Natonin, officially the Municipality of Natonin (; ; ; ; ), is a municipality in the province of Mountain Province, Philippines. According to the 2024 census, it has a population of 8,906 people.

Etymology

The name "Natonin" was first recorded by American Thomasites. Local oral tradition provides three primary theories for the name's origin:

  • Matongnin: A place located on the outskirts of the town center. It can be possible that the Americans got it from a native calling that specific place by its name on their first interactions. Under the Proto-Nuclear Cordilleran Hypothesis, the Balangao language is classified as a primary branch of the Nuclear Cordilleran group, suggesting it developed from a common ancestor alongside, rather than from, neighboring groups.

| date = 8 March 2020

Demographics

The locals of Natonin are generally called iNatonin. By ethnolinguistics, the majority of the locals belong to the tribe Balangaos, or Iferangao, and speak the Finerangao language. There are three indigenous ethnic group with ancestral domains in Natonin: Balangao, Majukayong Kalinga, and eKachakran.

Balangao

The Balangaw people have two sub-tribes

  • Hakki, who inhabit the western part of the municipality, namely the barangays of Tonglayan and Alunogan (including Pudo)
  • Balangao, who inhabit most of central barangays of Natonin, namely: Balangao, Botac, Santa Isabel and Banawel.

Majukayong Kalinga

A part of the Kalinga tribe group, their ancestral domains are in the barangays of Maducayan and Saliok. The iMajukayongs are closely related to the Tanudan tribes of Tanudan, Kalinga, and speak the iMajukayong dialect which has similarities to the dialects of the iKalingas.

Ekachakran

The homeland of the eKachakrans are in the Kadaclan barangays of Barlig: Chupac, Lunas, Kaleo, Ogo-og and Barangay Banao of Natonin.

The three, while distinct in language and ethnicity, share some similarities in culture, either through borrowing or influence between the two. Populations of the town are of Igorot lineage. Headhunting was practiced throughout Natonin as late as the mid-1930s, but was set aside in favor of Christianity and education after World War II.

Languages

Natonin is home to two indigenous languages which have existed there since before the arrival of the Spanish: the Balangaw language, the Kachakran dialect of Finallig, and the Majukayong language. Because of the use of Ilocano for inter-tribal communication with other Igorot groups and as a lingua franca in Northern Luzon, the Balangaos can speak Ilocano.

Economy

The primary crop is rice, although limited arable space, mechanization and innovative agriculture renders the harvest to a subsistence level only. Backyard piggery mostly produce the pork supply. Vegetable gardening, fruit tree growing and tilapia raising are also starting to see commercial viability. Whatever is of shortage or lacking are imported outside the municipality. Few local handicrafts are promoted and are only made to order.

Government

Local government

thumb|220px|Former flag of Natonin

Natonin, belonging to the lone congressional district of the province of Mountain Province, 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.-->

Members of the Municipal Council (2019–2022):

  • Congressman: Maximo Y. Dalog Jr.
  • Mayor: Jose T. Agagon
  • Vice-Mayor: Raymundo L. Lapasen
  • Councilors:
  • Rafael Bulawe
  • Jose F. Biangalen
  • Leon Pangsiw
  • Jimmy G. Todco
  • Fernandez Linggayo
  • Jerry N. Chumilang
  • Fernando Magranga Jr.
  • Oscar Fangonon

Transportation

thumb|right|300px|A truck traveling along the Natonin-Paracelis Road.

Since the widening of the national highways started in 2010, the Paracelis-Natonin Road is paved now. Although, some parts are either eroded or slipping away, and during rainy seasons landslides can render the roads impassable. Public utility or for-hire vans are the easiest transportation either to and from the municipality (e.g. Baguio and Manila).

Tourism

Though it's not yet that improved, Natonin has the following sites:

  • The Legendary Silent Mountain of Finaratan, located in Barangay Maducayan.
  • The Apatan Rice Terraces
  • The Balococ Waterfall
  • The Naropaan Waterfall
  • Tonglayan Rice Terraces
  • Lagan River in Balangao
  • Penadna Waterfalls
  • Lettalet Waterfalls
  • Fuyoun Spring in Siffu River located in Brgy. Saliok
  • Elephant Head located in Banao

Education

The Natonin 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.

Primary and elementary schools

  • Apapawan Elementary School
  • Banawel Elementary School
  • Butac Elementary School
  • Layog-Ogtong Elementary School
  • Maducayan Elementary School
  • Nabhar Primary School
  • Natonin Central School
  • Pangtor Primary School
  • Purag Primary School
  • Puya-ao Elementary School
  • Saliok Elementary School
  • Sta. Isabel Elementary School
  • Tappo Elementary School
  • Tonglayan Elementary School

Secondary schools

  • Banawel National High School
  • Immaculate Heart High School
  • Natonin National High School
  • Natonin Senior High School
  • Saliok National High School
  • Sta. Isabel National High School

References

  • [ Philippine Standard Geographic Code]
  • Philippine Census Information