Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR)

Also known as: Cordillera Region · CAR

Definition

The Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR) is an administrative region in the Philippines, located within the island of Luzon. It is the country’s only landlocked region, characterized by mountainous terrain, containing the provinces of Abra, Apayao, Benguet, Ifugao, Kalinga, and Mountain Province, with Baguio City serving as its regional center. (Wikipedia, PSA)

Also Known As

Cordillera Region
CAR

Identities

Source Type	Identity
Wikipedia	Cordillera Administrative Region
Wikidata	Q2117
DBpedia	Cordillera_Administrative_Region
ProductOntology	N/A
Wiktionary	highland
Google Scholar	Cordillera Administrative Region CAR agriculture tourism real estate
ConceptNet	mountainous region

Examples and Analogies

Highland Agriculture: CAR produces the majority of the country’s temperate vegetables in provinces like Benguet.
Ecotourism Anchors: The Banaue Rice Terraces and Sagada caves draw national and international tourist flow.

Usage Scenarios

1. Agribusiness Cold Chain Development

An agricultural cooperative builds a cold storage facility in Benguet to preserve fresh vegetable shipments.

2. Vacation Home Acquisition

A buyer purchases a cabin lot in Baguio, valuing the cool highland climate and scenic views.

Strategies

Confirm indigenous land rights (IPRA law) and ancestral domain titles before acquiring rural highland properties.
Analyze landslide hazard maps provided by MGB before commencing hillside constructions.

Security and Safety Measures

Incorporate robust slope protection structures and retaining walls in mountain property developments.
Ensure crop storage facilities are designed to withstand severe northern typhoons.

Historical Context

CAR was created on July 15, 1987, under Executive Order No. 220 signed by President Corazon Aquino, grouping the highland provinces of the Cordillera mountain range. It was established to address the region’s unique cultural heritage, indigenous populations, and geographic challenges.

Challenges and Controversies

Landslide Hazards

Heavy monsoons and typhoons regularly trigger landslides, blocking critical highland highway links.

Ancestral Domain Disputes

Navigating overlapping claims between ancestral land titles and private property deeds is a complex legal task.