Apayao
Apayao is a province in the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR), located in the northwestern part of Luzon. It is bordered by Cagayan to the north and east, Ilocos Norte and Abra to the west, and Kalinga to the south. Apayao is known as the “Last Frontier of the North” due to its vast forests, rich biodiversity, and unspoiled natural landscapes. It has a total land area of 5,113 square kilometers, making it the largest province in CAR, covering about 26% of the region’s total land area.
The province is divided into Upper Apayao and Lower Apayao. Upper Apayao consists of the mountainous municipalities of Calanasan, Conner, and Kabugao, while Lower Apayao comprises the lowland towns of Luna, Pudtol, Flora, and Sta. Marcela. The province’s rugged terrain, dense forests, and river systems, including the Apayao River, make it an ideal area for eco-tourism, agriculture, and fisheries. Despite its rich natural resources, Apayao remains one of the least populated provinces in Luzon, with a population of 124,366 (2020 Census). The primary ethnic groups are Isnag, Ilocano, and Kalinga, and Ilocano is widely spoken across the province.
Apayao’s economy is primarily agricultural, with most residents engaged in rice farming, corn production, and livestock raising. The province is also home to expansive forestlands that support agroforestry and the sustainable harvesting of timber and non-timber forest products. While the province has made progress in infrastructure and development, access to markets, roads, and modern technology remains a challenge for many farming communities.
Agricultural Sector
Agriculture is the backbone of Apayao’s economy, providing livelihood to a significant portion of its population. The province has fertile lands and a favorable climate, making it ideal for cultivating a variety of crops.
Major Crops
- Rice – The primary staple crop, cultivated in both irrigated and rainfed fields.
- Corn – Widely grown and used for food, animal feed, and industrial products.
- Bananas and Pineapples – Apayao has increasing production of these fruits.
- Root Crops – Cassava, sweet potatoes, and yams are cultivated, particularly in upland areas.
Apayao also has a thriving livestock and poultry sector, with farmers raising cattle, carabaos, pigs, and native chickens. The province’s forestlands support agroforestry, with high-value trees, rattan, and bamboo being important economic resources.
Fisheries Sector
Apayao’s fisheries industry is primarily inland, given that it is a landlocked province. The Apayao River and its tributaries provide rich freshwater fishing grounds, supporting local livelihoods.
Key Fisheries Activities
- Freshwater fish farming – Tilapia and carp are the main fish species cultivated in fishponds and rivers.
- Capture fisheries – Residents rely on river fishing, using traditional and modern methods to catch native fish species.
- Community-based hatchery projects – These initiatives help sustain fish populations and provide income opportunities for fisherfolk.
Despite its potential, Apayao’s fisheries sector faces challenges such as limited access to aquaculture technology and climate-related risks affecting fish production.
Poverty Situation
Apayao is one of the poorest provinces in CAR, with a poverty incidence of 18.9% among families as of 2021. Rural communities face challenges such as limited road access, lack of post-harvest facilities, and vulnerability to natural disasters. The government has been working on infrastructure projects, irrigation systems, and livelihood programs to uplift Apayao’s economy and reduce poverty levels.
Project Profile
DA
The SAAD program in Apayao aims to uplift marginalized farmers and Indigenous communities by providing:
- Diversified Crop Production Support: (Seeds, fertilizers, and farm inputs for rice, corn, highland vegetables, and indigenous crops.)
- Livestock and Poultry Distribution: (Goats, native pigs, poultry, and other suitable livestock to diversify livelihoods and improve food security.)
- Support for Indigenous Farming Systems: (Integration of traditional knowledge, agroforestry, and sustainable upland farming practices.)
- Training and Capacity Building: (Programs focused on sustainable agriculture, climate change adaptation, post-harvest technologies, and enterprise development, tailored to the specific needs of Apayao’s communities.)
| Year Covered | Municipality | Barangay | Project | Association | Members | Input Amount |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | CALANASAN (BAYAG) | Don Roque Ablan Sr. | Sugarcane Production | Pasihad Farmers And Fisherfolks Association | 30 | 334,020.00 |
| 2024 | CALANASAN (BAYAG) | Kabugawan | Chili Production | Soda Farmers And Fisherfolks Association | 30 | 508,120.00 |
| 2024 | KABUGAO (CAPITAL) | Dagara | Swine Production | Idagara Farmers And Fisherfolks Association | 30 | 800,600.00 |
| 2024 | KABUGAO (CAPITAL) | Maragat | Chili Production | Maragat Upland Farmers And Fisherfolks Association | 30 | 508,120.00 |
| 2025 | CALANASAN (BAYAG) | Don Roque Ablan Sr. | Sugar cane Production | Pasihad Farmer's & Fisherfolks Association | 30 | 439,420.00 |
| 2025 | CALANASAN (BAYAG) | Kabugawan | Chili and Swine Production | Soda Farmers & Fisherfolks Association | 30 | 314,322.00 |
| 2025 | KABUGAO (Capital) | Dagara | Communal Swine Production | Idagara Farmers And Fisherfolks Association | 30 | 446,813.80 |
| 2025 | KABUGAO (Capital) | Maragat | Chili and Swine Production | Maragat Up-land Farmers Fisherfolks Association | 30 | 462,322.00 |
BFAR
BFAR-SAAD aims to enhance Apayao’s fisheries sector through:
- Fingerling dispersal for tilapia and carp farming
- Establishment of community hatcheries and fishponds
- Technical assistance on aquaculture and post-harvest processing
- Provision of fish feeds and fishing gear
| Year Covered | Municipality | Barangay | Project | Association | Members | Input Amount |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | Calanasan (Bayag) | Santa Filomena | Tilapia Culture in Pond | Casiggamman Agriculture Cooperative (cac) | 28 | 575,000.00 |
| 2023 | Kabugao (Capital) | Lenneng (Liyyeng) | Tilapia Culture in Pond | Banan Lenneng Irrigator Farmers And Fisherfolks Association | 33 | 287,500.00 |
| 2023 | Kabugao (Capital) | Lenneng (Liyyeng) | Tilapia Culture in Pond | Ekb Farmers And Fisherfolk Association | 31 | 287,500.00 |
| 2024 | CALANASAN (BAYAG) | SANTA FILOMENA | Tilapia Culture in Pond | Casiggamman Agriculture Cooperative | 28 | 578,036.00 |
| 2024 | KABUGAO (CAPITAL) | LENNENG | Tilapia Culture in Pond | Banan Lenneng Irrigator Farmers And Fisherfolk Association | 17 | 320,433.00 |
| 2024 | KABUGAO (CAPITAL) | LENNENG | Tilapia Culture in Pond | Ekb Farmers And Fisherfolk Association | 14 | 251,320.00 |
| 2025 | CALANASAN (BAYAG) | SANTA FILOMENA | Tilapia Culture in Pond | Casiggamman Agriculture Cooperative | 24 | 596,068.00 |
| 2025 | KABUGAO (CAPITAL) | LENNENG | Tilapia Culture in Pond | Banan Lenneng Irrigator Farmers And Fisherfolk Association | 31 | 310,992.00 |
| 2025 | KABUGAO (CAPITAL) | LENNENG | Tilapia Culture in Pond | Ekb Farmers And Fisherfolk Association | 19 | 285,076.00 |
| 2026 | Calanasan (Bayag) | Santa Filomena | Tilapia Culture in Pond | Casiggamman Agriculture Cooperative | 18 | 610,236.00 |
| 2026 | Kabugao (Capital) | Lenneng | Tilapia Culture in Pond | Banan Lenneng Irrigator Farmers And Fisherfolk Association | 31 | 318,384.00 |
| 2026 | Kabugao (Capital) | Lenneng | Tilapia Culture in Pond | Ekb Farmers And Fisherfolk Association | 24 | 291,852.00 |