History and Government
Tadian is derived from the Ilocano word “Tadi”, which refers to the horn-like growth at the hind of a matured cock used as a weapon. Cockfighting was a popular game of Tadian during the olden days. Tadian may have gotten its name for being a place for cockfighting or "tadian" meaning "a place for arming cocks with a tadi".
The origin of Tadian as told for generations runs this way: Once upon a time, a man, Kallaongan, who was residing in a clearing near the boundary between Tadian and Bauko, was looking for his lost pregnant pig. He patiently followed the pig's track of footprints until he came to a very beautiful, fountainlike spring with crystal-clear water he had not seen before. Awed by the sight, he took a closer look when he heard the shrill sounds of piglets. Tracing the sound, he found his pig which gave birth to many piglets near the spring.
Having fallen in love-at-first-sight with the place, he decided to transfer his family there. This first family increased in number until it became a community. This place is now called Danum, a sitio at the lower part of Poblacion, Tadian.
In 1903, the municipality that is now Tadian was called Kayan Munisipyo with its government seat at Kayan, a barrio with a recorded population of 52. It remained so for a long time with 9 barangays until Congressman Luis Hora worked for the transfer of the munisipyo from Kayan to Tadian through a bill that became Republic Act No. 2102 passed on March 29, 1959. On June 25, 1963, Tadian became a regular municipality by virtue of Executive Order No. 42.
In the 1992 and 1995 elections, John Malamnao won as mayor. Malamnao was succeeded by Sorrero Gullod who was elected mayor for the term 1998 to 2001.
The nineteen barangays of the municipality are Balaoa, Bana-ao, Bantey, Batayan, Bunga, Cadad-anan, Cagubatan, Dacudac, Duagan, Kayan East, Kayan West, Lenga, Lubon, Mabalite, Masla, Pandayan, Poblacion, Sumadel and Tue.
Its Land
The municipality, with an approximate total land area of 10,705 hectares, is located at the southwestern part of Mountain Province. It is bounded on the west by the province of Ilocos Sur, on the south by the province of Benguet, on the north by the municipality of Besao, and on the east by the municipality of Bauko.
The municipality is 2,330 ft. above sea level. It is generally mountainous with slopes over 18 percent. There are more or less 32 creeks, rivers, swamps. Parts of the territory are classified as watersheds. Considering its high elevation, the municipality has a cool climate with two seasons, the wet and the dry. The wet season starts from May to November. The wettest part of the year is usually October. Dry season covers the rest of the period. The coolest period of the year starts from December up to February.
Its Inhabitants
Just like most municipalities of Mountain Province, Tadian is inhabited by Igorots belonging to the Kankanaey tribe. Only a few belonging to other tribes are residing in this municipality by virtue of marriage and vocation. Tadian people are hardworking, strong, peace-loving and adventurous.
On September 1, 1995, Tadian registered a total population of 16,482, the third largest among the municipalities of the province.
Its Economy
The municipality is predominantly agricultural. Agricultural lands cover 10.42% of the land area. Subsistence farmers grow rice (the major crop), fruits, vegetables, coffees, corn and other crops. The most common small business in Tadian is the sari-sari store. There are also restaurants, bakeries, tailoring shops, and small cottage industries (woodcraft, bamboo craft, upholstery, needlecraft embroidery, weaving, broom making, knitting, furniture making).
Tourist Attractions and Places of Interest
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