Bontoc, Mt. Province begins construction of P40M Culture and Arts building

Tabuk City, Kalinga - A new four-story culture and arts building will soon rise in the capital town of Mt. Province, bringing a wealth of cultural, educational, and economic benefits to the people of the province. 

The groundbreaking ceremony, which signaled its construction, was held earlier this April, marking the beginning of the project that aims to become a landmark of pride and identity for the Cordilleran community. 

Funded by the Department of Tourism (DOT) through the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA), the P40-million building will become the home of the province’s museum, a tourism information center, and a cultural center.  The building is envisioned to be a space where locals and visitors can connect with the rich traditions, political legacy, and unique stories of the province. 

According to DOT Regional Director Jovi Ganongan, as reported by the Philippine Information Agency CAR, the building represents more than just infrastructure—it reflects the province’s strong commitment to tourism and cultural preservation.

 “This building will show that the whole province is giving priority to tourism. When we evaluate projects, we also look at the readiness, we look at the prioritization of the province,“ Ganongan stated, as quoted by the said media.

One of the highlights of the building will be the establishment of a political museum, a first of its kind in the province. Roger Sacyaten, the province’s culture and arts focal person, shared that the museum will tell the story of Mt. Province’s political history—from early leaders to present-day officials—recognizing their roles and contributions in shaping the province.

 “We already have the Bontoc Museum, and we respect its important role in preserving our indigenous culture. That’s why we’re creating a political museum instead, something new that will help us understand how our province was built through leadership and service,” Sacyaten explained. 

The new facility will not compete with the Bontoc Museum, which continues to house a rich collection of authentic Igorot artifacts and culturally significant artworks. Instead, it will serve as a complementary institution that completes the picture of the province’s heritage. 

Once completed, the Culture and Arts building is expected to become a vibrant center for learning, storytelling, and community pride, bringing people together and strengthening the identity of Mt. Province for generations to come.