--- Facts & Figures_ Province of Benguet --

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Area 2,833.0 sq. km.

Capital La Trinidad

Total Population

(As of May 2010)403,494

Household Population

(As of Aug 2007)370,946

Number of Households

(As of May 2007)82,378

Average Household Size

(As of May 2007)4.5

Population Density(As of May 2010)

142.4/sq. km.

Number of Municipalities

(As of Sept 2011)13

Annual Per Capita Food

Threshold (In Pesos)

(As of 2009)

11,019

Annual Per Capita Poverty

Threshold (In Pesos)

(As of 2009)

15,820

Growth Rate

(1990-2010)1.45

Number of Barangays

(As of Sept 2011)

140

FACTS & FIGURES

... A t a G l a n c e

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Located at the southern end of the Cordillera Region is the province of Benguet. Bounded on

the south by Pangasinan and on the west by La Union and Ilocos Sur, Benguet serves as the

gateway to the highland provinces of the Cordillera Region.

At 5,000 feet above sea level, the province lies on top of the Cordillera Mountains. Rugged

and sloping terrain and deep valleys characterize the province. Amidst these mountain peaks

is a wide plateau wherein the capital town, La Trinidad, is located. A total of 13 municipalities

and 140 barangays make up the province.

As of 2010, Benguet has a total land areaof 2,833.0 square kilometers with most of it falling

within the Cordillera Forest Reserve. Forest land totals 214,523 hectares with forest land

comprising 0f 105,626 hectares as of May 2007.

In the sparsely populated Cordillera Region, as of May 2010 Benguet stands out as having

the biggest population among the provinces and city with 403,494. However, it is next to

Baguio Cityfor its population density of 142.4 persons per square kilometer. Migrants have

joined the local tribes such as the Kankana-ey, Ibaloy and Kalanguya to settle in this rich

highland province. Although the three tribes speak different dialects, they share similar

cultures and have common beliefs and rituals.

Featured Municipal Factand Figures

cts & Figures: Province of Benguet --- http://www.nscb.gov.ph/rucar/fnf_ben

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Early commandancias were divided into rancherias. The commandancia of Benguet was

consisted of 41 rancherias with La Trinidad, named after Galley's wife, as capital.

In 1899, the Katipunan came to Benguet and united the Igorots and established Benguet

under the Government of the Republic of the Philippines. Ora Juan Cario of Tublay was

appointed Governor of Benguet and Chairman of the Board. In La Trinidad, Miguel Picarte

was appointed as president but their terms were short lived for the American colonizers came

in the early 1900's.

Under the American rule, civil government was established under Act No. 48 in the followingtownship of Benguet: Adaoay, Ambuklao, Ampusongan, Atok, Balakbak, Bokod, Buguias,

Kabayan, Kibungan, Daclan, Gallano, Itogon, Palina, Sablan and Tublay. The government of

each township was vested in the president and a council composed of one representative

from each barrio of the township. When Act No. 1876 was passed in August 13. 1908,

Benguet province became a sub-province of the Mountain Province. Under this Act, the

sub-province embraced by the Mountain Provinces were Amburayan, Apayao, Benguet,

Bontoc, Ifugao, Kalinga and Lepanto.

The original 19 township of Benguet as embodied in Act No. 48 dated November 22, 1900

were reduced to 13 municipalities. The township of Baguio became a chartered city on

September 1, 1909, creating in its place the township of Tuba. The township of Ambuklao,

Adaoay, Balakbak, Galiano, Palina and Loo were abolished under Executive Orders issued by

the Governor of the Philippines.

Today, the province of Benguet still holds claim as the "Salad Bowl of the Philippines"

because of its considerable production of upland vegetables.

Points of Interest

HISTORICAL

Batarangan Airstrip (Kibungan) - used as landing site by the U.S. Airforce during World War

II.

Camp Utopia (Kapangan) - this was the camp of the 66th Infantry Battalion during the World

War II. It was where the late Majors Bado Dangwa and Dennis Molintas led the defense of the

Igorotlandia.

Darew Ancient Ruins of Civilization (Kapangan) - the ruins were the earliest known

settlements.

Kaliwaga Cave (Kapangan)- burial place of the British soldiers of fortune who came to

Benguet in the 15th Century.

Guerilla Saddle (Km 26 Halsema Highway) - battleground of the famous Infantry Battalion

and guerillas who fought the Japanese Imperial Army.

Hill WW II (Mankayan) - site where the 66th Infantry Battalion and guerillas fought to make

their way to Besang Pass. The capture of Hill WW II opened the right flank guard of the

Japanese Imperial Garrison to bombardment and constant attack by Igorot freedom fighters.

Lamtang - escape route of then President Sergio Osmena and party who was escorted by a

detachment of the 66th Infantry Battalion to camp Valhalla, Kapangan to San Gabriel, La

Union during WW II.

NATURAL

Mount Kabunian (Bakun) - believed to be the dwelling place of the Gods. This rocky mountain

stretches for kilometers displaying its multifaceted profile.

Timbac Caves (Bakun) - another mummy abode which can be reached by hiking from a

jump-off point along kilometers 52 of the Halsema Highway.

Opdas Cave (Kabayan) - located about 300 meters from the municipal building is a spot that


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cannot be missed. Considered as one of the biggest 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 12th century mighty hunter of Benguet

orally told and foreetoldmas a demigod in Benguet tales whose remains have been

mummified has been peacefully laid to rest in his original burial site.

Tinongchol Burial Rock (Kabayan) - this burial rock almost as a big as a regular three storey

building, houses centuries old mummies.

Mount Pulag (Kabayan) - is the highest mountain peak in Luzon towering at an altitude of9,640 feet above sea level and considered as the "playground of the Gods" by local folks.

Mount Santo Tomas (Tuba) - an 18 kilometer rugged road leads to the peak which offers one

view of the most significant sunrises and sunsets, a clear view of the Lingayen Gulf.

Colorado Falls (Tuba) - located a short distance off Kennon Road, these falls have been the

favorite watering hole of Baguio residents for some time. Three giant falls drop into a natural

pool almost 10 feet at its deep.

Mountain Lakes (Kabayan) - lakes Incolos, Bulalacao and Letep-ngepos can be found at the

base of Mt. Pulag. With their crystal clear water, these can be reached by hiking through

scenic oak forest that grew densely around the base of the mountain. Bulalacao Lake has

been awarded as a "Three time Consecutive Winner" under the Cleanest Lake for the

Cordillera under the Gawad Pangulo sa Kapaligiran.

Ambongdolan Caves (Tublay) - a cluster caves and cavelets (Bengao-ngao, Ketong, Bongis,

and Tey-tey) found in Ambongdolan which is an ideal spot for spelunkers and nature trippers.

Badekbek Sulfur Springs (Bokod) - a natural spring with boiling mud pools emiting smoke

located in Daclan.

Tukang Cave (Tuba) - it is a multi-chambered cave along the Bued River and the historic

Kennon Road at Twin Peaks. It is a spelunkers delight.

Other Scenic Sites: Inodey water falls (Mankayan); Towing water falls (Sablan); Bridal Viel

falls (Tuba), Dalupirip Hot Spring (Itogon); Cabacab Plateau (Mankayan); Loo Valley

(Buguias)

MAN - MADE

Marker of the Highest Mountain Highway System - in the country at 7,400 feet above sea

level (Atok).

Benguet Provincial Capitol (La Trinidad) - a three-storey edifice situated at Capitol Hill, La

Trinidad. It encompasses an entire view of La Trinidad Valley. It houses provincial and some

national offices and is a symbol of the progressive stance of Benguet province.

Benguet State University (La Trinidad) - the alma mater of most of the leaders in the

mountain region which occupies a good portion of the La Trinidad Valley.

Kennon Road - more popularly known as Zig-zag Road, it is a breathtaking and impressive

stretch of cemented and asphalted winding road.

Ambuklao and Binga Dams (Bokod and Itogon) - built in the 1950's, these dams are the

source of power of major areas in Luzon.

Madaymen (Kibungan) - a vegetable growing area which is known as the "Switzerland of

Benguet." There is frosting during the cold months and children leave water and sugar out

overnight to make icecles.

Asin-an Sulphur Springs (Buguias) - beautiful terraced mountainsides planted with cabbage,

Baguio beans, carrots, and other vegetables draw praises from motorists passing the

Halsema Mountain Highway because of their near rows and upright trellises.

Mining Districts


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Lepanto Consolidated

Philex Mines

Other Scenic Sites: Halsema Mountain Highway, Naguey Rice Terraces (Atok); Heights

place (Atok); Palina Rice Terraces (Kibungan) and Marcos Bust (Tuba)

Special Interest

Mount Pulag Climb (Kabayan) - mountain climbing expeditions organized by the Municipality

of Kabayan supported by the Province of Benguet and its Provincial Tourism Council are being

done during the months of December and April.

Strawberry Picking in La Trinidad - an activity which aims to focus on the rich products of

Benguet. Strawberry is a friut so much assosiated with Baguio City and Benguet.

Balatoc Mines Tour - is the first-ever in the Philippines underground mining tourist attraction

primarily to showcase the thrilling and educational world of mining heritage of Itogon,

Benguet.

Sources:

Cordillera Almanac

Vol. I - Local Government Units

1999

Department of the Interior and Local Government

Cordillera Administrative Region

1999 Tourism Situationer

Department of Tourism

Cordillera Administrative Region

+ Photo courtesy of the Municipal Government of La Trinidad

Page last updated: April 23, 2012

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--- Facts & Figures_ Province of Benguet --