Monday, April 6, 2015

Baguio City: Summer Capital Of The Philippines since 1904

Baguio City has been the “Summer Capital of the Philippines” since 1904 after the declaration of the Philippine Commission on a session held at Old Baden-Powell Hall—atop the famous Session Road.  Five years later, in September 1909, the Philippine Assembly incorporated Baguio (from “Ibaloi” name, “bagiw” means moss) as a chartered city. Subsequently, Baguio City celebrated its centenary on September 1, 2009. 

Unknown to others, Baguio was formerly known as “Kafagway”(or wide open place)—a small “Rancheria”(settlement) where the local inhabitants such as “Ibalois” and “Kankaneys” dwelled way back. Mateo Cariño, one of the head men in Benguet, owned majority of the lands in Kafagway. Back in the day, Cordillerans were so resilient against intruders—such as Spanish and Americans—as evident in their customary way of life and traditions. Cordillerans cultures remain intact and well preserved to date.

Session Road in 1915

Today, Baguio is the seat of Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR).

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