GlobalPinoy, Travel

Bontocs and Ifugao were believed to be the first inhabitants of Abra. Though most of their natives are descendants of Ilocano settlers and members of the Tingguian tribe. Due to frequent intermarriages between the two cultures, many Ilocanos today are actually Christianized Tingguians. The Tinguian tradition of dance and music is such a wonderful scene to experience. Their music is characterized by rhythmic, repetitive patterns played on the gansa and other instruments. The townspeople are mostly farmers who tend rice in kaingins and rice terraces. They are also good weavers of baskets and blankets.

Abra’s agriculture is strong in the lower flood plains of the region that supports a variety of crops such as rice, tobacco, corn, banana and coffee. They are also one of the major reproducers of sweet, luscious mangoes. Their forestry has different kind of species like acacia, almaciga, narra, mahogany, pine, lauan and dipterocarps that supports cottage industries like bamboo crafts, rattan crafts and mat weaving. The province also has non-metallic mineral deposits namely clay, rock phosphate, guano and limestone and untapped deposits of gold, copper and silver.

The route of Abra-Ilocos Sur is the province’s links to other northern Luzon region. Several bus companies, cargo and trucking firms provide a regular transportation service that is readily available in the province.