Kapangan

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Kapangan
Municipality of Kapangan
Flag of Kapangan, Benguet.png
Kapangan Benguet.png
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Map of Benguet with Kapangan highlighted
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Kapangan
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Kapangan
Location within the Philippines
Coordinates: 16°34′35″N120°36′19″E / 16.5764°N 120.6053°E / 16.5764; 120.6053
Country Philippines
Region Cordillera Administrative Region
Province Benguet
District Lone district
Founded 1900
Barangays 15 (see Barangays)
Government
[1]
  Type Sangguniang Bayan
   Mayor Manny E. Fermin
   Vice Mayor Mayo D. Eslay
   Representative Nestor B. Fongwan
   Electorate 14,929 voters (2025)
Area
[2]
  Total
164.39 km2 (63.47 sq mi)
Elevation
1,016 m (3,333 ft)
Highest elevation
1,459 m (4,787 ft)
Lowest elevation
540 m (1,770 ft)
Population
 (2024 census) [3]
  Total
20,048
  Density120/km2 (320/sq mi)
   Households
4,626
Economy
   Income class 4th municipal income class
   Poverty incidence
2.51
% (2021) [4]
   Revenue 154.9 million (2022)
   Assets 338.9 million (2022)
   Expenditure 127.3 million (2022)
   Liabilities 31.32 million (2022)
Service provider
  ElectricityBenguet Electric Cooperative (BENECO)
Time zone UTC+8 (PST)
ZIP code
2613
PSGC
IDD : area code +63(0)74
Native languages Kankanaey language
Ibaloi
Ilocano
Tagalog
Website www.kapangan.gov.ph

Kapangan, officially the Municipality of Kapangan, (Ilocano : Ili ti Kapangan; Tagalog : Bayan ng Kapangan), is a municipality in the province of Benguet, Philippines. According to the 2020 census, it has a population of 19,297 people. [5]

Contents

History

Pre-colonial period

Kapangan was formerly called Takdang (or Tacdang), which means "people from the east". The early natives, who came from eastern settlements such as Tinec in Buguias and Bontoc, settled along the Amburayan River and lived by the kaingin system. They traveled to Naguilian in La Union to trade goods with the Ilocano people The appointed first town president (before now mayor) is Espiritu Cariño (1898–1900) . [6]

Spanish period

During the Spanish Regime, Kapangan was organized into four barrios; Balacbac, Paykek, Pongayan, and Taba-ao. The Spaniards appointed Espiritu Cariño as the first Capitan del Barrio, whose duty was overseeing tax collection from local land owners. They also appointed Juan Ora-a Cariño to the position, eventually promoting him to Commandantes, one of the highest ranks in office during the time. Both Espiritu Cariño and Juan Ora-a Cariño appointed eight people in eight different barrios to serve as barrio capitans, whose tasks were to oversee the construction of Spanish trails throughout the mountain region. [6]

American period

Under the American Civil Government, Kapangan was established as one of the 19 townships of the province of Benguet, upon the issuance of Act No. 48 on November 22, 1900 [6] [7] [8]

On August 13, 1908, Benguet was established as a sub-province of the newly created Mountain Province with the enactment of Act No. 1876. Six townships of Benguet were later abolished, one of which was Balakbak, which was integrated into the township of Kapangan. [9] [10]

According to some stories, Kapangan got its name when an American once asked a local resident what was the name of the place. Since the resident doesn't understand English and so happened that they were about to eat in the party where they were in, she just said "kapangan" which means go eat in English. The American thought that the name of the place is Kapangan and hence the name .

Post-war era

On June 25, 1963, then-President Diosdado Macapagal issued Executive Order No. 42 converting eight (8) of the thirteen (13) towns (designated as municipal districts) of Benguet sub-province into regular municipalities. Kapangan was among them. [11]

On June 18, 1966, the sub-province of Benguet was separated from the old Mountain Province and was converted into a regular province. Kapangan remained to be a component municipality of the newly established province. [6] [7] [9] [12]

Geography

The Municipality of Kapangan is at the mid-western section of Benguet. It is bounded by Kibungan on the north-east, Atok on the east, Tublay on the southeast, Sablan and Bagulin on the south-west, San Gabriel on the mid-west, and Sugpon on the north-west.

According to the Philippine Statistics Authority, the municipality has a land area of 164.39 square kilometres (63.47 sq mi) [13] constituting

The municipal's terrain is characterized by rugged mountains and hills. Rugged mountains have slopes of 50% while hills have slopes from 30%-50%. The highest elevation is 1,700 metres (5,600 ft) above sea level with the lowest at 200 metres (660 ft) above sea level.

Kapangan is situated 27.32 kilometres (16.98 mi) from the provincial capital La Trinidad, and 280.26 kilometres (174.15 mi) from the country's capital city of Manila.

Barangays

Kapangan is politically subdivided into 15 barangays. [14] Each barangay consists of puroks and some have sitios.

PSGC Barangay Population ±% p.a.
2024 [15] 2010 [16]
141108001 Balakbak 6.0% 1,205 1,372 −0.91%
141108002 BelengBelis 3.9% 772 984 −1.69%
141108003 Boklaoan 2.3% 465 644 −2.26%
141108004 Cayapes 4.2% 849 962 −0.87%
141108006 Cuba 5.1% 1,018 995 0.16%
141108008 Datakan 9.4% 1,883 1,699 0.72%
141108009 Gadang 6.9% 1,378 1,534 −0.75%
141108010 Gaswiling 5.0% 1,005 1,129 −0.81%
141108011 Labueg 8.5% 1,702 1,572 0.56%
141108013 Paykek 7.4% 1,488 1,550 −0.29%
141108014 Poblacion Central 8.1% 1,618 1,841 −0.90%
141108016 Pongayan 4.3% 869 945 −0.59%
141108015 Pudong 6.1% 1,231 1,373 −0.76%
141108017 Sagubo 9.9% 1,982 1,697 1.09%
141108018 Tabaao 9.1% 1,832 1,787 0.17%
Total20,04819,2970.27%

Climate

Climate data for Kapangan, Benguet
MonthJanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDecYear
Mean daily maximum °C (°F)24
(75)
25
(77)
26
(79)
27
(81)
26
(79)
25
(77)
24
(75)
24
(75)
24
(75)
25
(77)
25
(77)
25
(77)
25
(77)
Mean daily minimum °C (°F)15
(59)
16
(61)
17
(63)
19
(66)
20
(68)
20
(68)
19
(66)
19
(66)
19
(66)
18
(64)
17
(63)
16
(61)
18
(64)
Average precipitation mm (inches)42
(1.7)
48
(1.9)
74
(2.9)
110
(4.3)
269
(10.6)
275
(10.8)
362
(14.3)
325
(12.8)
330
(13.0)
306
(12.0)
126
(5.0)
61
(2.4)
2,328
(91.7)
Average rainy days11.212.017.121.227.126.828.127.026.024.517.712.4251.1
Source: Meteoblue [17]

Climate is divided into two seasons – the wet and the dry. Wet season occurs from May to October while dry season occurs November to April.

Demographics

Population census of Kapangan
YearPop.±% p.a.
1903 28    
1918 3,916+39.01%
1939 6,539+2.47%
1948 8,184+2.52%
1960 10,707+2.26%
1970 12,221+1.33%
1975 12,793+0.92%
1980 13,381+0.90%
1990 15,537+1.51%
1995 15,326−0.26%
2000 18,137+3.68%
2007 18,221+0.06%
2010 20,084+3.61%
2015 19,361−0.70%
2020 19,297−0.07%
2024 20,048+0.92%
Source: Philippine Statistics Authority [18] [19] [16] [20] [21]

In the 2020 census, Kapangan had a population of 19,297. [22] The population density was 120 inhabitants per square kilometre (310/sq mi).

Religion

  • Ascension Episcopal Mission, Cabilisan, Pudong
  • Balakbak Southern Baptist Church, Balakbak
  • Duntog Kalbaryo Lutheran Church, Balakbak
  • Iglesia ni Cristo, Lokal ng Balakbak
  • Iglesia ni Cristo, Lokal ng Kapangan
  • Kingdom Hall of Jehovah's Witnesses, Central
  • Mount Zion Lutheran Church, Liblibeng, Gadang
  • Taba-ao Faith Baptist Church, Taba-ao
  • Saint Andrew's Episcopal Parish, Paykek
  • Saint Luke Lutheran Church, Taba-ao
  • Saint Mark Episcopal Mission, Gadang
  • Saint Mark Lutheran Church, Landing, Sagubo
  • Saint Michael Catholic Mission, Labueg
  • Solid Foundation Bible Baptist Church, Lomon

Economy

Poverty incidence of Kapangan

10
20
30
40
50
60
2000
57.16
2003
44.19
2006
25.90
2009
37.65
2012
17.67
2015
13.52
2018
17.31
2021
2.51

Source: Philippine Statistics Authority [23] [24] [25] [26] [27] [28] [29] [30]

Government

Kapangan, belonging to the lone congressional district of the province of Benguet, is governed by a mayor designated as its local chief executive and by a municipal council as its legislative body in accordance with the Local Government Code. The mayor, vice mayor, and the councilors are elected directly by the people through an election which is being held every three years.

Elected officials

Members of the Municipal Council
(2019–2022) [31]
PositionName
CongressmanNestor B. Fongwan [a]

Eric G. Yap (since January 20, 2020) [33]

MayorManny E. Fermin
Vice-MayorMayo D. Eslay
CouncilorsBruno M. Canuto
Harris M. Dizon
Jennylyn A. Ebes
Santos M. Bastian
Andrew C. Bentres Jr.
Rex L. Balangcod
Lauro C. Lorenzo
Marcelo L. Tayaban

Education

The Kapangan Schools District Office governs all educational institutions within the municipality. It oversees the management and operations of all private and public, from primary to secondary schools. [34]

Public schools

As of 2014, Kapangan has 27 public elementary schools, 1 private secondary school, and 4 public secondary schools. [35] [36] [37]

Private School

Notes

  1. Died on December 18, 2019. [32]

References

  1. Municipality of Kapangan | (DILG)
  2. "2015 Census of Population, Report No. 3 – Population, Land Area, and Population Density" (PDF). Philippine Statistics Authority. Quezon City, Philippines. August 2016. ISSN   0117-1453. Archived (PDF) from the original on May 25, 2021. Retrieved July 16, 2021.
  3. "2024 Census of Population (POPCEN) Population Counts Declared Official by the President". Philippine Statistics Authority. 17 July 2025. Retrieved 18 July 2025.
  4. "PSA Releases the 2021 City and Municipal Level Poverty Estimates". Philippine Statistics Authority. 2 April 2024. Retrieved 28 April 2024.
  5. "2024 Census of Population (POPCEN) Population Counts Declared Official by the President". Philippine Statistics Authority. 17 July 2025. Retrieved 18 July 2025.
  6. 1 2 3 4 "Municipality of Kapangan: History of Kapangan". Province of Benguet (official website). Archived from the original on 19 October 2014. Retrieved 21 December 2015.
  7. 1 2 "Kapangan, Benguet ...At a Glance". Philippine Statistics Authority – National Statistical Coordination Board – Cordillera Administrative Region . Archived from the original on 14 November 2015. Retrieved 9 October 2014.
  8. "Municipality of Kapangan, Benguet". Department of the Interior and Local Government (Philippines)Cordillera Administrative Region . Archived from the original on 22 December 2015. Retrieved 9 October 2014.
  9. 1 2 "History: Benguet Province". Province of Benguet (official website). Archived from the original on 19 October 2014. Retrieved 9 October 2014.
  10. Igualdo, Lolito T. "The Social World of the Kankana-eys (Dissertation)" . Retrieved 11 November 2014.[ permanent dead link ]
  11. "Executive Order No. 42, s. 1963: Declaring Certain Municipal Districts in the Philippines as Municipalities". Official Gazette of the Republic of the Philippines. 25 June 1963. Retrieved 25 October 2014.
  12. "Republic Act No. 4695: An Act Creating the Provinces of Benguet, Mountain Province, Ifugao and Kalinga-Apayao". Chan Robles Virtual Law Library. 18 June 1966. Archived from the original on 4 March 2016. Retrieved 12 December 2016.
  13. "Province: Abra". PSGC Interactive. Quezon City, Philippines: Philippine Statistics Authority . Retrieved 12 November 2016.
  14. "Municipal: Kapangan". PSGC Interactive. Quezon City, Philippines: Philippine Statistics Authority . Retrieved 8 January 2016.
  15. Census of Population (2020). "Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR)". Total Population by Province, City, Municipality and Barangay. Philippine Statistics Authority . Retrieved 8 July 2021.
  16. 1 2 Census of Population and Housing (2010). "Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR)" (PDF). Total Population by Province, City, Municipality and Barangay. National Statistics Office . Retrieved 29 June 2016.
  17. "Kapangan: Average Temperatures and Rainfall". Meteoblue. Retrieved 21 March 2020.
  18. "2024 Census of Population (POPCEN) Population Counts Declared Official by the President". Philippine Statistics Authority. 17 July 2025. Retrieved 18 July 2025.
  19. Census of Population (2015). "Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR)". Total Population by Province, City, Municipality and Barangay. Philippine Statistics Authority . Retrieved 20 June 2016.
  20. Censuses of Population (1903–2007). "Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR)". Table 1. Population Enumerated in Various Censuses by Province/Highly Urbanized City: 1903 to 2007. National Statistics Office.
  21. "Province of Abra". Municipality Population Data. Local Water Utilities Administration Research Division. Retrieved 17 December 2016.
  22. "2024 Census of Population (POPCEN) Population Counts Declared Official by the President". Philippine Statistics Authority. 17 July 2025. Retrieved 18 July 2025.
  23. "Poverty incidence (PI):". Philippine Statistics Authority. Retrieved December 28, 2020.
  24. "Estimation of Local Poverty in the Philippines" (PDF). Philippine Statistics Authority. 29 November 2005.
  25. "2003 City and Municipal Level Poverty Estimates" (PDF). Philippine Statistics Authority. 23 March 2009.
  26. "City and Municipal Level Poverty Estimates; 2006 and 2009" (PDF). Philippine Statistics Authority. 3 August 2012.
  27. "2012 Municipal and City Level Poverty Estimates" (PDF). Philippine Statistics Authority. 31 May 2016.
  28. "Municipal and City Level Small Area Poverty Estimates; 2009, 2012 and 2015". Philippine Statistics Authority. 10 July 2019.
  29. "PSA Releases the 2018 Municipal and City Level Poverty Estimates". Philippine Statistics Authority. 15 December 2021. Retrieved 22 January 2022.
  30. "PSA Releases the 2021 City and Municipal Level Poverty Estimates". Philippine Statistics Authority. 2 April 2024. Retrieved 28 April 2024.
  31. "2019 National and Local Elections" (PDF). Commission on Elections. Retrieved March 12, 2022.
  32. Cimatu, Frank (December 19, 2019). "Benguet Representative Nestor Fongwan dies at 68". Rappler.com. Retrieved January 30, 2020.
  33. "House names party-list solon as Benguet caretaker". Philippine News Agency. January 22, 2020. Retrieved March 12, 2022.
  34. "Masterlist of Schools" (PDF). Department of Education. January 15, 2021. Retrieved May 10, 2025.
  35. "Masterlist of Public Elementary Schools for the School year 2012–2013". Department of Education (Philippines), July 15, 2013. Archived from the original (XLSX) on 4 March 2016. Retrieved 28 December 2014.
  36. 1 2 3 "Masterlist of Secondary Schools (School Year 2013–2014)". Department of Education (Philippines), July 4, 2013. Archived from the original (XLSX) on 1 July 2014. Retrieved 20 November 2014.
  37. 1 2 "Masterlist of Public Schools SY 2013–2014". Department of Education (Philippines), 22 October 2014. Archived from the original (XLSX) on 21 April 2016. Retrieved 28 December 2014.