Within the heart of the Philippine archipelago, millions of years ago, rocks and mountains shifted as the land that is now the Central Cordillera slowly took shape, forming the rugged landscape that has long guided the lives of its indigenous communities.
The region’s mountains and valleys not only hold geological secrets but also cradle a rich cultural heritage, with rice terraces, traditional settlements, and rituals reflecting a deep connection between people and land.
A recent study by researchers from the National Institute of Geological Sciences found that most sediments in southwestern Mountain Province, Luzon, formed 5–28 million years ago from volcanic rocks rich in magnesium and iron, revealing how the natural foundation of the land developed over time.
Sedimentary geochemistry, which analyzes major elements, trace elements, and rare earth elements (REEs) in rocks, also uncovered a gap in sediment deposition around 13 million years ago, hinting at a pause in the region’s geological activity.
This pause corresponds to an arc polarity reversal, when the subduction direction of the oceanic crust shifted from east to west, reshaping both the mountains and the environment that generations of local communities would later inhabit.
Today, the Cordillera’s landscapes continue to influence culture, agriculture, and daily life, illustrating how geological processes and human history are intertwined.
By tracing the origins of these ancient sediments, the study not only clarifies the geological evolution of southwestern Mountain Province but also highlights the enduring relationship between the Central Cordillera’s land and its people.
Written by Mark Daniel Lopez, Insight PH
Mark Daniel Lopez, Insight PH is a dedicated campus journalist and contributor. Their insightful writing sparks meaningful conversations and keeps the community informed.
