CORDILLERA HERITAGE 101

CHAPTER IX
BAGUIO CITY

UNIT 1: HISTORICAL AND CULTURAL FEATURES

This unit delves into the ethnohistorical accounting and settlement of Kafagway as it
transformed into a colonial Hill Station called Baguio City during the early period of American
occupation. It also examined its impact on the Ibalois, recognized as the early settlers in the
area. At the core of the discussion are the socio-cultural and political dynamics brought about by
the gradual influx of the different ethnolinguistic groups from all over the Cordillera mountains,
as well as the inflow of their lowland brethren who settled in the area due to the lure of
economic opportunities brought about by American colonialism in the early 1900s. In the years
to follow, this once homogenous community entered an era of communal transformation that
gave birth to a multicultural landscape where its peoples thrive to co-exist mutually and
harmoniously amidst diversity. From this ethnic mosaic sprang the challenges of cultural
pluralism, yet its homeliness to various sorts continues to entice people from all places to
appreciate the uniqueness of its cultural heritage.

Learning Outcomes:
At the end of this unit, the student should be able to:

1. Describe comprehensively the pre-colonial setting and peopling of Baguio City.

2. Analyze the effects of the colonial intervention on the lives of the Ibalois.
3. Explain the impacts brought about by the influx of the different ethnolinguistic groups from the
Cordilleras as well as the lowlands to the city.
4. Identify and assess the effects of cultural transformation emerging from a multicultural setting.
5. Examine the advantages of a heterogeneous community by showcasing its unique cultural
practices.
6. Critically appreciate the challenges of multiculturalism in the face of global pressures.

Lesson 1. Settlement and Territories: An Ethnohistorical Glimpse

The Ethnohistory of Baguio is enriched through the significant writings of notable

scholars like Keesing (Ethnohistory of Northern Luzon, 1962); Scheerer ( On Baguio’s Past,
1975) Scott (The Discovery of the Igorots, 1977); Bagamaspad and Pawid (A People's History
of Benguet, 1985); Prill-Brett (Ibaloy Customary Law on Land Resources, 1992), and Reed’s
(City of Pines, 1999), among others, whose collective works constituted a rich repository of
Cordillera studies.

1.a. Pre-Colonial
A comprehensive glance at Baguio’s ethnohistory is crucial in understanding its early
establishment prior to its conversion as an American colonial hill station. Its topographical
advantage within the Cordillera Mountain range in the central part of the island of Luzon added
to its viability of habitation and settlement. Anent, overlooking the lowland plains a few
kilometers downhill, inevitably attracted upland migration, though barred with viable passages
which were only made accessible during the American colonial era. A presumptuous
homogenous population of mountain settlers, therefore, inhabited the place for a long time even
until the span of Spanish colonization. It was during that time that they won a moniker, “
Ygorottes Tulisanes,” which derogatorily means bandits or outlaws. Be that as it may, these
people evolved into Igorots by generic description. Their pre-colonial identity was left in oblivion
since their written accounts commenced only during the Spanish colonization. Specifically, Juan
de Placencia’s chronicle, Customs of the Tagalogs, with the principal aim of studying the culture
of the natives, served as a guide for the colonizers in ruling the archipelago. This project was
descriptive of the cross-cultural study of the lives of the natives including the early settlers on
the Cordillera central.
Meanwhile, the hinterland was home to the Igorots whose homogeneity was preserved
even until the commencement of Spanish punitive expeditions in search of the Igorot golds.
Consequently, the mountainous territories were communal dwellings to all native settlers before
and during the prehispanic period. Historically, it was only in 1846, that the Spanish
commandancia in the nearby town of La Trinidad was established, followed by the organization
of Benguet into 31 rancherias, which included Kafagway and its surrounding areas, a vast
grassy area where the Burnham Park is now seated. In the years to follow, Kafagway expanded
into what is now known as Baguio City.

Lesson 2. Peopling and Ethnolinguistic Groups

2.a. Colonial
Spanish Period. Among the different ethnolinguistic groups found along the stretch of
the Cordillera Mountain range, was the Ibaloys of Kafagway who peacefully lived with the other
indigenous groups in the adjacent areas. In retrospect, however, it is worth noting that despite
the pacification of their lowland brethren during the height of Spanish colonization, the Igorots
as they are collectively known, fought tooth and nail and with fierce determination maintained
their local sovereignty. However, the passion to convert the non-christian Filipinos to the fold of
Catholicism prompted the early Spanish missionaries to risk their lives within the Igorot
territories. Anent, the Spanish crown was also lured with the alleged Igorot gold. Consequently,
these missions inevitably opened the gateway northwards, and an inescapable passage through
Kafagway cannot be reverted. Such institutional colonial mobility resulted in an eventual clash
between colonialism and indigenous cultural as well as territorial preservation.
Moreover, Prill-Brett, Ramos & Follosco (1998) wrote that the ethnohistory of Baguio and
Tuba is inseparable, the latter serving as the southwestern doorway to Baguio and Benguet.
Both were involved in a continuous resistance against Spanish incursion propelled by the
missions of converting the non-christian communities to the fold of Christianity, and the
aggressive search for the Igorot golds. Guiterez claimed that (1960) some parts of Baguio
originally belonged to Tuba prior to its conversion as a townsite. Significantly, the peopling, as
well as the re-peopling of Kafagway, could be best understood only through looking into the
migration pattern from the prehispanic to the American period. Again, Prill-Brett et.al came up
with this migration movement as attested by oral history.

1. The first population movement in the prehispanic period appears to be the initial
peopling of Ibaloy land–from the west and southwestern plains of Pangasinan,
often following the river systems (Aringay-Galiano, Naguilian, Bued-Angalacan,
and Agno Rivers).
2. The second migration indicates a northeast-to-southwest movement, from the
Kabayan-Tinek region.
3. The third migration movement was the dispersal from Tuba during the Spanish
period, marked by the punitive expedition of 1579 against Tonglo, and the Galvey
punitive expedition of 1829.
4. The fourth movement out of Tuba (the present Baguio area and surroundings)
was during the American period when Baguio was made a chartered city,
 resulting in the relocation of all the Ibaloy families ( with the exception of the
Carino and Carantes families who staunchly stayed). They had farms and
livestock in the center of the new city.

They also provided some explanations as to the migration movements such as the
occurrence of smallpox epidemic and cholera in their communities; Spanish punitive
expeditions; long-distance trading; intervillage marriage and others.
It must be noted that colonialism played a great role not only in the peopling but in the
settlement and establishment of indigenous communities within the Baguio and Benguet areas.
Of course, the precursor to the eventual intrusion of the Spanish forces towards the Igorot
territory shall be considered. These were the mission of converting the non-christian Filipinos to
the fold of Catholicism and the search for the Igorot gold.
The Spanish Reduccion, or a mode of resettlement was the key to gathering together
the scattered inhabitants of the colony into a compact community wherein churches and
convents were constructed in strategic places and the new converts were required to build their
houses around it. This scheme was successful in the eventual pacification of the through
evangelization among the inhabitants in the nearby coastal plains, a thing which the Spaniards
wanted to replicate in the Igorot community. Such an attempt to proselytize the Igorot
community, however, was met with blatant resistance.
For instance, in an interesting historical account of the Battle of Tonglo, (presumably part
of Tuba) the Chieftain Kidit (allegedly the first Ibaloy hero) was convinced by Fr. Vivar, a
Spanish missionary to support the new religion. However, the eventual construction of a church
and the destruction of pagan ritual idols resulted in a clash with the mambunong (native
priestess). The tension that ensued thereafter resulted in the transfer of Fr. Vivar to the
lowlands. Meanwhile, Chieftain Kidit was helpless to succumb to the pressure of his townfolks.
The continuous resistance of the Ibaloys to the reduccion and the frequent attacks of nearby
Christianized towns by the Igorots enraged the Spanish authorities.
A punitive expedition was eventually crafted and an attack against Tonglo was planned.
However, Kidit’s group managed to trick the Spanish troop through a mock display of non-
resistance but eventually ambushed the Spanish troop resulting in the death of its commander,
Captain del Rosario. Upon learning about this mishap, Spanish troops from Naguilian marched
uphill burning villages and turning Tonglo into rubble. This battle, however, is proof of the
misnomer about the shyness or passivity of the Ibaloys where fierceness in character ensued
when provoked. This display of heroic character was once again proven through their active
involvement during the Revolutionary period and continued up the American pursuit of the
Katipunan revolutionaries.

American Period. On an important note, Reed (1999) asserted that a plan to create a
highland resort in Kafagway surfaced as early as the twilight period of Spanish colonization but
was only realized during the American period. Interestingly, the creation of a highland resort
was inevitable, a fact that westerners believed in the ill effects of the humid tropics among the
white settlers. Tropical climate allegedly causes physical and mental deterioration. The cooler
climate, as well as the suitable environmental condition as well as the agricultural potential of
the adjacent area of La Trinidad, were the major factors behind its instantaneous creation.
Within 30 years since the onset of American occupation, the first highland resort comes to
completion. This landmark colonial accomplishment for sure introduced a western cultural
setting in an indigenous cultural community. At that time, the original settlers are nowhere to be
found at the heart of Kafagway since they found refuge in the outskirts of Benguet. Their
displacement commences during the height of the Spanish punitive expeditions and the
succeeding revolutionary period.
 The introduction of land laws by the Americans was the precursor to the irreversible loss
of their landholdings within the townsite. With scanty education, if not pure ignorance, the
Ibaloys, except the few lettered ones, never understood the value of land titling despite prior
measures to have it processed for purposes of land security. Under the Regalian Doctrine, all
lands without proof of private ownership belong to the State. This institutionalized displacement
became a source of a political issue and has been the root of struggles up to the present.
On the bright side, however, Bagamaspad and Pawid (1985) mentioned the creation
Bureau of Non-Christian Tribes (BNT) as an overseer of indigenous communities. Moreover, the
Bureau of Education was established in 1905, as well as the Bureau of Science a year
thereafter. Anent, prominent local leaders have been appointed to key posts. This friendly
gesture among American administrators partly loosened Ibaloy's resistance to a foreign rule.
The flourishing of the city as a trade center and an educational destination, coupled with
the opening of major roads to Baguio from the lowlands encouraged an influx of migration.
Moreover, American mines operating on a commercial basis within the Baguio-Benguet areas
opened vast employment opportunities not only from nearby provinces but from the lowlands as
well.
In later years, the creation of Baguio as a summer capital ushered a new order in the
Ibaloy community. Tapang (1985) emphasized the impacts of city development and American
rule specifically on the baknang, whose influence on the former traditional society diminished
through the wielding of powers to the government. It generally affected the Ibaloy traditional
setting where customary laws and practices were regulated by the government per se.
Gradually, they realize the value of education on the social ladder and began sending their
children to school. In the end, the Ibaloys succumbed to the will of the Americans and finally lost
their grip on power to rule their land.

2. b. Post-Colonial
The post-colonial era was characterized by the continuous migration to the city as it
transformed into a favorite destination north of the Philippines. Trade, education, and better
economic opportunities attracted people from the nearby provinces to build their homes in the
city. Consequently, it transformed into a multicultural community with a blend of both upland and
lowland cultures. Of course, the mark of its indigenous cultural history begets respect from all
inhabitants regardless of stature. The historical circumstances, however, resulted in the
conglomeration not only of Ibaloy customs but also of cultural practices carried by people from
the nearby Cordillera provinces. Besides, lowland migrants who opted to establish their domicile
in the city eventually joined these heterogenous groups of indigenous peoples. Interestingly, a
harmonious co-existence and smooth relationship thrived despite its heterogeneity.

Lesson 3. Games, Oral Literature, music, sports, and dances: e.g. festivals

Being the center of both highland and lowland culture and considered home to different
ethnolinguistic groups and their lowland brethren, Baguio becomes the site that mirrors multi-
cultural traditions. As such, culture by ascription is freely practiced by anyone. Indigenous
games are rarely seen except on occasional celebrations of Indigenous Peoples events. Oral
literature among the different ethnolinguistic groups in the city is rarely observed on certain
occasions such as wakes and weddings. Oral traditions on the other hand are rarely observed
in the city except during weddings or wakes, provided knowledgeable persons are willing.
On the other hand, it is worth noting that western country songs are sipped into the
musical genre of the Baguio folks specifically among the different ethnolinguistic groups. It
traces its origin from the traditional Ibaloy social stratification with the baknang on the highest
strata, owning domesticated cattle with vast grazing lands with the pastol taking charge of the
herds. Just like the ranch setting in the west, the Ibaloys learned country music and worn
cowboy attires, mores passed on to the next generation. Meanwhile, indigenous songs boomed
with numerous local artists producing albums of original compositions if not dubbed country
songs in the vernacular dialect.
The Americans exerted great influence on Philippine sports in general. Specifically, they
introduced baseball to Baguio during the early 1900s. Unfortunately, indigenous sports are
rarely seen in Baguio. However, in recent years the city became a source of world-class
athletes specifically in combat and individual sports. The lure of mixed martial arts attracts
several young athletes to this lucrative sport. Hence, Baguio is not only an educational center
north of Manila but home to world-class athletes. Indeed, the high altitude of the city contributes
a lot to producing more promising athletes who use to bring glory to the city.

Complete the sentence. ( This part is ungraded)

1. Without American intervention Baguio is______________________________________.

2. The Ibaloys failed to resist American rule because_______________________________.
3. The series of Land Acts introduced by the Americans resulted in___________________.
4. Major roads connecting the lowlands to Baguio were built by the Americans to________.
5. Some prominent Ibaloys were appointed by the Americans in government posts
because____________.

True or False. Write T if the statement is correct and F if otherwise. Use CAPITAL letters.
_____1. The Spaniards never set foot in the Baguio-Benguet area during the Hispanization
period.
____ 2. The coming of the Americans to the Cordillera was just incidental.
_____3. The ethnohistory of Baguio and Benguet is inseparable.
_____4. Pre-colonial history has proven that Ibaloys are passive and shy.
_____5. Fierce resistance against religion among the Ibaloys was the precursor of the Battle of Tonglo.
_____6. Health-related threats such as smallpox epidemics contributed to the early migration
movements in Baguio and Benguet.
_____7. There was the belief that a tropical climate is unfriendly to the white race, making the high
altitude elevation of Baguio and the agricultural potential of Benguet a perfect place to develop.
_____8. Most Ibaloys did not leave Kafagway during the height of its development for fear that they may
lose their ancestral properties.
_____9. The American occupation greatly contributed to the development of Baguio as a center of
education, tourism and commerce.
_____10. Despite being a multicultural city, Baguio remains steadfast in valuing unity and harmonious
co-existence.

Essay: Answer the question briefly and concisely.

 1. Why was there a need for the Americans to build a highland resort in Kafagway? (20
points)

2. After reading the aforesaid historical insights about the evolution of Kafagway into an
American colonial hill station, will you consider it advantageous to the Indigenous
Peoples, specifically the Ibaloys? Why or why not? (20 points)

20-point rubric for essay

(content and composition)
(5) (15) (20)

No defended argument, Few flaws in the argument. Impressive, original, or

simply presented an extended insights
organized report of data Presence of few
grammatical and Narrative thought flows
Sentence construction and compositional errors. smoothly between
paragraph organization sentences/ paragraphs.
muddies content Arguments are
presentation comprehensively discussed.

Historical Mind Map:

Historical maps depict past interpretations of reality and events, reflect cultural and social trends of the
time, offer artistic value, and track the evolution of cartography.

Create a Mind Map of the pre-colonial setting and peopling of Baguio City. You should be able to add in
much more accurate detail, plus make significant connections between areas of the topic and show
evidence of independent thinking. Your mind map should not only emphasize content but also your
personal understanding, views, insights and foresight of the lessons you have learned.

Materials needed:
• oslo paper
• Any coloring materials
• cut outs (symbols / pictures / icons)

Historical Mind-Map Rubric

UNIT 2. PHILOSOPHY AND MORALITY
This subsection presents philosophy and religion among individuals in the summer
capital of the Philippines, as an artist who first discovers the right image before attempting to
create a unique masterpiece of beauty and harmony. Likewise, everyone is an artist of life -
wants to make life a masterpiece as it is important to discover the right image. Therefore, one
needs a clear vision and understanding of the true purpose and existence of human beings - the
indigenous people. There is a need to understand how the indigenous people create the right
relationship in the family, among friends, in society, and nation - to capture the supreme
beauty and harmony of a life lived in peace, love, and goodness.

Learning Outcomes: At the end of the lesson, the lesson should be able to:
1. memorize by heart the mission and vision of Baguio city.
2. master the definition and nature of philosophy and religion.
3. determine the importance of the study of philosophy and religion.
4. familiarize oneself with CAR-Baguio regional heritage.

Lesson 1. Concept of Philosophy

In its very essence, philosophy is defined as the systematic and comprehensive study of
truth about everything therein - beings, events, relationships, experiences, and
meanings. Generally, it is the knowledge of all things in their first principles or causes as seen
by the natural light of reason.
In other words, it is a way of thinking about certain disciplines such as ethics, thought,
existence, time, meaning and value. That 'way of thinking involves 4 Rs: responsiveness,
reflection, reason and re-evaluation. Philosophy aims to deepen understanding, think better, act
more wisely, and improve the quality of life.
A. Mission of Baguio City
Its mission is to create a sustainable and enabling environment that will promote
economic stability and ensure the general well-being of our citizenry.
B. Vision of Baguio City
Its vision is a home of diverse and dynamic cultures, a center for education, trade and
tourism in harmony with nature managed by God-loving steadfast leaders in partnership
with the responsible and peace-loving citizenry.

Lesson 2. Values, Customs, Spirituality and Rituals

A. Values
Values guide man’s behavior and actions as he relates himself to most situations in
life. These are ultimate expressions of goals or purposes of social actions. They are a society
with moral imperatives that deal with what is desirable and important to the members of the
society. Values influence a person’s behavior toward the attainment of his goal. They set the
standards for determining whether something is good or desirable. Values are indeed the
criteria by which norms themselves are judged.

Values are the solid foundation of a person's development in this world. We need to
concentrate on enhancing our values as this is the best that we can utilize to improve ourselves and
fight the evils and weaknesses of man (Domogan, 2019).

According to the Council for restoration of values formed in Baguio (2019), “There are 52
values that we hope we can have a synchronized discussion with all the members and echoed
to the other employees,” said Nathaniel Saguiban, deputy national Director of the Council for
Restoration of Filipino Values.
Examples of prominent values among Baguio people are the values of joy and humor,
adaptability and creativity, faith and religiosity, handwork, and industriousness,
resiliency, family orientation, and hospitality.

In evaluating man’s conduct, one usually asks the following quotations: Was my act
ethical? Moral? Or Amoral”. Did I have the right or obligation to do such an act? Did I act
freely? Or did I do it involuntarily? Was it under what is generally considered good? These are
all related questions that will be the focus of this lesson which is the answer to the last end of
man and the meaning of his existence.

How to behave toward oneself and other individuals is a matter of making a choice. This
and all other questions about how people act toward themselves and one another dealt with a
field called ethics. One example is "Disiplina Muna Advocacy '' program. The author is
Baguio city Councilor Vladimir Cayabas poised to observe social media ethics at all
times. Furthermore, the councilor said that “Social media has been used for promotion,
marketing, modality for learning, advocacy campaign and as a platform of sharing an
opinion or showing support or opposition to the government policies, projects and
programs.”

1. Theory of Values
a. Subjective theory. It may be understood by considering the sensient, attitude or belief
which is being experienced by the person. It varies with different groups.
b. Objective theory. It asserts that values are genuine properties of things waiting to be
discovered.
c. Relational theory. It requires posing factors:
-the person who chooses a thing
-that thing that is desired
-the circumstance within which the valuing takes place.

2. Kinds of Values
a. Instrumental value. The perception of the usefulness of things for human existence.
b. Extrinsic value. The things whose worth is significant in the attainment of a common
end.
c. Intrinsic value. It is a value that is inherent in the end it serves.

3. Classification of Human Values

a. Lower values
-biological
-economic
-affective
-social
b. Higher values
-intellectual
-aesthetic
-moral
-religious

B. Cultural Psychology
This pertains to the study of how a society's customs influence the patterns of behavior
of its people. It focuses on how the citizens of a given society shape their culture and
contrarily how a given culture shapes its people. Cultural psychology aims to find out
what individuals do within their given society and how and why they interact with one
another. Connected to this is the “Mutual Constitution Between Cultures and Selves
model” which emphasizes that each culture has a different notion of what constitutes
valuable contributions by individuals within that culture. This is evident in the
communities constituting Baguio City wherein different ethnolinguistic groups with
various personalities meet, bringing with them their customs and traditions which in a
way influence their patterns of behavior, a contributory factor to how they interact with
other cultural groups in the city. With them are pervasive ideas influenced by their roots,
these are significant contributors to their sense of self and individual identity. These are
important factors in the formation of their behavior and traits vis a vis the fabric of Baguio
City’s morals and values.

Psychologist Hazel Rose Markus identifies pervasive ideas as significant contributors

to a person's sense of self and individual identity. This is what makes the people
grounded in their roots, despite their exposure to different personalities and cultures.
Furthermore, Markus and other cultural psychologists believe that an individual's mind is
affected by their culture, but culture affects an individual's mind. Cultural psychology
teaches us that an individual's behavior may change when there is a change in their
 setting. It is essential to note that the role of cultural psychology does not end in looking
into the connections between culture and behavior. It is also a call for us to delve into the
study of cultural influences at multiple levels of analysis and analyze the fundamental
interaction between the individual, community, and culture will significantly amend our
understanding of the overarching and dynamic role of culture in human behavior.

C. Socio-cultural Dynamics (brief discussion to be incorporated)

D. Custom
A custom is a more or less permanent behavior in accordance with the precepts of its
natural law which is universally known and common to all men (Panizo, no date).
According to Baguio Arts and Culture (February 21, 2017), Baguio City is known as the
summer capital of the Philippines and has a rich cultural history. The following are the
expressions of rich culture and traditions in Baguio City:
a. Baguio Cathedral and The Bell Temple
“Our Lady of Atonement is a Catholic church in Baguio City and is considered to
be one of the most photographed buildings in the city. There are more than 100
cathedral steps you must climb if you want to take part in the mass, but you can
park your vehicle on the church grounds. The Bell Temple is a Chinese temple
located in the city, and if you visit be sure to respect the local customs by
following posted signs prohibiting camera use or eating while touring the temple.”
b. Food
“Spanish influence is evident in much of Filipino cuisine. You can purchase
canned desserts (like Pinipig, a rice dessert) at the small shops or pick out fresh
vegetables at the vegetable markets. An interesting meal in Baguio City is
“balut,” which is a fertilized bird egg that is allowed to “grow” a bit before it is
eaten.”
c. Panagbenga Flower Festival
“The Panagbenga Flower Festival is celebrated every fourth week of February
and is a thanksgiving celebration for Mother Nature. Colorful floats travel down
the streets and local tribes dance in native costumes.”
d. Ifugao Tribe
“The Ifugao Tribe of Baguio City built the famous rice terraces more than 2,000
years ago. Descendants of the Ifugao Tribe wear traditional dress of colorful
woven textiles and headdresses. Some members sell woodcrafts or food, while
others are happy to pose for a photograph.”

Lesson 3. The Resilience of the People of Baguio City: A concept of community

development

Igorots are perhaps one of the most resilient people. They have strong personalities that help
them recover easily during times of crisis. They can adapt to any situation and can recover from
the impact of a disaster. Resilience is one of those qualities that people tend to deeply admire.
It’s the badge of honor that is awarded to the person who was knocked down and got back up
again. Baguio City, a home for various ethnic groups from different parts of the Cordillera was
once struck by a disaster that challenged their perseverance, the 1990 Luzon earthquake
devastated the City but the resilience of the people made it possible to recover from the impact
of the disaster.

In 1995, Baguio City was able to organize the first Baguio flower festival later known as
Panagbenga festival which celebrates the beauty of flowers, specifically the beauty of flowers in
the Baguio region. The term “Panagbenga” comes from a Kankanaey term meaning “a season
for blossoming, a time for flowering.” This flower festival in Baguio reflects the history, traditions,
and values of the city and the Cordillera. It also tries to help invigorate the spirit of Baguio, which
was badly battered by the enormous earthquake suffered by Baguio and surrounding areas of
Luzon in 1990. The said festival became a means for the community to move on from the
devastation and showcase the local flower industry as well as various other local wares.

“Inayan” in the lens of a multicultural city

“ Inayan” signifies fear of the perceived Supreme Being. Thus, this sense of “Inayan” prevents one
person from doing unpleasant things. Inayan has a religious overtone as it cites a moral from the
Ten Commandments, illustrates the popular significance of “Inayan” as a warning or caution in the
conduct of things and uses “Inayan” as an exclamation to express disappointment or annoyance.
Inayan is a community value similar to the popularly known karma or the concept of “you reap what
you sow”. “Inayan” cautions individuals against violating cultural norms or taboos. It is said this is a
cultural value that instills discipline, order and harmony among individuals within families and clans,
within the village or tribe, and within the environment. The concept of “Inayan” can be manifested by
the honesty and trustworthiness of the Baguio Taxi drivers. Taxi drivers in Baguio are now making
rounds of good news on social media of instances of being honest and trustworthy when it comes to
returning valuable items accidentally left by passengers inside their cars. Passengers took to social
media to extend their appreciation and give praise to taxi drivers who returned their forgotten
belongings without asking for any favor in return. Some of these taxi drivers even go the distance to
make a way to return a smartphone of a passenger that was left inside his car. The good news on
social media about the honesty and trustworthiness of taxi drivers makes Baguio City a home for
honest taxi drivers.

Moreover, “Inayan” has also been manifested by the act of bravery and discipline of Cordilleran
police officers in the performance of their duties, which makes the Cordillera a home of the most
disciplined cops in the Philippines. A case in point is the consistent recognition of the Baguio City
Police which have been praised by the country’s top cop for their dedication in service, hailing them
as the 'Most Disciplined Cops’.

Baguio City is evidently a multicultural city, characterized by diverse people, races and cultures.
There is a great variety in regard to belief systems, values, cultural outlooks and philosophy of the
urbanites that challenge the traditions and values system of the indigenous people.

SPIRITUALITY

Religious Pluralism in Baguio City

As much as Baguio City is a multicultural city, it is also religiously diverse. Religious pluralism is also
a reality. Even non-Christian religions are already present in the city as Islam, Taoism and
Buddhism. These shifts in the religious sphere of the city were unimaginable before, but now it is a
reality. Today, the currents posed by postmodernity brought the awareness of people to turn towards
religion to find meaning and answer the questions of human life. The busy and noisy atmosphere in
the city reinforces the hunger for silence and intimacy with God.
Today, there is a growing dynamism in the participation of city people in different religious activities,
showing in the flourishing of different religious movements. The advent of religious pluralism
indicates that people in the city are reclaiming their sense of the sacred and godliness.

However, with the different elements of social change interacting with the traditional knowledge,
systems, and practices, it is imperative to look at the risks and changes experienced by indigenous
groups in relation to their religious beliefs and values. The presence of religious pluralism in Baguio
city, religious others are sometimes viewed as threats instead of allies and collaborators. The
waning of indigenous religious beliefs and practices, as they are being overpowered by the much
bigger influence of more mainstream religions poses a great challenge in the religious realm of city
life. Preserving indigenous culture and practices remains a great challenge for indigenous groups
living in a pluralistic, such as Baguio City.

HEALINGS AND RITUALS IN BAGUIO CITY

Baguio City in the mountainous northern region of the Philippines has long been a site of cross-
cultural interaction between the indigenous Ibaloi, other Igorot (“mountain dwellers”) groups,
lowland Filipinos, and foreigners. Rituals were customarily performed for spiritual purposes, but
political, religious and cultural shifts in the past century have resulted in rituals including the
peshit (thanksgiving / prestige ritual) being adapted and embraced by the Ibaloi primarily as a
celebration of heritage and identity. Despite the contemporizing of these practices, the inclusion
of indigenous ethos within contemporary architecture seems to be largely absent.

The city continues to be a site of struggle for the indigenous group as they work towards re-
asserting their cultural identity within a highly urbanized and multicultural environment. These
initiatives are epitomized by the Schools of Living Traditions (SLTs) programme and Ibaloi Day
celebrations, both of which encourage the revival and adaptation of rituals now collectively
referred to by the Ibaloi population as kedot or cañao.

In the effort of the Local Government of Baguio to establish an avenue for students in all
learning institutions to study the cultural practices of indigenous peoples (IPs) in the Cordillera
Administrative Region. Baguio city council officials approved an ordinance institutionalizing the
School of Living tradition learning as part of the revitalization of indigenous cultural heritage by
students in the different schools in the city. Ordinance No. 13, series of 2022, states that the
School of Living tradition aims to provide an avenue for the students in the various educational
institutions both public and private to learn and practice the Cordillera indigenous peoples
cultural heritage, including history, songs, chants, dances, life ways, among others; for the
learners to present what they have learned in various venues, including festivities, activities and
the like which are sponsored by the city or their institutions that would help public awareness of
the indigenous practices; to develop adherence to the cultural sensitivity of these practices that
are learned and practiced in the said school; to encourage teachers, staff, students and even
their parents in the basic education to conduct researches, documentation and studies to further
the knowledge, skills, and better appreciation of the said practices under the school; to
encourage interaction of students and schools with the community villages, elders, learners,
bearers for the appreciation of indigenous cultural heritage for their advocacy and to seek
support, including funding, from various offices, agencies, groups and individuals to sustain the
programs on School of Living Tradition by these educational institutions.

The School of Living Tradition will cover cultural heritage, including dances, chants, songs, and
the like, materials and instruments used therein and that the said practices can be shared and
learned by the students except ritual-related activities, materials and instruments in relation to
death, sickness and pandemic which are exclusively for the exercise of the elders, bearers and
practitioners.

Reflections

Write down a personal list of your characteristics, or those which you think best describe
yourself. Reflect on each characteristic, and how much or less of it really reflects your individuality.
In the process, identify some characteristics which you think are imprints of your immediate
Environment and social institutions which have shaped what you are now. Explain-share at
least a single characteristic that you think is unique to you, that which did not come from any
external influence which you can call your authentic self.

Rubrics:

Criteria 5 4 3 2 1

Content Statements are Statements are Statements are Statements are Statements are
appropriate and appropriate and appropriate and mostly inappropriate
with elaboration satisfactory adequately appropriate and
developed developed undeveloped

Comprehensibility Sentences are Sentences are Sentences are Sentences are Sentences are
clear, requiring clear, requiring clear, requiring most unclear, vague and barely
no interpretation minimal less requiring comprehensible
on the part of the interpretation on interpretation on interpretation on
reader the part of the the part of the the part of the
reader reader reader

UNIT 3. TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENT OF THE DIFFERENT SOCIAL

INSTITUTIONS
The city has become the center of business and commerce as well as the center of
education in the entire Northern Luzon thereby becoming the seat of government of the
Cordillera Administrative Region. Baguio stands high among the provinces and cities of Luzon
in the tourism industry, but the city also proves to be one of the finest venues in the country for
education. The fusion of its illustrious history, location, and weather creates a perfect avenue for
acquiring and enhancing a variety of knowledge through balanced student life and entertainment.
The city’s appeal has the academic institutions to not hesitate to invest in the city.

3.a. Historical sites and/or heritage, and Museums

A. Historical Sites/Heritage
Historic site or heritage site is an official location where pieces of political, military,
cultural, or social history have been preserved due to their cultural heritage value. Historic sites
are usually protected by law, and many have been recognized with the official national historic
site status. A historic site may be any building, landscape, site or structure that is of local,
regional, or national significance.

1. Philippine Military Academy (PMA), Baguio City

The Philippine Military Academy began on October 25, 1898 with the establishment of
the Academia Militar in Malolos, Bulacan by virtue of a decree issued by the first president of
the young Philippine Republic, General Emilio Aguinaldo. Graduates were awarded a regular
commission in the armed forces. Its existence was short-lived, barely four months old, up to 20
January 1899, when hostilities between the Americans and Filipinos erupted.
The outbreak of World War II in
late 1941 disrupted training at the
Academy. Classes 1942 and 1943 were
graduated ahead of schedule, assigned to
combat units in various parts of the
Philippines. Many perished during the
war.
The Philippine Military Academy
reopened on May 5, 1947 again at its
former location in the Summer Capital,
Camp Henry T. Allen. Due to the need
for wider grounds, the Academy moved
to its present site at Fort Gregorio del
Pilar, a sprawling 373-hectare compound in Loakan, some 10 kilometers from downtown Baguio
City. Named after the young hero of the battle of Tirad Pass, General Gregorio del Pilar, PMA in
its new location was developed into a military training institution with facilities and
infrastructure required by a growing academy.

2. The Mansion House, Baguio City

In the past, the Mansion House served
as the official highland residence of American
governors-general since commonwealth. It was
originally built to be the seat of power of the
American colonial government during the
summer months. At present, it still remains as a
residence of Philippine Presidents. It was built
in 1907 and was named after the ancestral
home of Governor-General W. Cameron Forbes on Naushon Island off the coast of
Massachusetts.
3. Heritage Hill and Nature Park Garden (Formerly called Diplomat Hotel)
In May 1911, the councils of the Province of the Dominican Order voted to construct a
vacation house in Baguio on a 17-hectare property they had acquired when the American
authorities were encouraging people to come here. Actual work started in 1913 under Fr. Roque
Ruano and the building was inaugurated on May 23, 1915. To take advantage of the tax
exemptions a school called Collegio del Santissimo Rosario was opened in June 1915 but due to
the very small enrollment the school closed in 1917, reverting the building to the original
vacation house sanitarium.

During WWII it was first occupied by refugees. Later the Japanese Army Liberation
Forces had to bomb out the refugees
from the buildings. The five direct hits
left very extensive damage and for a
time it was left unrepaired.
Reconstruction was started in 1947 and
completed in 1948 with most of its pre-
war grandeur and beauty restored.

In 1973, Diplomats Hotels, Inc.

acquired ownership, remodeled the
interior into a 33-bedroom hotel with
modern facilities, but retained the
unique and distinct personality of the
Dominican Hill. In the 80's the hotel
ceased operations due to the death of
one of its majority stockholders. Plans are underway to develop this historical religious landmark
into a tourist resort.
Heritage Hill and Nature Park Garden was built in 1913. It was shut down in the
80s. It was abandoned ever since and was then known to tourists and locals as a
haunted house because of its eerie look and feel. With its rehabilitation through the
efforts of the city government, it is now called Heritage Hill and Nature Park Garden
and is now a place to celebrate bright and beautiful art festivals. Artists and
creatives in Baguio City meet in this garden as well.

4. Kenon Road, Baguio City

Named after Col. Lyman W. Kennon
who was the final builder of the famous
Benguet road, with the help of the
industrious Cordilleras and foreign workers.
Kennon road is the shortest and the most
scenic highway linking Baguio and the
lowlands. The Lion's head can be found
along the way. Final construction of this
road was finished in 1903. Col. L. Kennon
first ascended to Baguio in 1905.Of the
original workers, the Igorots and Japanese were admired for their trustworthiness and willingness
to work. Kennon was closed to traffic after the July 16, 1990, earthquake. It is now open to light
vehicles.

5. Camp John Hay, Baguio City

 In 1903 Camp John Hay was designed for the exclusive use of the US Military and
Department of Defense in the Far East. This U.S. base, named after U.S. President Theodore
Roosevelt's Secretary of State, was used by the Japanese as a concentration camp for American
and British soldiers during WWII. It was also used as their military headquarters when General
Yamashita moved up north from Manila towards the end of the Japanese Occupation of the
Philippines.

Since 1997 it has been in the hands of a private developer on a long-term lease. It boasts
of private vacation houses, hotels and lodging facilities, including most popular Baguio hotels,
Camp John Hay Manor and Forest Lodge, a shopping center called Mile-Hi Center with
numerous restaurants and stores, and CAP Convention Center.

6. Burnham Park
The 'mother of all parks' in Baguio city, the summer capital of the Philippines, is a 32.84-hectare
park designed by, and named after, American architect and urban planner Daniel Hudson
Burnham, who also designed the original plan for Baguio City as well as Dewey Boulevard (now
Roxas Boulevard) in Manila. The park has 12 main areas, the most popular of which are the
Burnham Lagoon, a man-made lake with rowboats for hire; a children's playground; a skating
rink; the Rose Garden and the Picnic Grove.

The park is more than 100 years old, it was originally designed as a recreational center
for the U.S. Armed Forces. You could tell cause around the park there are several roads that lead
to Camp John Hay, which is a former recreational base of the United States Armed Forces. In
1990, a heavy earthquake in Luzon killed more than a hundred people in Baguio City, leaving
many homes destroyed. Burnham Park served as a refugee camp at that time for all the displaced
people around town.

B. Museums
Museums/Shrine – Established to collect, preserve, study, and present to the public objects of
material and spiritual culture that reflect the development of human society. Historical museums
may be of a general nature, devoted to the history of a country, republic, or city, or they may be
devoted to special historical disciplines or to independent branches of historical science.

1. Baguio Teachers’ Camp, Baguio City

In December 1907, Benguet Governor William F. Pack conceived of the idea of putting a
vacation camp for teachers in Baguio City. He then wrote to the American Colonial
Government's Secretary of Public Instruction W. Morgan Shuster who responded
quite enthusiastically. The plan to create Teachers Camp for this purpose was approved a month
later, in January 1908. In April of that same year, just three months later, Teachers' Camp opened
in what was soon to be officially designated as the Summer Capital of the Philippines, with the
Baguio Teachers' Assembly as its first activity. Participants came from all over the Philippines:
American school teachers, school superintendents, other teachers and even Bureau of Education
officials, who all slept in tents pitched under pine trees.

2. Baguio Museum, Baguio City

Baguio Museum stands for, upholds, and
embodies the cultural and historical heritage of Baguio
City. Inspired by Ifugao architecture, the museum is
made of stone and wood featuring a striking pyramid
roof and two huge concrete poles at the stair entrance
that resembles a traditional Ifugao home with an
elevated floor supported by posts.

This time-honored museum was built in 1975 at the

https://primer.com.ph/travel/wp-
corner of Governor Pack Road and Harrison Road. It content/uploads/sites/6/2018/07/IMG_8261.jp
was hit by a major earthquake in 1990 but was rebuilt
after a decade to continue its purpose.

3. Museo Kordilyera, Baguio City

 Located inside the University of the Philippines Baguio, MuseoKordilyera is the first
ethnographic museum in the Northern part of the Philippines. The three-story museum was
formally opened to the public on January 31 of this year.

According to Dr. Salvador-Amores, museum’s director, the MuseoKordilyera is focusing

in the collection, preservation, and exhibition of artifacts and other objects unique to the
Cordillera region, its peoples, and its cultures and traditions. The museum aims to cultivate an
understanding of and respect for the identity and culture of the indigenous peoples of the
Cordillera and Northern Luzon as an integral part of the evolving Filipino culture.
Inside the museum, you can find contributions from the collections of BenCab Museum,
UP Baguio Library and Archives, the Saint Louis University Museum and the Diocese of Baguio
Museum and Archives.

C. BAGUIO HERITAGE SITES

Cultural Sites/Heritage - is an expression of the ways of living developed by a community and
passed on from generation to generation, including customs, practices, places, objects, artistic
expressions and values. Cultural Heritage is often expressed as either intangible or tangible
cultural heritage. As part of human activity cultural heritage produces tangible representations of
the value systems, beliefs, traditions and lifestyles. As an essential part of culture as a whole,
cultural heritage, contains these visible and tangible traces form antiquity to the recent past.

A proposed ordinance was filed by the Baguio City council identifying and declaring as heritage
zones, sites, markets, buildings or structures in various areas within the city.
In the said proposed ordinance, the identified heritage sites are Kennon Road View Point;
Zigzag Road; Camp John Hay; Baguio Country Club; Session Road; and Harrison Road.

The heritage parks are Wright Park; Burnham Park; Mines View Park; and Forbes Park while the
heritage schools are the Quezon Elementary School; Fort Del Pilar; Baguio Central School;
Brent School; Easter School; and Saint Louis Primary School.

The heritage churches are the Our Lady of the Atonement Cathedral; Church of the Resurrection;
and the United Church of Christ in the Philippines.
3.b. Educational Institutions

The educational system was greatly influenced by the Americans when they developed the city
as the retreat and recreation abode of U.S. armed forces during the 20th century. Today, the city
blossomed into a favorite destination. Aside from the iconic parks and historical sites as tangible
proofs of the American influence. The influence also extends beyond architecture, changing the
landscape of the education system in the country. The American missionaries known as
Thomasites introduced public schools and English. Baguio, being a then, hill station of US,
retains English as a medium of communication, supported by the government recognizing
English as one of the two official languages in the country alongside Tagalog. From the finest
restaurants to the public markets, conversations are done with the universal language on a daily
basis. Everyone is familiar, if not perfectly fluent, so there is constant exposure to English.

A. Teacher’s Camp, educational center

Baguio Teachers’ Camp
It is known that Baguio City is a famous place for sixth sensual sightings.
The entrance to Teachers’ Camp at Leanard Wood
As a hill station for rehabilitating casualties during the two World Wars, it is granted that
spirits who had expired suddenly during their time are still roaming about the city.

In December 1907, Benguet Governor William F. Pack conceived of the idea of putting a
vacation camp for teachers in Baguio City. He
then wrote to the American Colonial
Government's Secretary of Public Instruction W.
Morgan Shuster who responded
quite enthusiastically. The plan to create Teachers
Camp for this purpose was approved a month later,
in January 1908. In April of that same year, just
three months later, Teachers' Camp opened in
what was soon to be officially designated as the
Summer Capital of the Philippines, with the
Baguio Teachers' Assembly as its first activity.
Participants came from all over the Philippines:
American school teachers, school superintendents,
other teachers and even Bureau of Education
officials, who all slept in tents pitched under pine trees.

B. Baguio as an Educational center of the North

With the introduction of education by the American, lots of educational institutions have already
evolved. Aside from the primary and secondary schools, there is an estimate of 30 active
colleges and universities that influence the developments of students hailing from different
regions. That is the highest among the neighboring provinces which makes Baguio City as the
Education Center of the North.
 Baguio City continues to be the leading educational center in northern Luzon. The city offers
a lot of opportunities for students, not only because of the climate but because of the numerous
universities found in it.
There are eight major institutions of higher education in Baguio City.
• Saint Louis University, Baguio City (SLU), also known as the “Light of the North,” is the
largest University in the north. SLU has four campuses and around 27,000 students. This
University is a catholic university that excels in its performance in Teacher Education,
Law, Medicine, Medical Technology, Pharmacy, Engineering, Nursing, and Architecture
• University of Baguio (UB) is known for its excellence in Teacher Education and
Criminology. UB is the only university in Baguio which offers dentistry and the other
allied medical courses.
• University of the Cordilleras (UC) offers many programs that you can choose from, but
they Excel mainly in the fields of Information Technology, Criminology, and Teacher
Education. UC College of Law is one of the top law schools in the Philippines. Two of
the UC School of Law graduates passed the bar exam as first placers.
• University of the Philippines Baguio (UPB) is the leading institution in Baguio City when
it comes to Social Sciences Instruction, and Research and Extension. The university
strives for excellence in research, teaching, and public service.
• Philippine Military Academy - the national training school for future officers of the
Armed Forces of the Philippines.
• Baguio Central University - formerly Lyceum of Baguio. First opened in 1945.
• Pines City Colleges formerly Pines City Doctors' Hospital School of Nursing and Pines
City Educational Center. First opened as a Nursing school in 1969. The oldest school of
Nursing in Baguio City (since the closing of the Baguio General Hospital School of
Nursing).
• Easter College -formerly Easter School. It is one of the oldest schools in the Cordilleras.
The school was established by the Protestant Episcopalian missionary Rt. Rev. Charles
Henry Brent in 1906.

• Other higher educational institutions

✓ STI College, Baguio
✓ Data Center, Baguio
✓ Remnant International College
✓ Baguio College of Technology
✓ National University - Baguio
✓ AMA Computer College
✓ Baguio School of Business and
Technology
✓ Philippine Public Safety College
✓ Philippine Women's University
✓ Meridian Paramedical & Tech Inst
✓ NIIT Baguio
✓ Women's Vocational Institute
✓ San Pablo Major Seminary
✓ Philippine Baptist Theological
Seminary is the flagship Southern
Baptist ministerial training center
established in 1954, offering
undergraduate, graduate and post
graduate degree programs.
✓ Asia Pacific Theological Seminary
founded in 1964 in Manila and
transferred to the Baguio area in
1986, is the foremost seminary for
the Asia-Pacific region of the
Assemblies of God.
✓ Lutheran Theological Seminary was
established in 1955 in Manila with
 the Rev. Lorenz Nieting as head. The
campus was moved to Baguio in
1961 offering a five-year divinity
degree program leading to ordination
• International Schools (elementary and secondary levels)
✓ Brent International School was
founded the same year as the city. It
was originally established as a
boarding school for the sons of
American families stationed in the
Philippines.
✓ Monticello International School
to Lutheran diaconate on the third
year and the priesthood.
✓ Al-Maarif Educationa center
✓ Educare International School
✓ Remnant International College
✓ Union School International
✓ Yeun Soo-Saint Jude International
School
✓ Daily International School

All these give students the quality education that they need. It is no doubt that Students from
all over the country flock to the city not only for its climate, but because the environment is
conducive to learning, because of its top-performing schools.
Above all, Baguio City has an abundance of places where students can study, do projects, or just
simply hang out and take a break outside their schools and homes. They can choose to study
outside in any of the city’s parks under the trees or they can also opt to study while enjoying a
hot cup of coffee in the numerous student-friendly cafes of the city.

3.c. Religious institutions

1. Our Lady of Atonement Cathedral

Our Lady of Atonement Cathedral is a historical
church, being able to survive the destruction caused by
the World War II. It is located at the central business
district, making it very accessible to everyone.
The Baguio Cathedral is the biggest Catholic Church
in Baguio and is the center of religious activities such
as during the Holy Week. It is the only building left
standing after American planes bombed the city to
retake it from the Japanese Imperial Army, which
made Baguio its military headquarters during World
War II.
During that war, the cathedral also served as an
evacuation center. It withstood the carpet-bombing of
Baguio City in 1945. Many people died and the remains of thousands of bombing victims are
interred within the grounds of the cathedral.
Locals believe it was a miracle that the cathedral survived after the city’s carpet bombing in
1945, saving thousands of lives.

2. The Pink Sisters’ Convent and Chapel

The Pink Sisters’ Convent and Chapel is located
along Brent Road, Baguio City. It is surrounded
by pine trees among others, making the place’s ambiance so peaceful and perfect for meditation.
The pink sisters are known as Sister Servants of the Holy Spirit of Perpetual Adoration. The
color symbolizes joy in honor of the Holy Spirit and the Sisters' adoration before the Blessed
Sacrament.

3. Our Lady of Lourdes Parish

Our Lady of Lourdes Parish has
recently undergone renovation and
beautification. It is perfect for people
who are planning to go to church and
also visit the famous Burnham Park,
which is just a few steps from the
parish.

3.d. Economic Institution

A. Baguio as the commercial hub for the province of Benguet
The economy of Baguio City is centered on tourism and its educational institutions. One
key source of income for Baguio is its position as the commercial hub for the province of
Benguet. Many of the agricultural and mining goods produced in Benguet pass through Baguio
City for processing, sale or further distribution to the "lowlands."
Baguio is home to one of the country's most profitable and best investment areas, a
Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) location called the Baguio City Economic Zone
(BCEZ). Located in the southern part of the city between Camp John Hay leisure resort and
Philippine Military Academy at Loakan. Firms located in the BCEZ mostly produce and export
knitted clothing, transistors, small components for vehicles, electronics and computer parts.
Notable firms include Texas Instruments Philippines which happens to be the second largest
exporter in the country, MOOG, and Sitel.

The city is also a major retail center for the Cordilleras and Ilocos provinces, with
shoppers coming to the city to take advantage of the diversity of competitively priced
commercial products on sale, many of which would otherwise only be available in Manila. The
city is also popular with bargain hunters - some of the most popular bargaining areas include
Baguio City Market and Maharlika Livelihood Center. Despite the city's relatively small size, it
boasts numerous shopping centers and malls catering to increasing commercial and tourist
activity in Baguio: these include SM City Baguio mall, Baguio Center Mall, Cooyeesan Hotel
Plaza, Abanao Square, Maharlika Livelihood Center, Porta Vaga Mall and Bonchic bargain
center.
Various food and retail businesses are run by local residents proliferate, forming a key
part of Baguio's interesting cultural landscape. Some of these include Tiong San chain of
department stores and supermarkets, Sunshine Supermarket, Star Cafe, Country Mart, the
famous Rose Bowl Restaurant, Good Taste, Marosan's, Patao's, eateries along Bonafacio,
Session Road, near Teacher's Camp and many others.
 The areas of Session Road, Harrison Road, Magsaysay Avenue and Abanao Street
comprise the trade center of the city. It is in these areas where commercial and business
structures abound. First-class cinemas, hotels, restaurants, department stores, and shopping
centers are to be found in this area. Shopping at the famous City Market offers one a wide array
of locally sourced goods and products: everything from colorful woven fabrics and hand-strung
beads to primitive wood carvings, cut flowers, strawberries and "Baguio" vegetables, the latter
often denoting vegetable types that do well in the cooler growing climate. (Strawberries and
string beans—referred to as 'Baguio beans' across the Philippines—are shipped to major urban
markets across the archipelago.)

B. Session Road as the Commercial Center of Baguio City, Philippines

Historically, Session Road is so named because it was the site of the First Session of the
Second Philippine Commission. Session Road leads up to the old Baden-Powell Hall, where the
second Philippine Commission held its sessions from April 22 to June 11, 1904, and officially
initiated the use of Baguio as the Philippine Summer Capital. A marker by what is now Baden-
Powell Inn on Governor Pack Road, stands as "the only visible evidence that anything of
historical significance ever took place on Session Road."
Due to its slope, and the mid-20th century American town inspired facades, some Art
Deco buildings, and a variety of offerings along the way, Session Road is a promenade distinct
from other commercial centers in cities and towns in the Philippines. Add to this the terrifically
cool Baguio weather and friendly locals, and a stroll through Session Road is a totally different
experience altogether.
At present, Session Road is the main thoroughfare of Baguio City and its commercial
center, with a variety of shops, stores and offices lining each side bazaars, boutiques, old movie
theaters, hotels, cafes and restaurants, bakeries and grocery stores. A majority of banks operating
in the Baguio City are found there, as well as various offices, drugstores, bookstores and news-
stands.
Session was also described as; the most expensive of all Baguio real estate, the Starting
point of all Baguio parades; and The most direct route to anywhere in Baguio City.

3.e. Arts and Crafts

Baguio as Creative City for Arts and Folk Arts
In 2017 Baguio joins an elite roster created by UNESCO. It was hailed as the very first
Creative City in the Philippines, standing side by side with famous cities like Seattle, Milan,
Toronto, and Manchester. Baguio was cited in the field of Folk Arts and Crafts together with
Chiang Mai of Thailand. The rich culture of Cordilleras constantly preserved by the locals and
artists like Benedicto Cabrera (owner of BenCab Museum) and Kidlat Tahimik (owner of Ili-
likha Artists Village) is a huge aspect of the city’s recognition.

Baguio as Creative City for Crafts and Folk Arts – UNESCO

Nestled in the mountains of Northern Luzon, Baguio City (pop. 350,000) is a colorful,
multicultural city full of diversity. Baguio City’s artistic culture ranges from crafts and folk-
art expressions to woodcarving, silver craft, weaving and tattooing. Today, 56 local
institutions are directly devoted to the sector, totaling a gross receipt of US$1,113,258
million. Although crafts and folk art represents an essential cornerstone of the city’s local
trade and creative tourism economy, Baguio City works towards developing the sector’s
sustainability through the intergenerational transfer of knowledge and skills.
The Panagbenga Flower Festival is the main creative platform, engaging artisans from
different linguistic groups such as the Tuwalis of Ifugao for woodcarving and Benguet for
weaving. This festival is a joint initiative organized by the Municipality and the creative
sector, aiming to enhance international exposure of the local crafts industry. With a view to
further promoting and protecting the traditional know-how of the Cordillera crafts, Baguio
City has set up a series of villages and centers that serve as spaces for creation, production
and training, targeting young people in particular.
The Baguio City Government and its partner organizations are actively supporting the city's
creative sector, with a particular focus on crafts and folk art, through capacity building,
incentivizing innovation, and providing market opportunities both locally and internationally.
The Rev-Bloom Urban Redevelopment Campaign also illustrates the city’s commitment to
culture-based development and multi-sectoral collaboration. By engaging with its
communities and propelling creativity for urban renewal and economic vitality, the City
intends to foster a more sustainable and responsible creative tourism.
As a Creative City of Crafts and Folk Art, Baguio City envisages:
• initiating the development of Creative Centres dedicated to supporting crafts and
folk art, offering workshops, studios, design laboratories, exhibit areas as well as
open collaborative spaces for creators and the general public, thus strengthening
Baguio’s creative ecosystem.
• setting up the Baguio City Creative Circuit (BCCC) that will physically link existing
buildings and venues to showcase Baguio City’s creative spirit, directing the general
public towards creativity as an essential element for sustainable urban development.
• involving Creative Cities of Crafts and Folk Arts, as well as members from the
Association of Southeast Asian Nations (or ASEAN), to take part in the festivals and
activities, and providing them dedicated spaces to display creative crafts and folk
artworks; and
• developing partnerships with members of the Network in order to share best practices
and promote mutual understanding.
source: https://en.unesco.org/creative-cities/baguio-city

GROUP ACTIVITY: PHOTO ESSAY

Photo essays tell a story in pictures, and there are many different ways to style your own photo
essay. With a wide range of topics to explore, a photo essay can be thought-provoking,
emotional, funny, unsettling, or all of the above, but mostly, they should be unforgettable. A
photographic essay is a form of visual storytelling, a way to present a narrative through a series
of images. A great photo essay is powerful and able to evoke emotion and understanding without
using words. A photo essay delivers a story using a series of photographs and brings the viewer
along your narrative journey.
With your classmates create a photo essay related to Unit 3. Each group will decide the
topic for their photo essay. Possible topics are as follows:
• Historical site photo essay

• The Timelapse Photo Essay – The goal of a transformation photo essay is to capture the
way a subject changes over time
o Burnham park: Before and at present
• Photo Essay of a Special Event
o Panagbenga
• The Daily Life Photo Essay
o Daily life of a Baguio vendor
• Photo essay on a specific issue/s besetting a Baguio as a whole
• Other possible topics

Rubric for the Photo Essay

Criteria 10 7 5 3

Visual Text All of the Most of the Some of the Few of the
(photographs/images) images are images are images are images are
appropriate to appropriate to appropriate to appropriate to
(x2) the topic, the topic, the topic, the topic,
evocative, evocative, evocative, evocative,
visually visually visually visually
captivating, and captivating, and captivating, and captivating, and
show unique show unique show unique show unique
perspectives of perspectives of perspectives of perspectives of
the theme. the theme. the theme. the theme.

Typography & Title and Title and Title and Title and
Semantics captions captions captions captions seldom
(the meaning, compliment the compliment the sometimes compliment the
arrangement, and images and work images and compliment the images and do
appearance of printed together often work images but not work
matter) harmoniously to together to inconsistently together to
(x1) reinforce the reinforce the work together to reinforce the
theme theme. reinforce the theme.
consistently. theme.

Organization Presentation Presentation Presentation Presentation

(how the various includes student includes student includes student includes student
elements are name and the name and the name and the name and the
organized) photo story title. photo story title. photo story title. photo story title.
(x1) Each slide Each slide Each slide Each slide
includes an includes an includes an includes an
image and image and image and image and
accompanying accompanying accompanying accompanying
text. Photos are text. Photos text. Photos text. Photos
carefully create emotion create emotion inconsistently
sequenced to and and represent create emotion
build emotion communicate subject matter. and may veer
and thematically. from subject
communicate matter.
thematically.

Overall Impression/ Photo essay Photo essay Photo essay Photo essay
Aesthetic Effect evokes strong often evokes occasionally inconsistently
(x2) emotion and emotion and evokes emotion evokes emotion
evidences evidences and evidences and evidences
creativity. The creativity. The some creativity. little creativity.
presentation as a presentation as a The presentation The presentation
whole is whole is as a whole is as a whole is
aesthetically aesthetically aesthetically spits in the face
harmonious. pleasing pleasing of aesthetics.

Theme Theme is clear Theme is clear Theme is clear Theme is

(the universal insight and well- and well- and well- unclear or not
that is communicated developed developed developed well-developed
by the essay) throughout throughout most throughout throughout the
(x2) entire photo of the photo some of the photo essay.
essay. essay. photo essay.

UNIT 4. POLITICAL FEATURE

4.a. Indigenous Governance, Laws and Social Justice

This unit presents the traces of the indigenous political system, laws, and social justice in the
summer capital of the Philippines. The core of the discussion deals with the traces of indigenous
governance, and the way people carry out their indigenous political beliefs and behaviors in the
political sphere of the City. Moreover, the unit will present the local laws that reflect the political
belief system of the locality, in relation to human values, attitudes, practices, and the political
community.
Learning Outcomes: At the end of the lesson, the learners should be able to:

1. Understand the traces of indigenous governance in Baguio City

2. Analyze the political behavior of the people in the City.

3. Explain the purpose of the laws currently implemented in the locality

4.a. Traces of the Indigenous Political system in the City of Baguio

Indigenous socio-political systems in the Cordillera are largely based on the principles of
collective peaceful coexistence, mutual respect, cooperation, collective work, selflessness for the
common good and consensus building in decision-making processes. In Baguio City, the
presence of mutual respect and cooperation as the principles of the indigenous socio-political
system are highly visible, especially during elections. Political leaders who tend to compete for
local electoral positions tend to display good sportsmanship and regardless of the result after the
election, all of them always convince the people of Baguio to support the elected officials of the
City. Their natural attitude of conceding defeat and throwing immediate support to a winning
political rival is key to a violent-free and smooth transition of power. In recent years, Baguio
City has maintained its record as one of the most peaceful cities in the Philippines during
election period, with mere election infractions such as indiscriminate removal of tarpaulin y
opposing candidates.

Another distinguishing political feature in the city is the absence of political hegemony usually
under the rule of powerful clans. Never in the history of Baguio where political dynasty ruled its
people. It is taboo in a political sense to stay in power with a succession of close kins to the
detriment of equal opportunity for public service as enshrined under the law. Here, the defining
phrase “adi takon bukodan di gawis” ( non-monopoly of power, authority, rule and influence by
an individual or group of individuals.) Such an indigenous mantra became part of a political
tradition that paved way to fair representation of the city populace, regardless of ethnolinguistic
origin.

The “Igorotak” political consciousness among the people of Baguio

The political behavior of Baguio is always associated with their cultural identity. The ‘Igorotak”
political consciousness appeared to be a trend that has naturally grown among young Baguio
voters, “Igorotak” which literally means “I am an Igorot” connotes an integration of oneself to a
certain collective identity which has been use as a battle cry in every local election in the City.
These new voters have also forged new political dynamics in Baguio, a multicultural community
that used to elect predominantly Ilocano leaders which changed after the 1990 Luzon earthquake,
when indigenous Cordillera leaders gradually won local polls. The ‘Igorotak'' political
consciousness provides a manifestation of the impact of ethnicity and cultural identity to the
local politics of Baguio City which involved in some stronger empirical relations, as the ethno
linguistic background of an individual can provide unambiguous cues on how to vote when the
ethnolinguistic background of a candidate is relevant.

Traces on the role of the “Panglakayen” in the lupon of the Barangay

Indigenous socio-political systems are widely practiced in the Cordillera region, such as
decision-making by consensus where the opinion of elders is given a premium. In Baguio City,
the “panglakayen” or the elders of the Barangay still received the people’s respect that stems
from the elders’ wisdom and experience to arbitrate and settle conflicts. The “panglakayen” are
being designated as members of the Lupong Tagapamayapa in some barangays in Baguio City
that exercises administrative supervisions over conciliation and arbitration of cases that are
subject to amicable settlement and arbitration. Section 412 of the Philippine Local Government
Code of 1991 provides that the customs and traditions of the community shall apply during
conciliation. In addition, the proceedings of the settlement shall be public and informal. The
designation of the “panglakayen” as members of the Lupong Tagapamayapa displays the
importance on the role of the elders in administering the political life of the indigenous
community and is linked to the scope and procedures of implementing the indigenous justice
system.

Laws

Customary Laws. The national integration process that immediately followed the decolonization
period in our history gradually diminished the impacts of customary laws in the local
community. This must be the direct consequence of the sage elders’ dwindling influences in the
political arena. Being outside the political limelight, however, did not result in indigenous decay
of customary practices, say in the resolution of conflicts as earlier mentioned. The subsequent
passage of the Indigenous Peoples Rights Act (IPRA) resurrected the chance for the council of
elders to be within the political limelight, at least within the perimeter where their presumed
probity, independence and intellect are still sought in crucial matters, for instance in the
resolution of the boundary disputes, among others of analogous circumstances.

The traces of customary practices in some barangays in the city with predominantly indigenous
constituents still resorts to the indigenous mode of settling conflicts within the comfort of
indigenous litigation…..

Commendable City Ordinances.

Baguio City Anti-Profanity Measure – The ordinance declared that all schools in all levels,
whether pre-school, kindergarten, elementary, high school, college and universities and business
establishments such as, but not limited to, computer shops and other places frequented by
children and students in the city are prohibited from cursing, cussing, expressing insults, whether
directly or indirectly, to anyone or using profane and foul language as a means of expression, or
as a manifestation of anger, surprise, disgust, or any other form of extreme emotion that yields to
such expressions of profanity.

Profanity refers to blasphemous or obscene language, irregular or irreverent speech or action,

expletive, oath, swearing, swearword, coarse, cussword, profane or obscene expression usually
of surprise or anger. Anti-profanity would mean acts or measures to counter and prohibit the
practice of profanity, or the use of obscene language. Consequential to being a peaceful city is an
ordinance that helps promote moral soundness for uprightness in character is hailed. Every
derogatory word spoken most especially against the indigenous population is condemned with
pain, usually ending in a city council resolution declaring the culprit persona non grata, whose
re-entry to the city is only allowed after a sincere public apology to the aggrieved population.
This emotional homogeneity in character could be regarded a manifestation of cultural unity and
uniqueness.

A recently proposed ordinance “Creating the Baguio City Culture and Arts Council, Defining its
functions and Appropriating Funds thereof,” also aims to preserve the cultural heritage of the
city. It also envisions the conduct of future research that may foster the richness of its cultural
traditions.

NOTE: THIS SIMPLY SERVES AS A PRELIMINARY DRAFT.

MODIFICATIONS/REVISIONS IN PROGRESS. All apologies for not submitting the draft
promptly.

Bagamaspad, Anavic, and Zenaida Hamada- Pawid.1985. A People’sHistory of Benguet.

La Trinidad, Benguet. Benguet Provincial Government.
Boquiren, R. (2015) Baguio’s history and cultural heritage.
https://nordis.net/2015/08/23/article/baguios-history-and-cultural-heritage/

Prill-Brett, June. 2015.Tradition and Transformation.Studies on Cordillera Indigenous

Culture. Cordillera Studies Center, University of the Philippines Baguio.