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 Billion4.
The region is the least populated region in the country despite its vast land
area. The total population in 2018 is 1,879,7005. About two thirds of the region’s
population are indigenous peoples, making it the most diversified ethnolinguistic region in the Philippines with its major languages having sub-dialect
variations even as almost every Cordillera people shares similar cultural identity
with different tribes6.
CAR is rich in ancient culture. The way of life of the people in this region existed
way back to ancient Filipinos before the Spanish colonization. It has been a
home to indigenous cultures of different tribal ethnicity such as the Ibalois,
Kiangans, Kalanguyas, Isnegs, Applais, Kalingan, Ifugaos, Kankanaeys, Illian,
Baliwon and many others spread in isolated communities in the various parts
of the region. Despite differences in tribal ethnicity, the Cordillera peoples have
commonalities in costumes, music, dances and even customs.7
Cordillera also has various festivals which reflect the rich culture of the region.
This includes the Panagbenga or Baguio Flower Festival celebrated every
February. The festival highlights are the flower exhibits, garden tours, floral
competition, and parade of floats. Other festivals in the region include the
Adivay Festival in Benguet, Ulalim Festival in Kalinga, Lang-ay Festival in
Mountain Province, Banaue Imbayah Festival, and the Tabuk Matagoan
Festival.
Agriculture remains to be the primary occupation which employs more than
half of the region’s workforce8. 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 economy9.
4
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6
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77
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cordillera_Administrative_Region
8
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5
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CHR CAR REGIONAL HR SITUATION REPORT – JANUARY to JUNE 2020