Description…
Benguet is the roof of Northern Luzon. It straddles on the Cordillera mountain ranges. Mt. Pulag, 2nd easiest mountain in the Philippines, and Halsema Highway, the best mountain motorway machine in the country, are positioned in Benguet. Today it holds declare as the “Salad Bowl of the Philippines” due to the fact of the massive manufacturing of upland vegetables.
Geography
Benguet lies in the southernmost section of the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR). Pangasinan bounds it on the south, Ifugao and Nueva Viscaya on the east, Mountain Province on the north, and La Union and Ilocos Sur on the west. The province has a complete land location of 261,648 hectares. It is placed between 16’33” north latitude and 120’34” to 125’52” east longitude. Its capital, La Trinidad, is 256 kilometers north of Manila and 6 kilometers north of Baguio City.
Political Subdivision
Benguet has thirteen municipalities with a whole of one hundred forty barangays.
Climate
Benguet belongs beneath the Type 1 climate, with the moist season from May to October and the dry season for the duration of the relaxation of the year. The common everyday temperature is 18.55° Celsius.
Population
Benguet has a complete populace of 322,000 as of the 12 months 2000.
Language / Dialect
The two distinguished dialects spoken in the province are Kankana-ey and Ibaloi. Others communicate Kalanguya, Karao, and Iowak. The majority talk fluent English.
Major Industries
Agriculture, small and giant scale mining, gold panning, silver craft/ brass wares, present and toy making, strawberry production, farm animals and poultry, tiger grass broom making production.
Rural industries consist of silver craft/brass wares, woodcraft, loom weaving, handmade paper decors, and novelty items, garment knitting; sericulture and fruit vegetable processing such as strawberry jams, fruit jellies, candies, and preserves.
History…
Early in the nineteenth century after the Spanish explorer Guillermo Galvey’s record of his expedition, the Spanish authorities prepared the mountain location into six commandancias politico-Militar, namely: Benguet in 1846, Lepanto in 1852, Bontoc in 1859, Amburayan in 1889, and Kavana and Kabugao in 1891. The province of Benguet, as now constituted, has parts that had been components of the districts of Lepanto, Bontoc, and Amburayao.
Early commandancias have been divided into rancherias. The commandants of Benguet consisted of forty-one rancherias with La Trinidad, named after Galvey’s wife, as capital.
In 1899, the Katipunan got here to Benguet and united the Igorots and hooked up Benguet beneath the authorities of the Republic of the Philippines. Ora Juan Carino of Tublay used to be appointed Governor of Benguet and Chairman of the Board. In La Trinidad, Miguel Picarte was once appointed as President. But their phrases had been short-lived as the American colonizers got here in the 1900s.
Under American rule, civil authority was once mounted beneath Act. No. forty-eight on November 22, 1900, in the following townships of Benguet: Adaoay, Ambuklao, Ampusongan, Atok, Balakbak, Bokod, Buguias, Kabayan, Kapangan, Kibungan, Daclan, Gallano, Itogon, Palina, Sablan, and Tublay. When Act. No. 1876 was once surpassed on August 13, 1908, Benguet province grew to be a sub-province of the Mountain Province, alongside with Amburayan, Apayao, Bontoc, Ifugao, Kalinga, and Lepanto.
The unique nineteen 19 townships of Benguet as embodied in Act No. forty-eight have been decreased to thirteen municipalities. The township of Baguio grew to be a chartered town on September 1, 1909, developing in its area the township of Tuba.
Benguet Is Famous For…
Kabayan Mummies
The Tinongchol Burial Rock, placed in Kabayan, is nearly as massive as a normal three-story building. It homes centuries-old mummies, which got here about through the labor of human beings all through the olden times, who boreholes on the stable boulders, the place they interred their dead. Timbac Caves in Kabayan is some other mummy abode, which can be reached through trekking from a jump-off factor alongside kilometer fifty-two of the Halsema Highway. Opdas Cave in Kabayan is one of the largest burial caves in the municipality. It has 200 skulls and bones neatly piled on ledges reminiscent of the catacombs of Rome.
Mount Pulag
The best possible mountain height in Luzon, Mount Pulag towers at an altitude of 9,640 toes above sea level. It is regarded via the neighborhood people as the “playground of the gods.” Located in Kabayan, the mountain is domestic to many species of highland vegetation and fauna, consisting of the dwarf bamboo, which covers its bald peak. Mountain climbing expeditions in Pulag, geared up through the Municipality of Kabayan and supported via the Province of Benguet and its Provincial Tourism Council, are being completed throughout the months of December and April.
Kennon Road
More popularly recognized as Zig-zag Road, it is a breathtaking and wonderful stretch of cemented and asphalted winding road. The upward climb exhibits picturesque heights and lush greenery, fine liked when seen at the Kennon perspective previous the well-known Lion’s head.
Ambuklao and Binga Dams
Built-in the 1950s, these dams are the supply of the electricity of essential areas in Luzon. They are placed in Bokod and Itogon.
Madaymen
Located in Kibungan, Madaymen is a vegetable developing area, which is regarded as the “Switzerland of Benguet.” There is frosting at some stage in the bloodless months and kids depart water and sugar out in a single day to make icicles.
Asin-An Sulfur Springs
Found in Buguias, the Asin-An Springs are lovely terraced mountainsides planted with cabbage, Baguio beans, carrots, and different vegetables. They regularly draw praises from motorists passing the Halsema Mountain Highway due to the fact of their neat rows and upright trellises.
Strawberry Picking
Among the things to do that intention to focal point on the wealthy merchandise of Benguet is strawberry choosing in La Trinidad. Strawberry is a fruit ton related to Baguio City and Benguet.
Balatoc Mines Tour
With its amenities and tunnels completely maintained and refurbished, the Benguet Gold Operations has opened its underground to tourists. The Balatoc Mines are the first-ever underground mining visitor appeal in the Philippines. The tour is set up mainly to show off the exciting and academic mining heritage of Itogon, Benguet.
Things to Do and see in Benguet…
Historical
Batarangan Airstrip (Kibungan).
Used as a touchdown web page by using the U.S. Airforce throughout World War II.
Camp Utopia (Kapangan).
The camp of the 66th Infantry Battalion in the course of WWII. It used to be the place the late Majors Bado Dangwa and Dennis Molintas led the protection of Igorotlandia.
Darew Ancient Ruins of Civilization (Kapangan).
The ruins had been of the earliest recognized settlements.
Kaliwaga Cave (Kapangan).
The burial location of the British troopers of fortune who got here to Benguet in the fifteenth century.
Guerilla Saddle (Km 26, Halsema Highway).
The battleground of the famous Infantry Battalion and guerillas who fought the Japanese Imperial Army. Seesaw battles ensued till sooner or later the Igorot defenders won.
Hill WW II (Mankayan).
Site the place the 66th Infantry Battalion and guerillas fought to make their way to Besang Pass. The seize of Hill WW II opened the proper flank protect of the Japanese Imperial Garrison to bombardment and regular assault via Igorot freedom fighters.
Lamtang
Escape route of then-President Sergio Osmena and birthday party who ware escorted by means of a detachment of the 66th Infantry Battalion to Camp Valhalla, Kapangan to San Gabriel, La Union all through WW II.
Natural
Mount Kabunian (Bakun).
Believed to be the living region of the gods. This rocky mountain stretches for kilometers showing its multifaceted profile.
Timbac Caves (Kabayan).
Another mummy dwelling house which can be reached through-hiking from a jump-off factor alongside kilometer fifty-two of the Halsema Highway.
Opdas Cave (Kabayan).
Located about 300 meters from the municipal building. Considered as one of the largest burial caves in the municipality, it has 200 skulls and bones neatly piled on ledges reminiscent of the catacombs of Rome.
Apo Anno Cave (Natubleng Buguias).
The famed twelfth-century mighty hunter of Benguet orally instructed and foretold as a demigod in Benguet tales, whose stays have been mummified, has been peacefully laid to relaxation in his unique burial site. Benguet leaders have constantly searched for his stays for over eighty years. Upon recovery, Apo Anno was once given a hero’s welcome.
Tinongchol Burial Rock (Kabayan).
Almost as huge as an everyday three-storey building, it homes centuries-old mummies. This got here about through the labor of humans all through the olden instances who boreholes on the strong boulders the place they interred their dead.
Mount Pulag (Kabayan).
The absolute best mountain top in Luzon, towering at an altitude of 9,640 ft above sea degree and regarded as the “playground of the gods” through nearby folks. It is domestic to many species of highland flowers and fauna, such as the dwarf bamboo, which covers its bald peak.
Mount Santo Tomas (Tuba).
An 18-kilometer rugged street leads to the top which presents a view of the most good-sized sunrises and sunsets, and a clear view of the Lingayen gulf. It is best for picnics and out-of-town excursions.
Colorado Falls (Tuba).
Located a quick distance off Kennon Road, these falls have been the preferred watering gap of Baguio residents for some time. Three large falls drop into a herbal pool almost 10 toes at its deepest. Vacationists troop to this region for the duration of weekends.
Mountain Lakes (Kabayan).
Lakes Incolos, Bulalacao, and Letep-ngepos can be determined at the base of Mt. Pulag. With their crystal clear water, these can be reached through trekking via scenic Oak Forest that grows densely around the base of the mountain. Bulalakao Lake has been a three-time consecutive winner of the Cleanest Lake (for the Cordillera) below the Gawad Pangulo sa Kapaligiran.
Ambongdolan Caves (Tublay).
A cluster of caves and cavelets (Bengao-ngao, Ketong, Bongis, and Tey-tey) observed in Ambongdolan; an perfect spot for spelunkers and nature trippers.
Badekbek Sulfur Springs (Bokod).
A herbal spring with boiling mud swimming pools emitting smoke, positioned in Daclan. People discover this enchantment a persevering with a supply of surprise and amazement.
Tukang Cave (Tuba).
A multi-chambered cave alongside the Bued River and the ancient Kennon Road at Twin Peaks. It is a spelunker’s delight.
Other Scenic Sites:
Inodey Water Falls (Mankayan); Dalupirip Hot Spring (Itogon); Towing Water Falls (Sablan); Cabacab Plateau (Mankayan); Bridal Veil Falls (Tuba); and Loo Valley (Buguias).
Mt. Ugo
Located in Barangay Tinongdan, Itogon. This stunning mountain provides trails that bypass via the native communities of the Kalanguya tribe. It is quick turning into a new preferred vacation spot of mountaineers from Metro Manila and domestically based totally outside organizations. It used to be as soon as the crash web page of a Philippine Airlines plane in the 1980s.
Man-Made
Marker of the Highest Mountain Highway System.
The absolute best mountain motorway device in the usa at 7,400 toes above sea stage (Atok).
Benguet Provincial Capitol (La Trinidad).
A three-storey edifice located at Capitol Hill, La Trinidad. It encompasses a whole view of La Trinidad Valley. It homes provincial and some countrywide workplaces and is an image of the modern stance of Benguet province.
Benguet State University (La Trinidad).
The alma mater of most of the leaders in the mountain region, which occupies a proper element of the La Trinidad valley. Only 6 kilometers from Baguio City, its a number of tasks on floriculture, penology, animal husbandry, fowl raising, and vegetable development are really worth visiting. Home-made strawberry and blueberry preserves and freshly baked bread are on hand at its cooperative.
Kennon Road
More popularly recognized as Zig-zag Road, it is a breathtaking and incredible stretch of cemented and asphalted winding road. The upward climb exhibits picturesque heights and lush greenery, exceptional preferred when considered at the Kennon standpoint previous the well-known Lion’s head.
Ambuklao and Binga Dams
(Bokod and Itogon). Built-in the 1950s, these dams are the supply of electricity of primary areas in Luzon.
Madaymen (Kibungan).
A vegetable developing vicinity acknowledged as the “Switzerland of Benguet.” There is frosting at some stage in the bloodless months and teenagers go away water and sugar out in a single day to make icicles.
Asin-An Sulfur Springs (Buguias).
Beautiful terraced mountainsides planted with cabbage, Baguio beans, carrots, and different greens draw praises from motorists passing the Halsema Mountain Highway due to the fact of their neat rows and upright trellises.
Mining Districts (Lepanto Consolidated & Philex Mines).
These mining websites are whole communities in themselves with all the vital offerings inherent in a community.
Other Scenic Sites:
Halsema Mountain Highway; Naguey Rice Terraces (Atok); Haight’s Place (Atok); Palina Rice Terraces (Kibungan); Marcos Bust (Tuba)
Festivals
Bendian Festival
In the past, it used to be a sacred ritual made in the course of plentiful harvest and thanksgiving to “Kabunian.”
La Trinidad Foundation Day (June 15).
A get together for the basis of La Trinidad as a municipality.
Benguet Foundation Day (June 18).
Agro-industrial, trade, tourism, and cultural shows.
Special Interest
Mount Pulag Climb (Kabayan).
Mountain hiking expeditions equipped through the Municipality of Kabayan supported by using the Province of Benguet and its Provincial Tourism Council are being finished all through the months of December and April.
Strawberry Picking in La Trinidad.
An exercise which objectives to focal point on the prosperous merchandise of Benguet. Strawberry is a fruit so lots related to Baguio City and Benguet.
Balatoc Mines Tour.
The first-ever underground mining visitor enchantment in the Philippines, chiefly to exhibit the exciting and academic mining heritage of Itogon, Benguet. With its services and tunnels wholly maintained and refurbished, the Benguet Gold Operations has opened its underground to tourists in Benguet.
