10 Kalinga barangays identified as important historical sites, set to receive markers from NHCP

Tabuk City, Kalinga – Ten barangays in Kalinga are set to receive historical markers as part of the National Historical Commission of the Philippines’ (NHCP) effort to recognize the province’s rich cultural and historical heritage.

The announcement was made by the Tourism and Industry Sector, represented by Provincial Tourism Officer (PTO) Lorraine Ngao-i, during the 1st Quarter Provincial Development Council Meeting on March 12 at the Davidson’s Hotel in Bulanao.

She shared that the initiative is part of the NHCP’s “Landas ng Pagkabansa,” a program that identifies important historical sites, commemorates key events and figures, and installs markers to preserve and promote the country’s heritage.

“…this is in line with the ‘Landas ng Pagkabansa,’ and ongoing ito. They already did their research, and they identified ten places in Kalinga na malalagyan or ma-unveil and ma-install ng historical markers,” she said.

The ten barangays include Dacalan, Gaang, Lubo, and Taloctoc in Tanudan; Barangays Asibanglan, Apatan, and Magaogao in Pinukpuk; Poblacion in Lubuagan; Guinaang in Pasil; and Barangay Naneng in Tabuk City.

Meanwhile, there are around 1,381 official NHCP historical markers (Level II) in the Philippines recorded in its registry. When unofficial, relocated, or decommissioned markers are included, the total number rises to 1,810.

Kalinga’s lone historical marker

According to NHCP records and listings, the region has a total of 37 markers, including the Heneral Emilio Aguinaldo marker at the Lubuagan Town Hall in Kalinga—the only historical marker in the province, installed on March 6, 2000.

The marker, according to the NHCP, reads as follows:

“Sa bayang ito itinatag ni Heneral Emilio Aguinaldo ang kanyang punong himpilan mula Marso 6 hanggang Mayo 17, 1900 at sa gayon ay pinanatiling nag-aalab ang apoy at diwa ng kalayaan ng Pilipinas na kanyang ipinahayag sa Kawit, Cavite noong Hunyo 12, 1898. Dito rin ipinagdiwang ni Heneral Aguinaldo ang kanyang ika-31 kaarawan. Ipinalabas ang mga utos na pagmamatyag sa Hukbong Amerikano at nakipag-ugnayan sa kanyang mga komandante. Ang panandang pangkasaysayang ito ay iniaalay ng sambayanang Pilipino na kumikilala ng utang na loob dahil sa kabayanihan at katapatan sa bayan ng mga mamamayan ng Lubuagan.”

For the iKalingas, a historical marker is both symbolic and educational, as it honors the province’s role in Philippine history while teaching heritage, fostering pride, and preserving its identity for future generations.

With 10 more markers underway, Kalinga is expected to further establish itself as one of the region’s sustainable tourism destinations, highlighting its rich history, culture, and natural heritage for both locals and visitors.