Besao, officially the Municipality of Besao is a 5th class municipality in the province of Mountain Province, Philippines. According to the 2020 census, it has a population of 6,873 people.. Besao is 27 km from Bontoc and 403 km from Manila. The town is known for the Agawa people's Agricultural Stone Calendar of Gueday. The stone calendar is one of the most enigmatic artifact in the Cordillera mountains. It is a testimony to the accurate scientific outlook of the ancient Agawa people in the cycle of weathers, agriculture, and heavenly bodies.

Geography

Barangays

Besao is politically subdivided into 14 barangays. Each barangay consists of puroks and some have sitios.

Climate

Demographics

The population of the town has been decreasing due to younger generations migrating to cities seeking for work.

Religion

Besao,old traditional practices such as animal sacrifices (referred to as korban) were once a way to honor Kabunian (GOD), seek favor, ask for forgiveness, as well as for cleansing and thanksgiving. However, Christianity, specifically Episcopalianism, was introduced by American missionaries in the early 1900s, gradually becoming the dominant faith in the region. Besao's other practices include elements of animism. While animist traditions exist, they are not the primary faith of the community. The town is one of the few in the southern Cordillera mountains where aspects of ancestral worship and intangible heritage have been preserved by the older generations. However, with younger generations migrating to cities, these traditions face significant challenges to their continuity. Additionally, Christian groups have been gaining influence in the town, further contributing to changes in its religious landscape.

Economy

Government

Local government

Besao, 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

Members of the Municipal Council (2019–2022):