Ifugao

The province of Ifugao derives it name from the word “Pugo” which means hills in the native language. Despite the influence of Christianity, age-old traditions are alive and are still practiced. For instance, during harvest time, Ifugaos still celebrate with a “caniao” where sacrificial animals such as chickens, pigs and even carabaos are butchered. Ifugao culture is some 3,000 years old.

During their brief occupation of the province, the Spaniards established “pueblos” (towns) headed by the “Alcalde Municipal” and barangays (barrios) headed by the “Cabeza de Barangay”. The Spaniards largely confined their activities within Kiangan, Ifugao. Spanish rule ended with the outbreak of the Philippine Revolution.

Ifugao became the center of warfare during the last stages of the World War II. It was in Mt. Napulawan in Ifugao where Gen. Yamashita, the “Tiger of Malaya” put up his last stand against the Filipino and American forces. He initially surrendered to Capt. Grisham of the US Army based in Kiangan before he was flown to Camp John Hay, Baguio City where he formally surrendered.

Philippine Statistics Authority