{{Short description|Municipality in Benguet, Philippines}} {{Infobox settlement | name = {{PH wikidata|name}} | image_skyline = Kibuñgan Cross country (KXC) -6.jpg | image_caption = Mountains of Kibungan | image_flag = Flag of Kibungan, Benguet.png | flag_size = 120x80px | image_seal = Kibungan Benguet.png | seal_size = 100x80px | image_map = {{PH wikidata|image_map}} | map_caption = {{PH wikidata|map_caption}} | mapframe = yes | pushpin_map = Philippines | pushpin_label_position = left | pushpin_map_caption = Location within the {{PH wikidata|country}} | coordinates = {{PH wikidata|coordinates}} | settlement_type = {{PH wikidata|settlement_type}} | subdivision_type = Country | subdivision_name = Philippines | subdivision_type1 = Region | subdivision_name1 = {{PH wikidata|region}} | subdivision_type2 = Province | subdivision_name2 = {{PH wikidata|province}} | official_name = {{PH wikidata|official_name}} | native_name = | other_name = | nickname = | motto = | anthem = | subdivision_type3 = District | subdivision_name3 = Lone district of Benguet | established_title = Founded | established_date = | parts_type = Barangays | parts_style = para | p1 = {{PH barangay count | {{wikidata|label|raw}} }} (see Barangays) | leader_title = Mayor | leader_name = Cesar M. Molitas | leader_title1 = Vice Mayor | leader_name1 = Edwin G. Nitron | leader_title2 = Representative <!--congressman or congresswoman --> | leader_name2 = Nestor B. Fongwan | leader_title3 = Councilor | leader_name3 = | leader_title4 = Electorate | leader_name4 = {{PH wikidata|electorate}} voters (electorate_point_in_time}}|{{PH wikidata|electorate_point_in_time}}) | government_type = {{PH wikidata|government_type}} | government_footnotes = {{thinsp}}<ref>{{DILG detail}}</ref> | elevation_m = {{PH wikidata|elevation_m}} | elevation_max_m = 2001 | elevation_min_m = 596 | elevation_max_rank = | elevation_min_rank = | elevation_footnotes = {{PH wikidata|elevation_footnotes}} | elevation_max_footnotes= | elevation_min_footnotes= | area_rank = | area_footnotes = {{PH area}} | area_total_km2 = {{PH wikidata|area}} | population_footnotes = {{PH wikidata|population_reference}} | population_total = {{PH wikidata|population_total}} | population_as_of = {{PH wikidata|population_as_of}} | population_density_km2 = auto | population_blank1_title= Households | population_blank1 = {{PH wikidata|household}} | population_blank2_title= | population_blank2 = | population_demonym = | population_rank = | population_note = | timezone = PST | utc_offset = +8 | postal_code_type = ZIP code | postal_code = {{PH wikidata|postal_code}} | postal2_code_type = {{PSGCstyle}} | postal2_code = {{PSGC detail}} | area_code_type = {{areacodestyle}} | area_code = {{PH wikidata|area_code}} | website = {{PH wikidata|website}} | demographics_type1 = Economy | demographics1_title1 = {{PH wikidata|income_class_title}} | demographics1_info1 = {{PH wikidata|income_class}} | demographics1_title2 = Poverty incidence | demographics1_info2 = {{PH wikidata|poverty_incidence}}% ({{PH wikidata|poverty_incidence_point_in_time}}){{PH wikidata|poverty_incidence_footnotes}} | demographics1_title3 = Revenue | demographics1_info3 = {{PH wikidata|revenue}} {{PH wikidata|revenue_point_in_time}} | demographics1_title4 = Revenue rank | demographics1_info4 = | demographics1_title5 = Assets | demographics1_info5 = {{PH wikidata|assets}} {{PH wikidata|assets_point_in_time}} | demographics1_title6 = Assets rank | demographics1_info6 = | demographics1_title7 = IRA | demographics1_info7 = | demographics1_title8 = IRA rank | demographics1_info8 = | demographics1_title9 = Expenditure | demographics1_info9 = {{PH wikidata|expenditure}} {{PH wikidata|expenditure_point_in_time}} | demographics1_title10 = Liabilities | demographics1_info10 = {{PH wikidata|liabilities}} {{PH wikidata|liabilities_point_in_time}} | demographics_type2 = Service provider | demographics2_title1 = Electricity | demographics2_info1 = {{PH electricity distribution | {{wikidata|label|raw}} }} | demographics2_title2 = Water | demographics2_info2 = | demographics2_title3 = Telecommunications | demographics2_info3 = | demographics2_title4 = Cable TV | demographics2_info4 = | demographics2_title5 = | demographics2_info5 = | demographics2_title6 = | demographics2_info6 = | demographics2_title7 = | demographics2_info7 = | demographics2_title8 = | demographics2_info8 = | demographics2_title9 = | demographics2_info9 = | demographics2_title10 = | demographics2_info10 = | blank_name_sec1 = {{PH wikidata|climate_title}} | blank_info_sec1 = {{PH wikidata|climate_type}} | blank1_name_sec1 = Native languages | blank1_info_sec1 = {{PH wikidata|language}} | blank2_name_sec1 = Crime index | blank2_info_sec1 = | blank3_name_sec1 = | blank3_info_sec1 = | blank4_name_sec1 = | blank4_info_sec1 = | blank5_name_sec1 = | blank5_info_sec1 = | blank6_name_sec1 = | blank6_info_sec1 = | blank7_name_sec1 = | blank7_info_sec1 = | blank1_name_sec2 = Major religions | blank1_info_sec2 = | blank2_name_sec2 = Feast date | blank2_info_sec2 = | blank3_name_sec2 = Catholic diocese | blank3_info_sec2 = | blank4_name_sec2 = Patron saint | blank4_info_sec2 = | blank5_name_sec2 = | blank5_info_sec2 = | blank6_name_sec2 = | blank6_info_sec2 = | blank7_name_sec2 = | blank7_info_sec2 = | short_description = | footnotes = }}
'''Kibungan''', officially the '''Municipality of Kibungan''' ({{langx|ilo|Ili ti Kibungan}}; {{langx|tl|Bayan ng Kibungan}}), is a municipality in the province of Benguet, Philippines. According to the 2024 census, it has a population of 16,884 people.<ref>{{Cite web |date=July 17, 2024 |title=2024 Census of Population (POPCEN) Population Counts Declared Official by the President |url=https://psa.gov.ph/content/2024-census-population-popcen-population-counts-declared-official-president |access-date=November 15, 2025 |website=psa.gov.ph}}</ref>
==Geography== Kibungan is at the northwestern section of Benguet. It is bounded by Bakun on the north, Buguias on the mid-east, Kabayan on the southeast, Atok and Kapangan on the south, and Sugpon on the mid-west.
According to the Philippine Statistics Authority, the municipality has a land area of {{convert|254.86|km2}}{{PSGC detail|area}} constituting {{percentage|254.86|2,769.08|2|pad=yes}} of the {{convert|2,769.08|km2|2|adj=mid|-}} total area of Benguet.
Kibungan has seven barangays namely; Sagpat, Poblacion, Palina, Tacadang, Madaymen, Badeo, and Lubo. Barangay Sagpat and Lubo produces sayote as their main crop, sayote was tagged the "hanging gold". Barangay Madaymen and Palina also produces varieties of vegetables like cabbage, potatoes, carrots, and more. Barangay Tacadang and Badeo is not accessible by vehicle because of the rocky mountains and its hard to construct road.
Kibungan is known in the province of Benguet as the town with unique mountains often mistaken to resemble those of Switzerland. Deep ravines and cliffs separate and isolate many sitios and some barangays. Although some plateaus, hills and small valleys can be seen in the locality, Kibungan is dominantly mountainous.
The municipality is within a cool highland mountainous zone with elevations at more than {{convert|2500|m}} above sea level. During its coolest months of December to January, Barangay Madaymen experiences chilling temperature of {{convert|0|C}}, causing the famous ''Frost of Madaymen''.
Kibungan is situated {{convert|55.71|km}} from the provincial capital La Trinidad, and {{convert|308.65|km}} from the country's capital city of Manila.
===Barangays=== Kibungan is politically subdivided into 7 barangays.{{PSGC detail|nscb}} Each barangay consists of puroks and some have sitios.
<!-- arranged by PSGC for easier updates in the future --> {{PH brgy table lite|top}} {{PH brgy table lite|141109001| Badeo | 867| 840}} {{PH brgy table lite|141109002| Lubo | 1399| 1235}} {{PH brgy table lite|141109003| Madaymen | 5549| 5875}} {{PH brgy table lite|141109004| Palina | 1442| 1387}} {{PH brgy table lite|141109005| Poblacion | 2427| 2532}} {{PH brgy table lite|141109006| Sagpat | 3711| 3101}} {{PH brgy table lite|141109007| Tacadang | 1656| 1880}} {{PH brgy table lite|bottom|17051}} {{clear left}}
===Climate=== {{Weather box | location = Kibungan, Benguet | width = auto | metric first = Yes | single line = Yes | Jan high C = 22 | Jan low C = 13 | Feb high C = 23 | Feb low C = 14 | Mar high C = 24 | Mar low C = 15 | Apr high C = 25 | Apr low C = 17 | May high C = 24 | May low C = 18 | Jun high C = 23 | Jun low C = 18 | Jul high C = 22 | Jul low C = 17 | Aug high C = 22 | Aug low C = 17 | Sep high C = 22 | Sep low C = 17 | Oct high C = 23 | Oct low C = 16 | Nov high C = 23 | Nov low C = 15 | Dec high C = 23 | Dec low C = 14 | Jan precipitation mm = 42 | Feb precipitation mm = 48 | Mar precipitation mm = 74 | Apr precipitation mm = 110 | May precipitation mm = 269 | Jun precipitation mm = 275 | Jul precipitation mm = 362 | Aug precipitation mm = 325 | Sep precipitation mm = 330 | Oct precipitation mm = 306 | Nov precipitation mm = 126 | Dec precipitation mm = 61 | Jan rain days = 11.2 | Feb rain days = 12.0 | Mar rain days = 17.1 | Apr rain days = 21.2 | May rain days = 27.1 | Jun rain days = 26.8 | Jul rain days = 28.1 | Aug rain days = 27.0 | Sep rain days = 26.0 | Oct rain days = 24.5 | Nov rain days = 17.7 | Dec rain days = 12.4 | source 1 = Meteoblue<ref name="met_norms"> {{cite web | url = https://www.meteoblue.com/en/weather/historyclimate/climatemodelled/kibungan_philippines_1708838 | title = Kibungan: Average Temperatures and Rainfall | publisher = Meteoblue | accessdate = 21 March 2020 }}</ref> | date = 21 March 2020 }} {{clear left}}
==Demographics== {{Philippine Census | align= left | title= Population census of {{PH wikidata|name}} | 1903 = | 1918 = {{PH census population|1918}} | 1939 = {{PH census population|1939}} | 1948 = {{PH census population|1948}} | 1960 = {{PH census population|1960}} | 1970 = {{PH census population|1970}} | 1975 = {{PH census population|1975}} | 1980 = {{PH census population|1980}} | 1990 = {{PH census population|1990}} | 1995 = {{PH census population|1995}} | 2000 = {{PH census population|2000}} | 2007 = {{PH census population|2007}} | 2010 = {{PH census population|2010}} | 2015 = {{PH census population|2015}} | 2020 = {{PH census population|2020}} | 2024 = {{PH census population|2024}} | 2030 = | footnote= Source: Philippine Statistics Authority{{PH wikidata|population_reference}}{{PH census|2015}}{{PH census|2010}}{{PH census|2007}}{{LWUA population data}} }}
In the 2024 census, Kibungan had a population of 16,884 people.{{PH wikidata|population_reference}} The population density was {{convert|{{sigfig|16,884/254.86|2}}|PD/km2}}.
{{clear left}}
== Economy == {{PH poverty incidence}}
==Government== Kibungan, belonging to the lone congressional district of the province of Benguet, is governed by a mayor designated as its local chief executive and by a municipal council as its legislative body in accordance with the Local Government Code. The mayor, vice mayor, and the councilors are elected directly by the people through an election which is being held every three years.
===Elected officials=== <!--NOTE: Update needed by June 30, 2022 after oath-taking of the declared winners in the May 9, 2022 local elections.--> {| class="wikitable" style="line-height:1.20em; font-size:100%;" |+ Members of the Municipal Council<br />(2019–2022)<ref>{{Cite web |title=2019 National and Local Elections |url=https://comelec.gov.ph/php-tpls-attachments/2019NLE/ElectionResults/2019NLE_LIst_of_Elected_CityMun_Candidates.pdf |access-date=March 12, 2022 |website=Commission on Elections}}</ref> |- ! Position ! Name |- | Congressman | style="text-align:center;" | Nestor B. Fongwan{{efn|group=l|Died on December 18, 2019.<ref>{{cite news|last=Cimatu|first=Frank|title=Benguet Representative Nestor Fongwan dies at 68|url=https://www.rappler.com/philippines/247498-benguet-representative-nestor-fongwan-dies/|access-date=January 30, 2020|work=Rappler.com|date=December 19, 2019}}</ref>}}<br /> Eric G. Yap ''(since January 20, 2020)''<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1091630|title=House names party-list solon as Benguet caretaker|work=Philippine News Agency|date=January 22, 2020|access-date=March 12, 2022}}</ref> |- | Mayor | style="text-align:center;" | Cesar M. Molitas |- | Vice-Mayor | style="text-align:center;" | Edwin G. Nitron |- |rowspan=8| Councilors | style="text-align:center;" | Laurence D. Toking |- | style="text-align:center;" | Susan S. Atayoc |- | style="text-align:center;" | Pauline L. Gumpic |- | style="text-align:center;" | Joseph L. Cayad-an |- | style="text-align:center;" | Ben K. Palukpok |- | style="text-align:center;" | Saturnino F. Tayag |- | style="text-align:center;" | Marcos B. Olayo |- | style="text-align:center;" | Roger D. Tugade |- |}
==Tourism== 280px|thumb|right|Cattles with a view of the Cordillera Mountain Range * ''Les-eng Rice Terraces'': These terraces can be reached after 6-hour hike through lush pine forests in Barangay Tacadang. * ''Aiano Rey Mayos River'': located at the north-eastern part of Barangay Poblacion. It is approximately {{convert|2.5|km}} in length and is about {{convert|3|km}} away from Poblacion Proper. The river originates from ridges of nearby Barangays Madaymen, Palina and Tacadang; and supplies water to rice paddies and vegetable farms along the vicinity. * ''Palina Rice Terraces'': In Barangay Palina at the foot of Mount Kilkili, believed to be a former volcano because of its conical shape. It was constructed following a century-old system of rice terraces built with stone walls and neatly arranged one after the other. The rice terraces are at their best in December and June when the rice paddies turn golden yellow, near harvest time. The Palina rice terraces is known as the municipality's rice granary. *''Lubo Lake:'' It was an open pit abandoned by the BONENG MINES operated by the WMC due to bankruptcy. The pit was filled with water in the early 2001 due to rains and typhoons and accumulated due to the absence of an outlet. *Tacadang Hiking Circuit
thumb|right|280px|Scenery at Kibugan
In order to promote the uniqueness of the municipality's ecotourism, the people want the tag "Switzerland of Benguet" removed as of 2007. The tag was created in good faith as the municipality is a mountainous region and has a cool climate that is associated with Switzerland. However, this gives the wrong impression that the municipality has snow-covered peaks for skiing.<ref>{{cite news |first=Delmar |last=Cariño |title=Benguet town drops Switzerland brand |url=http://business.inquirer.net/money/features/view_article.php?article_id=98807 |newspaper=Philippine Daily Inquirer|date=2007-11-04 |accessdate=2007-11-08 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20080217032128/http://business.inquirer.net/money/features/view_article.php?article_id=98807 |archivedate=17 February 2008 }}</ref>
==Education== The Kibungan Schools District Office governs all educational institutions within the municipality. It oversees the management and operations of all private and public, from primary to secondary schools.<ref>{{Cite web |date=January 15, 2021 |title=Masterlist of Schools |url=https://www.deped.gov.ph/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/SY-2020-2021-Masterlist-of-Schools-Address-only-1-1.pdf |access-date=May 10, 2025 |website=Department of Education}}</ref>
===Public schools=== As of 2014, Kibungan has 24 public elementary schools and 3 public secondary schools.<ref name="DepEdElem">{{cite web|url=http://www.deped.gov.ph/sites/default/files/datasets/2013/Masterlist%20of%20Elementary%20Schools.xlsx|title=Masterlist of Public Elementary Schools for the School year 2012- 2013|format=XLSX|publisher=Department of Education (Philippines), July 15, 2013|accessdate=28 December 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304053100/http://www.deped.gov.ph/sites/default/files/datasets/2013/Masterlist%20of%20Elementary%20Schools.xlsx|archive-date=4 March 2016|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name=DepEdSecon /><ref name="DepEd2014Elem">{{cite web|url=http://www.deped.gov.ph/sites/default/files/datasets/2014/SY%202013-2014%20Masterlist%20of%20Schools.xlsx|title=Masterlist of Public Schools SY 2013-2014|format=XLSX|publisher=Department of Education (Philippines), 22 October 2014|accessdate=28 December 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160421172857/http://www.deped.gov.ph/sites/default/files/datasets/2014/SY%202013-2014%20Masterlist%20of%20Schools.xlsx|archive-date=21 April 2016|url-status=dead}}</ref>
{{col-begin|width=auto}} {{col-break}}
{| class="wikitable collapsible sortable collapsed plainrowheaders" style="font-size:90%;" |+ Elementary <small>(2013-2014)</small><ref name=DepEd2014Elem /> |- ! scope="col" | School ! scope="col" | Barangay |- ! scope="row" | Badeo Barrio School | Badeo |- ! scope="row" | Batangan Elementary School | Tacadang |- ! scope="row" | Bekes Elementary School | Tacadang |- ! scope="row" | Camilo Lucaben Elementary School | Madaymen |- ! scope="row" | Enrique Jose Elementary School | Madaymen |- ! scope="row" | Es-Esa Soblino Alodos Elementary School | Tacadang |- ! scope="row" | Ewa-Bokes Elementary School | (Padang) |- ! scope="row" | Gasal Barrio School | Lubo |- ! scope="row" | Kibungan Central School | Poblacion |- ! scope="row" | Lanipew Barrio School | Tacadang |- ! scope="row" | Legleg Barrio School | Palina |- ! scope="row" | Les-eng Primary School | Tacadang |- ! scope="row" | Lubo Elementary School | Lubo |- ! scope="row" | Mocgao Elementary School | Badeo |- ! scope="row" | Napsong Barrio School | Madaymen |- ! scope="row" | Pakpakitan Elementary School | Madaymen |- ! scope="row" | Palina Elementary School | Palina |- ! scope="row" | Polis Barrio School | Poblacion |- ! scope="row" | Saddle Elementary School | Sagpat |- ! scope="row" | Sagpat Elementary School | Sagpat |- ! scope="row" | Sapdaan Primary School | Sagpat |- ! scope="row" | Tabbac Barrio School | Palina |- ! scope="row" | Tableo Barrio School | Badeo |- ! scope="row" | Tonguey-Nalusbo Primary School | Madaymen |}
{{col-break|gap=2.5em}}
{| class="wikitable collapsible sortable collapsed plainrowheaders" style="font-size:90%;" |+ Secondary <small>(2013-2014)</small><ref name="DepEdSecon"> {{cite web|url=http://www.deped.gov.ph/index.php/resources/facts-figures/document/masterlist-of-secondary-schools?format=raw |title=Masterlist of Secondary Schools (School Year 2013- 2014) |format=XLSX |publisher=Department of Education (Philippines), July 4, 2013 |accessdate=20 November 2014 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20140701223137/http://deped.gov.ph/index.php/resources/facts-figures/document/masterlist-of-secondary-schools?format=raw |archivedate= 1 July 2014 }}</ref> |- ! scope="col" | School ! scope="col" | Barangay |- ! scope="row" | Kibungan National High School | Poblacion |- ! scope="row" | Madaymen National High School | Madaymen |- ! scope="row" | Tacadang National High School | Tacadang |}
{{col-end}}
==Notes== {{Notelist}}
==References== {{Reflist|30em}}
==External links== *{{Commons category-inline}} * [{{NSCB detail}} Philippine Standard Geographic Code]
{{Geographic location | Centre = Kibungan | North = Bakun | East = Buguias | Southeast = Kabayan | South = Atok | Southwest = Kapangan | West = {{nowrap|Sugpon, Ilocos Sur}} }} {{Benguet|state=expanded}} {{Authority control}}
Category:Municipalities of Benguet