Hungduan, Ifugao to celebrate 108th Founding Anniversary on Oct. 1

Hungduan, Ifugao—Rooted in the town’s vibrant culture and history, Hungduan, Ifugao is set to celebrate its Founding Anniversary on October 1, 2025.

Now on its 108th year of commemoration, the celebration is a meaningful event where the townspeople honor their ancestry while working together as a community towards progress. 

About Hungduan  

Based on gathered information, the word “Hungduan” comes from the word “hungdu,” which means “to pass” or “traverse.” In early times, Hungduan was the main route for travelers moving to Benguet and Baguio, often crossing tough forested mountains.  

Before colonial times, Hungduan’s people lived simple lives focused on survival, family, land, and traditions, which is prominently displayed in the municipality’s rice terraces, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. 

In 1918, Hungduan was a part of Kiangan when Ifugao. In 1921, it was formally separated under Executive Order No. 6 to become the 5th municipal district of Ifugao. Two years later, in 1923, it was formally established as a municipal district under Executive Order. No. 33.  

Initially, Hungduan consisted of fifteen barangays, but following subsequent reorganizations (including the establishment of Tinoc in 1982), the town currently has nine barangays (Abatan, Ba-ang, Bangbang, Bokiawan, Hapao, Lubo-ong, Maggok, Nungulunan, and Poblacion). 

Hungduan’s culture remains strong. After harvest, villagers hold “Huwah,” a thanksgiving feast capped by “Punnuk,” a UNESCO-inscribed tug-of-war among the communities of Baang, Hapao, and Nungulunan.  

These customs illustrate the strong bond that the people of Hungduan maintain with their land and ancestors.

Hungduan Day  

To formalize this yearly celebration, the Sangguniang Bayan of Hungduan approved Municipal Ordinance No. 140, Series of 2022, declaring October 1 every year as the municipality’s official Foundation Day. 

The ordinance aims to give the people a fixed day for commemoration since the exact date of the municipality’s creation wasn’t clearly marked in early records. 

To allow participation in this year’s festivities, Malacañang declared October 1, 2025 (Wednesday), as a special non-working holiday in Hungduan through Proclamation No. 1025, signed by Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin.