During the Spanish Era, Benguet was not a remote area for the Spaniards to explore. The vastness and promising economic potential of the place lured the Spaniards to conduct series of expeditions. Early explorers included Juan Salcedo in 1572 and Don Q.M. Quirante in 1664. Series of attempts were made to subjugate the "Igorots " but failed. Finally in 1864, Commandante de Galvey established his Commandancia at La Trinidad, Benguet (named after his wife). Galvey went to establish the province of Benguet with 31 rancherias. The first Kapitan of Benguet was Pulito of Kafagway, now Baguio, a minor rancheria of about 20 houses.
The presidentia of Baguio was first established in the house of the Campulet at the top of the Tabacalera road at the lower end of Guisad Valley. Later, the presidentia of Baguio was moved to the present site of the Baguio City Hall.
The Spaniards established order, built churches and schools, made trails and introduced coffee during their long occupation of the area.
The Americans came early in 1900 and established their government with H. Whitmarsh as the appointed Governor of Benguet and Baguio as the capital. This was the first provincial government to be established in the Philippines and this happened a year prior to the inauguration of the civil government of the Philippines. Their best administrators and teachers were fervent boosters and promoters: Worcester, Wright, Forbes, Pack, Barrows, Eckman and others who together with Filipinos committed to make the place a haven.
Several mines near Baguio within Benguet were developed and were very productive. Business in the city also flourished with the establishment of commercial centers. Recreational facilities were also installed. Then, the city grew before the outbreak of World War II.
Baguio was bombed on December 8,1941 by the Japanese and they occupied it on December 27 of the same year. When the war ended, rehabilitation was immediately done with the supervision of the Americans based at Camp John Hay. Since then, the city became a favorite for vacationists.
The July 16, 1990 earthquake devastated the entire city with its infrastructure, buildings and its populace but it did not end here. Four years after the great earthquake, Baguio City has recovered and is standing firm and proud for its restored heritage.
Until today, Baguio City as the Summer Capital of the Philippines, is the most frequented destination in Northern Luzon by local and foreign tourists alike.Geography and land area
Baguio City, approximately 250 kilometers north of Manila is, situated in the heart of the Province of Benguet. The area of the city is 49 square kilometers enclosed in a perimeter of 30.6 kilometers. The developed portion of the city is a plateau that rises to an elevation of 1,400 meters. Most of it lies on the northern half of the city.
There are two great valleys found in the south and the north of the city. The more famous Guisad - Lucban Valley has an elevation that ranges from 1,300 to 1,400 meters and is centrally located towards the north. The southern valley is composed of long and narrow vales surrounded by low hills and transected by a network of hills. Some of the more important valleys are Camp 7, Loakan, Bakakeng and Crystal Cave, These valleys are arable as they are rich with alluvial deposits.
The summits on the plateau offer panoramic views. The summits that face the west: Quezon Hill, Mirador -Dominican Hill and the Bureau of Animal Industry Stock Farm which offers splendid view of the Ilocos Coastal Plain, Lingayen Gulf and the South China Sea during cloudless days.
Another famous promontory is Mines View Park, which overlooks the mining town of Itogon and offers a glimpse of the Amburayan Valley. All over the city, however are sporadically scattered steep side hills and mountains. About half the area of the city has a slope of 25% or more.
Government
A popularly elected Mayor heads the city government of Baguio. He is assisted by the Vice-mayor and a 12 - man legislative council called the Sangguniang Panglunsod. The last election was conducted in May 2001.
Citizens participate actively in government affairs and public issues. Baguio enjoys a especially informal atmosphere, so that even the officials are not detached and removed from the populace.
Congressman: Atty. Mauricio Domogan
Mayor: Atty. Braulio Yaranon
Vice-Mayor: Reynaldo Bautista Jr.Climate
Climate
Baguio is 8 degrees cooler on any month on the average than any place in the lowlands. When Manila sweats at 35 degrees centigrade of above, Baguio seldom exceeds 26 degrees centigrade at its warmest. The lowest temperature reading made by the local weather bureau was 6.3 degrees centigrade, recorded in January 18, 1961.
Baguio is very wet during the Philippine rainy season, which is from June to October. The recorded heaviest volume of rainfall in Baguio City was in 1911 when it measured 9,038.3 mm.
However from November to May, Baguio becomes a tropical paradise, a refreshing break from the hot and humid Philippine climate. Christmas season is when Baguio glows with the nippy winter air. Nights are good for bonfires.
In the summer months of March, April, and May, Baguio lives up to its title as the Summer Capital of the Philippines when thousands of visitors from the lowlands and Manila take their annual exodus to the city to cool off. Casual clothing is recommended worn with jackets or sweaters especially in the late afternoon or evenings.
Population
The population of the city as of 2000 is 252,386. The youth constitute nearly half of the population. There is a trace of longevity among the people, of who are aged over 60. The middle aged group numbers 70,511.
During the peak of the annual tourist influx, particularly during the Lenten period, transients triple the population. Language Spoken
English is widely spoken and understood. It is the medium of instruction in all public and private schools. Most newspapers and magazines are printed in English, hence, an English speaking traveler would not find communication problems. The national language, Filipino, is of course spoken by everyone. Ilocano is also spoken by almost everybody.
Major Industries
The three dominant industries in the city are tourism, education and integrated circuits.
Tourism remains to be a dominant industry, especially with the improved access roads. Lowlanders come to the city during the hot summer months.
Baguio has about 50, 000 college and vocational students.
Texas Instruments initiated the Export Processing Zone now Philippine Export Zone Authority (PEZA). Today, they export six hundred million dollars of products annually.
I. OVERVIEW OF THE CITY
Geography and land area
Baguio City, approximately 250 kilometers north of Manila is, situated in the heart of the Province of Benguet. The area of the city is 49 square kilometers enclosed in a perimeter of 30.6 kilometers. The developed portion of the city is a plateau that rises to an elevation of 1,400 meters. Most of it lies on the northern half of the city.
There are two great valleys found in the south and the north of the city. The more famous Guisad - Lucban Valley has an elevation that ranges from 1,300 to 1,400 meters and is centrally located towards the north. The southern valley is composed of long and narrow vales surrounded by low hills and transected by a network of hills. Some of the more important valleys are Camp 7, Loakan, Bakakeng and Crystal Cave, These valleys are arable as they are rich with alluvial deposits.
The summits on the plateau offer panoramic views. The summits that face the west: Quezon Hill, Mirador -Dominican Hill and the Bureau of Animal Industry Stock Farm which offers splendid view of the Ilocos Coastal Plain, Lingayen Gulf and the South China Sea during cloudless days.
Another famous promontory is Mines View Park, which overlooks the mining town of Itogon and offers a glimpse of the Amburayan Valley. All over the city, however are sporadically scattered steep side hills and mountains. About half the area of the city has a slope of 25% or more.
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