Balbalan

Balbalan lies in the mountains of northern Luzon, where the Saltan River flows toward the Chico. Pine-clad ridges surround the upper valley near Balbalasang, home to Banao communities whose settlements were separated by steep and difficult country. These highlanders maintained considerable independence during the centuries of Spanish rule in the lowlands. Their metalworkers were known for making blades, spears and axes, tools valued in a region where neighbouring communities had to defend themselves.