Prior to gaining separate representation, areas now under the jurisdiction of Apayao were represented under the former Mountain Province (1917–1969) and Kalinga-Apayao (1969–1998). Apayao became a separate province following the passage and subsequent ratification of Republic Act No. 7878 on May 8, 1995.[1] In accordance with Section 9 of R.A. 7878 the new province began electing its own representative in the 1998 elections.[1]
Beginning in 2019, the districts used in appropriation of members is coextensive with the legislative districts of Apayao. Prior to 2019 when the province was just one congressional district, the Commission on Elections divided the province into two provincial board districts.
The municipalities of Apayao are represented in the Apayao Provincial Board, the Sangguniang Panlalawigan (provincial legislature) of the province, through Apayao's first and second provincial board districts.