Kiangan, Ifugao

Kiangan is a town in Ifugao, a province in the Cordillera region of the Philippines. It is known as the birthplace of the Ifugao culture and the oldest town in the province. It has various historical and cultural attractions, such as the Yamashita Shrine, the Philippine War Memorial Shrine, and the Ifugao Museum.

Kiangan is located in the eastern part of Ifugao, about 50 kilometers away from Banaue, where the famous rice terraces are located. It has a land area of about 125 square kilometers and a population of about 15,000 people. It has 14 barangays, which are the smallest administrative units in the Philippines.

Kiangan has a rich history and heritage, as it was the site of several important events and milestones in the country. It was where General Tomoyuki Yamashita, the commander of the Japanese forces in the Philippines, surrendered to the American forces on September 2, 1945, ending World War II in the Philippines. It was also where President Ferdinand Marcos declared martial law on September 21, 1972, ushering in a period of dictatorship and repression.

Kiangan also has a vibrant culture and tradition, as it showcases the art and lifestyle of the Ifugao people, who are known for their rice terraces, wood carvings, and weaving. It has a museum that displays various artifacts and exhibits that depict the history and culture of the Ifugao people. It also has a cultural center that hosts various festivals and events, such as the Gotad Ad Kiangan Festival, which celebrates the harvest season and the Ifugao culture.