History of Kayapa Nueva Vizcaya
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| Kayapa Nueva Vizcaya Municipal Hall |
Back in 1754, Governor-General Don Arandia sent Comandante Dovilla, who was then stationed in Pangasinan, on a mission to establish civil government and spread Christianity among the indigenous tribes in Northern Luzon.
The mission led them to a lush and fertile valley known to its early settlers as Yapa—a name that means "bountiful." The valley was home to the Allagots, believed to be descendants of the Bormangi and Owak, and further back, the Kalanguya, Ibaloi, Ilo-o, and Karao tribes.
When the Spanish troops arrived, the locals welcomed them under a large tree called "Kalabao", right at the heart of the valley. In time, the names Kalabao and Yapa were combined to form the town’s present name—Kayapa.
Fast forward to the American period: On January 29, 1915, Governor-General Francis Burton Harrison issued Executive Order No. 9, officially transferring the territory of Kayapa (except parts in the Benguet watershed) from the sub-province of Benguet to Nueva Vizcaya.
Later, on November 11, 1950, President Elpidio Quirino signed Executive Order No. 368, declaring Kayapa a regular municipality. This also merged Kayapa and the neighboring settlement Pingkian into one official town—what we now know as Kayapa.
Today, Kayapa is a growing upland town made up of 30 barangays, rich in culture and surrounded by scenic mountain landscapes.
- Acacia
- Ansipsip
- Balangabang
- Besong
- Cabalatan
- Cabanglasan
- Mapayao
- Pangawan
- Kayapa Proper East
- Talecabcab
- Alang-salacsac
- Baan
- Balete
- Binalian
- Castillo Village
- Latbang
- Nansiakan
- Pinayag
- Kayapa Proper West
- Tidang Village
- Amelong Labeng
- Babadi
- Banao
- Buyasyas
- Cabayo
- Lawigan
- Pampang
- Pingkian
- San fabian
- Tubongan
Kayapa's town fiesta is called Owag-shi Kayapa Festival held every 4th week of January. The residents of this upland Municipality celebrate their fiesta with agricultural product displays, variety shows, parlor games, people’s night, cultural shows, and street dancing from the different IP groups of this upland town.
Every 4th week of January, Kayapa celebrates its identity and heritage through the Owag-shi Kayapa Festival. This upland town fiesta brings together people from all walks of life for a vibrant celebration of local culture and unity.
Festival highlights include:
- Displays of agricultural products—a showcase of the town’s bounty
- Variety shows and fun parlor games for all ages
- People’s Night—a beloved evening of music, laughter, and community
- Cultural presentations from the Indigenous Peoples (IP) groups of Kayapa
- Street dancing, featuring colorful costumes and ethnic performances
The Owag-shi Kayapa Festival is more than just a celebration—it’s a tribute to the town’s rich history, diverse ancestry, and strong sense of community spirit.
Kayapa may be nestled in the mountains, but its story and culture rise far above—rooted in tradition and full of pride.
- Nueva Vizcaya Government. (n.d.). Kayapa [blog post]. Retrieved from https://nuevavizcaya.gov.ph/municipalities/kayapa/.
- Photograph of Kayapa Municipal Hall by Judgefloro / Public domain.
