particularly in regions like Nacgacada, Kiangan, Maggock, and Hungduan, where starvation and illnesses claimed lives by the hundreds daily.

    Following the liberation from Japanese rule in 1945, the Americans appointed Marshall Mayors to spearhead the arduous task of post-war rehabilitation.read more