HISTORICAL INVESTIGATION

“The First Philippine Commission” — Session Hall

I.INTRODUCTION

The Americans came early in 1900 and established their government with Mr. H. Phelps

Whitmarsh as the appointed Governor of Benguet and Baguio as the capital. This was the first

provincial government to be established in the Philippines and this happened in a year prior to the

inauguration of the civil government of the Philippines, their best administrators and teachers were

fervent boosters and promoters: Dean C. Worcester, Governor General Luke Wright, Cameron

Forbes and others, who together with Filipinos committed to make the place haven. The First

Philippine Commission site in Baguio is very important historically since it was the site of the

Philippine Commission's first session, which took place there from April 22 to June 11, 1904. The

official designation of Baguio as the Philippines' summer capital occurred on this day.

II.HISTORICAL WRITE UP

The first session of the Philippin” Commission in Baguio, held from April 22 to June 11,

1904, marked the official use of Baguio as the Philippines’ summer capital. The commission,

consisting of Governor General Luke E. Wright, President, and Commissioners Henry C. Ide, Dean

C. Worcester, T. H. Pardo de Tavera, Benito Legarda, Jose R. de Luzuriaga, James F. Smith, and

W. Cameron Forbes, approved 74 acts and 273 resolutions during this period.

April 22–June 11, 1904 was the first session of the First Philippine Commission, which

was held at Baguio City. Baguio’s current title of Summer Capital of the Philippines was earned

by this momentous event that began the city’s rise to prominence. Baguio was painstakingly built
during the American colonial era to act as a home away from home for the American officials. The

city’s mild weather brought back memories of their home country, without the severe winters.

Baguio was formally declared a chartered city and named the Philippines’ Summer Capital in 1909.

The American Governor-General officially moved into The Mansion, and Baguio City hosted the

inaugural meeting of the Philippine Commission. One of the main streets in Baguio, Session Road,

gets its name from its historical significance.

The site is commemorated with an NHCP historical marker on Governor Pack Road,

Baguio, Benguet. This historical event is crucial in understanding early governance and decision-

making processes in the Philippines, particularly in the context of Baguio’s role as the summer

capital.

III.REFLECTION

Jocelle D. Farinas:

The First Philippine Commission has been a subject of concern and action by local authorities.

The site’s current state is not preserved in a good way that allows it to represent its greatness. It

may still be standing still, however, its historical significance is not known to many. Visiting

historical sites allows me to be able to appreciate them and get knowledge about notable

individuals and events that have shaped our past. Visiting the First Philippine Commission gave

me an opportunity to develop a fuller appreciation of the event, I used to only pass by the location

whenever I went to school and never really gave it much thought. However, when I was able to

grasp the idea behind that structure, I was amazed to learn that a location that wasn’t given enough

credit actually had a big historical significance. Visiting historical sites for me is an invaluable

experience that allows me to explore history in modern times.

Jerson E. Obello:

On my opinion, the site is preseved well since the place is clean and have inscription. Through the

inscription, the essence of the first session of the Philippine Commission in Baguio has been

maintained, highlighting the Commission’s role in the city’s development. The site also has a

National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) historical marker commemorating the

first session of the Philippine Commission and officially establishing Baguio as the Philippines’

summer capital. Yes, visiting sites can lead to deeper engagement with historical events. Being on

the site provides more understanding about the site since you can observe many things and context

that may not be fully conveyed through textbooks or documentaries, leading to a more

comprehensive understanding of historical events. Visiting the sites can help us connect to the

historical place fostering a connection to the past and developing emotions that can lead to deeper

appreciation about the historical events and experiences of people involved in the historical events.

The site gives me an opportunity to develop a fuller appreciation of the event since I acquired some

knowledge about the place which is not familiar to me before we visit it. I thought the place is just

simple building built, but it has a historical event and it is one of the places that highlights the

cultural and historical significance of Baguio’s identity. My experience is invaluable because I

acquire many knowledge about the historical site and built stronger connections to the event that

took place there.

Lawrence L. Pascio:

I think the site was indeed preserved as the infrastructure is still standing as today as the first

Philippine commission, but it is not that good because the historical site does not attract any
attention as it appears to me that it is only a house along the gov. pack Rd., but visiting sites like

this makes me think that it gives those students like us the excitement to know more about its

history, It engages visitors who visit these types of historical places in learning about the historical

events that occurred at these locations or the site’s background. And I believe that being able to

see the first Philippine Commission or the session hall allows us to appreciate and be intrigued

about not just the site itself, but also the events that have occurred there. If I had to evaluate whether

my experience was valuable or not, I would say that it was valuable or even priceless because we

were able to visit that location for free and enjoy the sights and feelings of being on the first

Philippine commission.

Daisy Rose D. Sagsagat:

The site is not preserved according to its essence. The only evidence of the site is the sign, which

shows it was not given the proper care and importance given to the historical background of the

place. Visiting historical sites can lead us to a deeper engagement in historical events. This site

gives me an opportunity to develop a fuller appreciation of the event. It reminds us of the people,

events, and ideas that have shaped our society. It also helps us appreciate what happened at this

historical site. My experience going to different historical sites has been invaluable. As we visit

the site, I discover something about the place that I was just passing by and the story behind it.

IV.DOCUMENTATION

Pictures:
GC:

References:

https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Category:Philippine_Commission%27s_First_Session_site

_in_Baguio

https://www.facebook.com/pio.baguio/posts/city-officials-urged-the-city-general-services-office-

gso-to-conduct-regular-sit/765424727442985

https://www.esquiremag.ph/long-reads/features/baguio-city-history-a1729-20200515-lfrm2

https://m.wikidata.org/wiki/Q43354402

http://www.gobaguio.com/history-of-baguio-city.html

https://new.baguio.gov.ph/about-baguio/
Members:

NAMES TASKS SCORE

✓ Navigate

FARINAS, Jocelle D. ✓ Research 30

✓ Cite Sources

✓ Checker

OBELLO, Jerson E. ✓ Research 30

✓ Cite Sources

✓ Edit (Encode)

PASCIO, Lawrence L. ✓ Research 30

✓ Cite Sources

✓ Picture

SAGSAGAT, Daisy Rose D. ✓ Research 30

✓ Cite Sources