A proposed ordinance seeks to declare August 18 of every year as “Mountain Province Day” to recognize the strong historical, cultural, and social ties between Baguio and the “i-Montanosa” community and promote cultural preservation, unity, and appreciation of Mountain Province heritage through annual commemorative activities.
The proposed ordinance is authored by Councilors Leandro Yangot Jr., Joel Alangsab, Vladimir Cayabas, Van Oliver Dicang, Fred Bagbagen, Yuri Weygan, Liga ng mga Barangay President Rocky Aliping, Sangguniang Kabataan Federation President John Rhey Mananeng, and Vice Mayor Faustino Olowan.
The proposed measure recognizes the longstanding relationship between Baguio City and the people of Mountain Province, noting that many residents, students, and workers in the city trace their roots to the province and continue to preserve their ancestral traditions and cultural identity.
Under the ordinance, August 18 of every year will officially be observed as “Mountain Province Day” in the City of Baguio to recognize and celebrate the diverse cultural heritage of its residents and acknowledge the historical, economic, and social ties between Baguio City and Mountain Province.
The proposed ordinance aims to showcase the unique traditions, dances, crafts, and rituals of the ten municipalities of Mountain Province namely Bontoc, Sagada, Besao, Tadian, Bauko, Sabangan, Paracelis, Natonin, Sadanga, and Barlig.
It also seeks to strengthen the kinship between Baguio-based “i-Montañosa” communities and the local government while educating the youth and tourists about the distinct Igorot identity and heritage of Mountain Province.
The ordinance creates a Mountain Province Day Committee that will be chaired by the City Tourism Officer. The vice chairperson will be the president of a recognized federation of Mountain Province organizations in Baguio, and the chairperson of the Baguio City Council’s Committee on Tourism, Special Events, and Playgrounds will serve as a member.
The City Government, in coordination with Mountain Province associations and organizations, will organize commemorative activities that may include cultural parades featuring traditional attires from the ten municipalities, performances of traditional rituals, chants, and dances such as the Pattong, and agro-industrial fairs showcasing products from Mountain Province.
The ordinance also authorizes the appropriation of P250,000.00 from the city’s annual budget to fund the celebration and related activities. Subsequent funding requirements will be included in the annual budget of the City Tourism Office to ensure the continuity of the yearly observance.
The proposed ordinance was approved on first reading by the Baguio City Council on May 11, 2026 and subsequently referred to the Committee on Special Events for review.**Jordan G. Habbiling
