History of Baguio City

Baguio City, Philippines is a place that is rich in both history and culture, with its earliest recorded history dating back to over a hundred years ago. Not many people know of the events that transpired in this beautiful paradise, and how it came to be what it is today. Its culture is a mixture of both native traditions mingled with those of foreign people from Spaniards, Americans, Japanese and so much more. Owing to its unending allure to people from foreign countries, it is presently home not only to a vast population of Filipinos from near and far, but foreigners from Asia and the Western hemisphere as well.

Pre-colonial Era

In its earlier days, Baguio City was home to the natives known as the "Ibaloi" (ee/ba/loy) and "Kankana-ey" tribes. The place back then was simply a forest area that is abundant with various flora and fauna and other natural resources. It had towering pine trees where native and migratory birds nested, winding rivers and streams where the fishes reside, and thick and lush jungles where boars and deers roamed freely alongside the natives. The natives referred to this piece of heaven as "Kafagway" (ka/fag/wa/iy).

A precolonial Igorot Tribe

In terms of religious beliefs, the Ibalois and Kankana-eys paid homage to "Kabunyan" the deity ever famous throughout the land of "Benguet" (beng/get). A ritual known as the "canao" (ka/nyaw) was held in his honor, and as a means of thanksgiving for a bountiful harvest and overall well-being.

The Spanish Colonization

At around the middle parts of the 1800s, the Spaniards tried to occupy "Kafagway," although numerous attempts proved to be futile. Given the natural grandeur and rich resources of gold and copper and other precious metals, one can immediately understand the eagerness with which the Spaniards pursued to gain foothold in this mountainous area. The Spaniards however, were able to establish colonies in the nearby town of "La Trinidad" (named after Commandante Galvey's wife). There they built commandancias and rancherias to further establish their reign. However, they weren't able to completely subdue the proud natives, who valiantly fought back every attempt the colonizers made.

The Spaniards made valuable contributions to La Trinidad during their stay, one of which is the propagation and planting of Arabica Coffee now referred to as the famous Benguet Coffee.

The American Regime

Spain ceded control and reign of the Philippine Islands to the Americans after the former was defeated in the Spanish American war in 1898.

When the Americans first found out about "Kafagway" they were immediately entranced by its picturesque beauty - the lush mountains, the cool temperature, the diverse wildlife and so much more. All these things combined attracted the Americans, and so decided that this place is to be a mountain resort for those who wishes to escape the scorching heat of the lowlands - thus the name "Summer Capital of the Philippines."

Thus, the Americans lost no time in developing this mountain resort. They started with the construction of roads that opened Baguio to the lowlands such as the Kennon Road. This serpentine pathway proved to be one of the most difficult projects during that time, but was made possible with the ingenuity and hard work of the natives and the Americans. Other developments include the construction of Hydroelectric powerplants, public hospitals, parks, and other fundamental and recreational facilities.

It is also during these times, when the American was able to establish a civil government, they renamed the place to "Baguio" (coming form the local word "bigyiw" - a type of moss that grows abundantly in the area).

The Japanese Occupation

When World War II came about, Baguio City became the bombing target of the Japanese Imperial Army, which was then led by the Famous General Yamashita. Their bomb attacks were successful and in no time was able to occupy the most parts of Baguio City, putting up garrisons and forts here and there. It was a sad day not only for the Americans who resided in the mountain paradise, but for the natives who were found to be helping the them as well.

After a long, hard battle, the Americans and the Filipino soldiers were able to regain Baguio from the clutches of the Japanese general. General Yamashita signed an official document of surrender in Camp John Hay in September 1945, almost five years after having occupied and terrorized Baguio.

Baguio City: Now

After the war, much of Baguio lay torn and ruined, but passion and love for this green paradise encouraged the people to stand up and rebuild the place, hoping to reclaim its former glory and grandeur. Slowly and little by little, more roads were paved and structures built. Agriculture grew and became a primary source of income for many, but other sources of income and establishments sprouted all over as well.

Presently, Baguio City is ever-developing and gaining more popularity among many foreign people - not only as a tourist spot but also as a premiere English learning community (Koreans, Japanese, and Nigerians are some of the foreigners who flock to Baguio City to learn English.)

The history of Baguio City is as colorful as the native's traditional clothes, and each part of that history played a vital role that helped to shape Baguio into what it is now - an ever green retreat that offers calm rest and relaxation to the tired body and soul - literally a paradise on earth.