Baguio City

This is about a city in the Philippines. Please see Baguio (disambiguation) for references to this name.Baguio City is a 1st class highly urbanized city in northern Luzon in the Philippines. Baguio City was established by the Americans in 1900 and created by the Philippine Assembly as the Summer Capital of the Philippines on June 1, 1903. There is a presidential mansion, and supreme court and legislative offices in Baguio. Additionally, Baguio is the seat of government of the Cordillera Administrative Region.

According to the 2000 census, it has a population of 252,386 in 52,302 households.

Geography

The three main access roads leading to Baguio from the lowlands are Kennon Road, Marcos Highway, and Naguilian Highway. Kennon Road starts from Rosario, La Union and winds its way through a narrow and steep valley. This road is the fastest route to Baguio but is the most dangerous with frequent landslides during the rainy season. Marcos Highway, which starts from Agoo, La Union, and Naguilian Highway, which starts from Bauang, La Union, are more roundabout routes but are much safer than Kennon Road and are the preferred routes for coaches, buses and lorries.

Transportation

Air transport

Loakan Airport in Baguio is about 20 minutes by car south of the city. Because of the length of the runway, commercial jet aircraft are not able to land at the airport. The airport can only be accessed by a propeller-driven aircraft. Currently, Asian Spirit flies daily to and from Manila, a 50-minute flight. Flights to Baguio are scheduled only in the morning as visibility approaches zero in the afternoon when the fog starts to move in and cover most of the area surrounding the airport.

Land transport

Rockshed of the Ps630 million Jose D. Aspiras (Marcos) Highway

It takes an average of six hours to travel the 250-km distance between Manila and Baguio by way of Kennon Road. It is about fifteen minutes longer through the Jose D. Aspiras (Marcos) Highway and could take three more hours when going through Naguilian Road. Kennon Road is occasionally blocked by landslides during the rainy season and the same problem also occur at the other two access roads. The route to Baguio through Kennon Road is as scenic as it is dangerous. There is another access to Baguio from Aritao in the province of Nueva Vizcaya but this is less traveled, the road is not well maintained, and public transportation through this route is not as regular. Another road, Halsema Road (also known as "Mountain Trail" leads north through the mountainous portion of the Cordillera Autonomous Region.It starts at northern border of Baguio, in the Municipality of Trinidad (Trinidad Valley), also known as the "Salad Bowl" of Luzon.

There are several bus lines linking Baguio with Manila and Central Luzon, and provinces such as Pangasinan, La Union, and those in the Ilocos region. Most transportation companies also offer express and air-conditioned buses at a much higher fare.

Bus services that ply Baguio include Philippine Rabbit, Dangwa Tranco, Dagupan Bus, Victory Liner, Partas, Genesis, Saulog Transit, and Greenland.

Economy

Session Road

The primary economy of Baguio City is its educational centers of which it has in excess of seven colleges and universities as well as a plethora of trade and technical schools. Estimates are that these schools compose in excess of one hundred thousand students.

The secondary source of income for the residents is its character as the commercial hub in the province of Benguet. Many of the agricultural and mining goods produced in Benguet goes to Baguio City for central distribution.

SM City Baguio

The city is also a major retail center for the Cordilleras and the Ilocos provinces, with shoppers from the provinces coming to the city to take advantage of the diversity of competitively priced commercial products on sale, most of which are only available in Manila. Despite the city's small size, there are numerous shopping centers and malls in the business district catering to the growing commercial activity in Baguio. These are the SM City Baguio mall, Baguio Centermall, Cooyeesan Hotel Plaza, Abanao Square, Maharlika Livelihood Center, and Porta Vaga mall.

The areas of Session Road, Harrison Road, Magsaysay Avenue and Abanao Street comprise the trade center of the city. It is in these areas where commercial and business structures abound. First class movie houses, hotels, restaurants, department stores, and shopping centers are found in this downtown area. Shopping at the famous city market offers one a wide array of locally sourced goods and products, from colorful woven fabrics and strung beads to primitive wood carvings, fresh everlasting flowers, strawberries and vegetables.

Baguio is also home to one of the country's most profitable Philippine Economic Zone Authority areas (PEZA), called the Baguio City Economic Zone (BCEZ), located in the southern part of the city between the Camp John Hay leisure resort and the Philippine Military Academy. Firms located in the BCEZ mostly produce and export knitted clothing, transistors, small components for vehicles, electronics and other computer parts. Notable firms include Texas Instruments Philippines, MOOG, and Client Logic. Recently, there has been an influx of call centers in the city with American companies outsourcing their technical support facilities in the country.

Tourism is one of Baguio's main industries.

Education and culture

Baguio Cathedral

Baguio is a university town. There are eight institutions of higher education in Baguio City, two of which are ranked as being among the country's top ten.
* Saint Louis University, Baguio City
* University of Baguio
* University of the Philippines Baguio
* University of the Cordilleras (formerly the Baguio Colleges Foundation)
* Baguio Central University
* Pines City Colleges
* Philippine Military Academy

The languages spoken in Baguio are Ilocano, English, Kankana-ey, Ibaloi, Itogon, Tagalog, Chinese, German, Dutch, Flemish, and Korean.

Baguio's youth majority in the population has given it a distinct flavor different from those of other cities in the Philippines.

Tourism

Baguio City is home to many tourist spots and is a weekend getaway of those living in Metro Manila. Burnham Park : Located at the center of the city, it is named after the city's planner, Daniel Burnham. The park's core area features a man-made lagoon where people can hire a banca (rowboat) and a promenade. The center of the lake is occupied by a seldom used "dancing fountain" with a main jet that sprays water up to a height of 50 feet. The park also has bicycle areas, a children's park, and a newly renovated covered skating rink. At the northeast portion is a soccer field with the Melvin Jones Grandstand at one end where many concerts are performed. The City Orchidarium is located on the eastern side of the park where many local plant varieties and flower species are sold. The southern area of the park is occupied by the dilapidated Athletic Bowl, once the best track and field oval in Southeast Asia, and the newly constructed but unused Olympic Swimming Center.

;Baguio Cathedral : A majestic church built on top of a hill, and seen from many parts of the city. The rose-colored Baguio Catholic Cathedral, located on top of a hill in the heart of the city, is one of the more familiar and most visited landmarks of Baguio. This beautiful structure has twin spires and is one of the most photographed buildings in the city. From Session Road it is accessible by pedestrians who ascend a long concrete stairway of more than a hundred steps. Visitors and churchgoers who would rather avoid the difficult climb drive vehicles through an access road which passes behind the nearby post office building.

The construction of the cathedral by phases was begun on a hill which was originally referred to as "Kampo" by the native Ibalois. It was later called Mount Mary by a Belgian Catholic Mission headed by Fr. Carlu, CICM, who was then the parish priest. The cathedral was finally consecrated in 1936 and dedicated to Our Lady of Atonement. During World War II it became an evacuation center and withstood the Japanese carpet bombing of the city in 1945, thereby saving thousands of lives.

; Session Road : The main avenue of the city and is its commercial center. Along the main street and sidestreets are numerous shops, restaurants, billiard halls, and duckpin bowling alleys.

; Baguio Grand Mosque : There are several mosques and prayer rooms in the city but the biggest of them is the Baguio Grand Mosque located at Campo Filipino. Catering to several thousand Muslim families from Mindanao as well as Cordillerans who reverted to the Faith or assimilated by inter-marriage. The Mosque also houses an Islamic Madrasah.

; Camp John Hay : Camp John Hay used to be the rest and recreational facility for employees of the military and Department of Defense of the United States. This 690-hectare property was turned over to the Philippine government in July 1, 1991 and was initially administered by the Philippine Tourism Authority and then turned over to the Bases Conversion Development Authority.

The facility, which was named after U.S. President Theodore Roosevelt's secretary of war, was used by the Japanese as a concentration camp for American and British soldiers during the war. Its name was changed to Club John Hay after it was turned over to the Philippine government, however, it has since been called Camp John Hay once again. For the first time in its history the facility was open to the public in 1991 and converted into a recreational complex. It used to be off-limits to Filipinos, except for the privileged few who could get entry passes from its former American administrators.

Prior to its turnover to the Philippine government, there were 290 fully-furnished rooms in the different cottages, duplexes, apartments, and lodges which are distributed in different locations around the complex. It even had a "Honeymoon Cottage" which was rented out to newlyweds who come up to Baguio for their honeymoon. Some of these billeting units were equipped with color television sets, refrigerators, and cooking facilities. Each unit has a fireplace to keep you warm during the months of December, January and February when the weather in Baguio is quite chilly and cold.

;Mines View Park : Located at the extreme northeast of the city, it boasts a spectacular view of Benguet's gold and copper mines.

;The Mansion : The official summer residence of the President of the Philippines. The Mansion is located on the eastern part of the city along the Leonard Wood Road and right across from Wright Park. It was built in 1908 for U.S. governor-generals and was destroyed in 1945 during the battle for the liberation of the Philippines.

The Philippine government later rebuilt and improved the structure in 1947 and since then it has been used by various Philippine presidents whenever they come up to Baguio for their official visits and engagements. The Mansion served as the seat of the Second Session of Economic Commission of Asia and the Far East in 1947. It has also been the site of first meeting of the South East Asia Union which was popularly known as the Baguio Conference of 1950 which was conceived and convened by President Elpidio Quirino.

The elaborate main gate of the Mansion is said to be a replica of that at Buckingham Palace in London. Vehicles entering the compound pass through a great circular driveway and it is usually open only when the Mansion is used for an official function or activity. With its beautiful gardens and a well-manicured lawn, it is a favorite site for sightseeing and picture taking.

;Baguio Botanical Garden : Also known as the Igorot Village, it contains many Igorot houses amidst various flora and fauna that grow in the cool climate of the city. Tourists can usually take pictures with the Igorot tribesmen dressed in their traditional costume.

;The Orchidarium : A showcase for the various breeds of flowers and plants that are grown in the region around Baguio.

;Maryknoll Ecological Sanctuary : A haven for free minds and bodies. The Eco-tour refreshes the eyes with nature's feast of flowers. The gallery inspires one's creativity.

;King Louie's Farm : A ranch for the growth of cut flowers.

;Tam-Awan Village : A reconstructed native village which also has an art gallery and attracts many indigenous artists.

;Itogon Wood Carver's Village : Three kilometers of independent indigenous wood carvers. The works of these carvers range from very small figurines to huge statues.

;Asin Hot Springs : Actually located in Benguet but considered a city resource, it contains a natural hotspring. The city and other private concerns have built swimming pools for tourists. The area is very under-developed but is still a place that tourists should visit.

;Wright Park : Named after the architect who designed the city, it features a shallow elongated rectangular body of water known as the "Pool of Pines". At one end, there is a circle where visitors can go horseback-riding.

;Philippine Military Academy : In 1950, the Academy was transferred from its old site at Teacher's Camp to a sprawling 373-hectare compound in Loakan which is ten kilometers south of downtown Baguio City. Here it found its permanent home in a fort named after the young hero of the battle of Tirad Pass, Gen. Gregorio Del Pilar.

The Academy site was developed into an ideal military training institution with facilities and infrastructure required of a growing military institution. Its rigid and unique 4-year curriculum has been designed to fit the specific needs of the major branches of service of the Armed Forces of the Philippines. Just like military academies in the United States, female cadets have also been accepted by PMA since 1993.

;Bell Church : The Bell Church is located north of the downtown area of Baguio along the road leading to the town of La Trinidad, Benguet. Within its compound are intricately designed arches and buildings adorned with flags, bells and dragons. It has a pagoda, and beautifully landscapped gardens. There are some artifacts about Buddhism that you will find at the Bell Church as well as some literature about the history of China.

;Lourdes Grotto : The Lourdes Grotto is another Catholic shrine and place of meditation in Baguio. It is located on a high hill in the western part of the city where you will find the image of the Lady of Lourdes. It is a favorite pilgrimage site during Holy Week most especially during Holy Thursday and Good Friday. Access to the top of the grotto could be made by climbing the 252 steps or by driving a light vehicle through a winding, narrow and steep asphalt-paved road. Devotees who go up to the grotto to pray usually light up a candle at an altar below the image. There are also vendors at the shrine who are willing to light up a candle for you and say a prayer for whatever personal intentions you might have.

Some other frequently-visited spots in the city include the Teacher's Camp, Lion's Head, and the public market, a favorite place for tourists looking for souvenirs.

Government

Like most Philippine cities, Baguio is governed by a Mayor, Vice Mayor, and twelve (12) Councilors.

The current mayor of Baguio is Braulio Yaranon, but a spate of controversies surrounding his current term and actions have made his term one of the most problematic in Baguio's history. He was preceded in office by Bernardo Vergara, who was defeated by Yaranon in the mayoral elections of 2004.

The City is also currently represented in the Philippine House of Representatives by Congressman Mauricio Domogan, who previously served three times as the City Mayor.

Baguio City comprises one congressional district that is represented by a congressman in the House of Representatives. The city is also the administrative center for the whole Cordillera Administrative Region.

Baguio City is politically subdivided into 129 barangays.

* Apugan-Loakan * Asin Road * Atok Trail * Bakakeng Central * Bakakeng North * Happy Hollow * Balsigan * Bayan Park West * Bayan Park East * Brookspoint * Brookside * Cabinet Hill-Teacher's Camp * Camp Allen * Camp 7 * Camp 8 * Campo Filipino * City Camp Central * City Camp Proper * Country Club Village * Cresencia Village * Dagsian, Upper * DPS Area * Dizon Subdivision * Quirino Hill, East * Engineers' Hill * Fairview Village * Fort del Pilar * General Luna, Upper * General Luna, Lower * Gibraltar * Greenwater Village * Guisad Central * Guisad Sorong

* Hillside * Holy Ghost Extension * Holy Ghost Proper * Imelda Village * Irisan * Kayang Extension * Kias * Kagitingan * Loakan Proper * Lopez Jaena * Lourdes Subdivision Extension * Dagsian, Lower * Lourdes Subdivision, Lower * Quirino Hill, Lower * General Emilio F. Aguinaldo * Lualhati * Lucnab * Magsaysay, Lower * Magsaysay Private Road * Aurora Hill Proper * Bal-Marcoville * Quirino Hill, Middle * Military Cut-off * Mines View Park * Modern Site, East * Modern Site, West * New Lucban * Aurora Hill, North Central * Sanitary Camp, North * Outlook Drive * Pacdal * Pinget

* Pinsao Pilot Project * Pinsao Proper * Puliwes * Pucsusan * MRR-Queen Of Peace * Rock Quarry, Lower * Salud Mitra * San Antonio Village * San Luis Village * San Roque Village * San Vicente * Santa Escolastica * Santo Rosario * Santo Tomas School Area * Santo Tomas Proper * Scout Barrio * Session Road Area * Slaughter House Area * Sanitary Camp South * Saint Joseph Village * Teodora Alonzo * Trancoville * Rock Quarry, Upper * Victoria Village * Quirino Hill, West * Andres Bonifacio * Legarda-Burnham-Kisad * Imelda R. Marcos * Lourdes Subdivision, Proper * Quirino-Magsaysay, Upper * A. Bonifacio-Caguioa-Rimando * Ambiong

* Aurora Hill, South Central * Abanao-Zandueta-Kayong-Chugum * Bagong Lipunan * BGH Compound * Bayan Park Village * Camdas Subdivision * Palma-Urbano * Dominican Hill Mirador * Alfonso Tabora * Dontogan * Ferdinand * Happy Homes * Harrison-Claudio Carantes * Honeymoon * Kabayanihan * Kayang-Hilltop * Gabriela Silang * Liwanag-Loakan * Malcolm Square-Perfecto * Manuel A. Roxas * Padre Burgos * Quezon Hill, Upper * Rock Quarry, Middle * Phil-Am Compound * Quezon Hill Proper * Middle Quezon Hill Subdivision * Rizal Monument Area * SLU-SVP Housing Village * South Drive * Magsaysay, Upper * Market Subdivision, Upper * Padre Zamora

History

The region around Baguio was first settled by the Cordilleranos, primarily the Kankane-y, Ibaloi, and Itogon tribes. In nearby La Trinidad, the Spaniards established a commandante or military garrison, although Kafagway, as Baguio was once known, was barely touched. On 1901, the Americans together with the engineering feat of John Kennon built the first road directly connecting Kafagway with the lowlands of Pangasinan-before this, the only road to Kafagway is the Naguilian Road, now known as the Quirino Highway. On September 1, 1909, due partly to the creation of Camp John Hay, Baguio was declared a chartered city. It was planned according to the American architect Burnham, but the latter's plan was used only to a little extent, primarily due to the hilly terrain of the city. The Americans declared Baguio the Summer Capital of the Philippines and The Mansion as the residence of the American governor-general during the summer to escape Manila's heat. The Americans further developed Baguio, building such parks and public structures like Wright Park, Burnham Park, Governor Pack Road, Session Road, Assumption Road, and other public structures.

When the Philippines was granted independence in 1946, some Americans settled in the city, and English became the primary lingua franca. Ilocanos also joined the Cordilleranos in Baguio, and subsequently, the population of Americans, Dutch, Belgians, and Germans soared. Baguio was relatively silent and peaceful from 1946 to July 16, 1990, when an earthquake destroyed most of Baguio. The city was quickly rebuilt. On the year 2004, the city was also afflicted by an epidemic of the meningococcemia disease, partly due to its seclusion (Baguio is surrounded by mountains) and its cold climate.

Sometime around May of 2003, a petition to declare Baguio a heritage zone was spread throughout the Internet and various national print media, gaining the support of more than ten thousand signatures. The petition itself calls upon various concerned officials to create the Zone before the Baguio centennial on 2009. Initiated by one Dion Fernandez, the move has been partially approved in the first reading of a Special Heritage Bill submitted to the Baguio City Council on August 2005.

References

* Philippine Standard Geographic Code
* 2000 Philippine Census Information

External links

* Official website of Baguio City