Sagada, Mountain Province

Infobox Philippine municipality
infoboxtitle = Municipality of Sagada
sealfile =
locatormapfile = Ph_locator_mountain province_sagada.png caption = Map of Mountain Province showing the location of Sagada.
region = Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR)
province = Mountain Province
districts =
barangays = 19
class = 5th class
mayor =
areakm2 =
pop2000 = 10,575
popden2000 = |

Sagada is a 5th class municipality in the province of Mountain Province, Philippines. According to the 2000 census, it has a population of 10,575 people in 2,158 households.

It is located 275 km. north of Manila, 140 km. from Baguio, and it is adjacent to Bontoc, the provincial capital.

Sagada is famous for its "hanging coffins". This is a traditional way of burying people that is not in use anymore. Not anyone was qualified to be buried this way; you had to, among other things, be married and have grandchildren.

Trekking, explore both caves and waterfalls, spelunking, bonfires, picnics, rappelling, visit historical sites, nature hikes, and participate in tribal celebrations are among the popular activities. Guides can be found upon registration at the tourist-office in Sagada Proper (the main town) for a small fee.

Geography

Sagada is nestled in a valley at the upper end of of the Malitep tributary of the Chico River some one and a half kilometers above sea level in the central Cordillera; enveloped between the main Cordillera Ranges and the Ilocos Range. Mt. Data in the south and Mt. Kalawitan in the southeast pierce the horizon. Mt. Polis, Bessang and Mt. Tirad in the east, and Mt. Sisipitan in the north mark the Mountain Province - Abra boundary.

Climate and produce

The climate and crops are like those of Baguio and Benguet: cabbage, tomatoes, green pepper, potatoes, carrots, beans, and other temperate products. Between 1882 and 1896, the Spanish colonizers introduced Arabica coffee: a source of income since the American occupation. Citrus, mainly lemon, lime and Valencia oranges were introduced from Spain by Jaime Masferre to provide the needs of American missionaries and employees of the Mission of Saint Mary the Virgin.

Basic culture

Basic culture refers to the indigenous culture before the establishment of a Spanish Mission in 1882. As an ili or village, Sagada was founded by a man, "Biyag", from "Bika" in Eastern Abra. The people from "Bika" were forced out of their ili by raiding headhunters. "Biyag's" family resettled in "Candon" but when baptism or the giving of names was enforced, "Biyag's" family chose to move back toward the mountains in search for a settlement. Along the way, he and his siblings decided to part ways. A brother, "Balay", chose to return to "Candon", a sister to Abra. Another brother settled along the upper Abra River. "Biyag" pushed further to the east until he came to what is now Sagada.

Places of Interest

Sagada has many natural wonders. Backpackers and tourists can enjoy the waters of Bokong and Bomod-ok Falls. Other places that can be visited are:

* Sumaguing and Lumiang Caves
* Bomod-ok and Bokong Falls
* Rice terraces
* Echo Valley
* Kiltepan Tower
* Underground River
* Lake Danum

Accommodation

There are many places to stay in Sagada yet most of these are situated in the main area of town.A notable place to stay at is the A7 house, this is situated in a prime location near the rice terrace and numerous water holes. This house has influenced many individuals and has a rich history. It is operated mainly by a 95 year old who has had 7 kids who grew up there, hence the name A7 house. Visitors and tourists may consider the following inns during their stay:

* A7 House * Alfredo Inn * Dap-ay Mabbay * Far Ants Inn * Ganduyan Inn and Café * Mapiyaaw Inn and Restaurant * Masferre Country Inn and Restaurant * Olahbinan Guesthouse and Restaurant

* Pines View Inn * Residential Lodge * Rock Inn and Café (Rock Farm) * Rocky Valley Inn and Café * Sagada Guest House and Restaurant * Sagada Igorot Inn and Restaurant * Sagada Pension House * St. Joseph's Resthouse

Barangays

Sagada is politically subdivided into 19 barangays.

* Aguid * Tetepan Sur * Ambasing * Angkeling * Antadao * Balugan * Bangaan * Dagdag (Pob.) * Demang (Pob.) * Fidelisan

* Kilong * Madongo * Poblacion (Patay) * Pide * Nacagang * Suyo * Taccong * Tanulong * Tetepan Norte

External links and references

* [http://www.nscb.gov.ph/activestats/psgc/default.asp Philippine Standard Geographic Code]
* [http://www.photo.net.ph/thumbnails.php?album=1701 Sagada Photos and Hanging Coffins]
* [http://www.gmanews.tv/video/21796/iWitness-Saan-sa-Sagada iWitness: Saan sa Sagada?, 04/29/2008]
* [http://www.lakwatsero.com/2008/05/02/sagada/ Sagada Quick Info]
* [http://www.rockfarmsagada.com The Rock Inn and Café]
* "Daoas, Bartolome." A Cultural History of Sagada
* [http://sagadaphilippines.com/ Sagada, Philippines]
* Johnny Mina, Lawrence Capiz, Frederick Manzano and Moses Esteban. Bachelor Science in Computer Engineering Section Block 14, 1st Semester 2001 . "Sagada Cultures Language History." Project in English 101, University of Baguio, Philippines.
* [http://www.sagada-igorot.com Sagada Igorot Online]
* [http://www.visitsagada.com Visit Sagada]
* [http://www.batch2006.com/visit_sagada.htm More photos and information on Sagada]
* [http://www.aenet.org/ifugao/sagada.htm AENET Sagada]