Baguio facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Baguio
Highly urbanized city
From top, left to right: City proper overlooking Burnham Park, Mines View Park, Baguio Cathedral, Grotto of Our Lady of Lourdes, Session Road, SM City Baguio and Sky Ranch Baguio
Flag Seal
Nicknames:  Summer Capital of the Philippines City of Pines
Anthem: Baguio Hymn
Map of Benguet with Baguio highlighted
OpenStreetMap
Baguio Location in Philippines
Country	Philippines
Region	Cordillera Administrative Region
Province	Benguet (geographically only)
District	[[{{#property:P7938}} | — Lua error in Module:Wd at line 1804: attempt to index field 'wikibase' (a nil value).]]
Founded	1900
Incorporated	September 1, 1909 (city)
Highly urbanized city	December 22, 1979
Barangays	129 (see Barangays)
Government
• Type	Sangguniang Panlungsod
Area
• Highly urbanized city	57.51 km2 (22.20 sq mi)
• Metro  (BLISTT)	1,094.79 km2 (422.70 sq mi)
Elevation	1,450 m (4,760 ft)
Highest elevation	1,667 m (5,469 ft)
Lowest elevation	910 m (2,990 ft)
Population  (2020 census)
• Highly urbanized city	366,358
• Density	6,370.3/km2 (16,499.1/sq mi)
• Metro  (BLISTT)	644,589
• Metro density	3,100/km2 (8,000/sq mi)
• Households	100,220
Economy
• Gross domestic product	₱139,174 million (2021) $2,762 million (2021)
• Income class	1st city income class
• Poverty incidence	1.00 % (2021)
• Revenue	₱ 2,162 million (2020)
• Assets	₱ 11,278 million (2020)
• Expenditure	₱ 1,420 million (2020)
• Liabilities	₱ 4,811 million (2020)
Service provider
• Electricity	Benguet Electric Cooperative (BENECO)
• Water	Baguio Water District (BWD)
Time zone	UTC+8 (PST)
ZIP code	2600
PSGC	[https://psa.gov.ph/classification/psgc/?q=psgc/barangays/{{#pro000&regcode={{&provcode= p {{#property:P988}} ]
IDD : area code	+63 (0)74
Native languages	Kankanaey Ibaloi Ilocano Tagalog
Website	www.baguio.gov.ph

Baguio is a special city in the Philippines. It is known as the "Summer Capital of the Philippines" because it has a cool climate. This is due to its high location, about 1,450 meters (4,800 feet) above sea level. Because of its cool weather, many pine trees grow here, giving it another nickname: the "City of Pines."

Baguio was first set up as a mountain resort by the United States in 1900. It was built on the site of an Ibaloi village called Kafagway. It was the only mountain resort the United States built in Asia.

Today, Baguio is a "highly urbanized city," which means it runs itself and is not part of any province. However, for maps and statistics, it is still shown within the province of Benguet. Baguio is a major center for business, trade, and education in northern Luzon. It is also the largest city and the main government seat of the Cordillera Administrative Region. In 2024, Baguio's population was about 400,000 people.

What Does the Name Baguio Mean?

Baguio was originally called Kafagway by the local people. The name Baguio came from the Ibaloi word bagiw, which means "moss." The Americans then changed it to Baguio. People from Baguio are sometimes called Ibagiw. The city also has an annual arts festival named after this word.

Baguio's Past: A Look at Its History

Early Days: The Ibaloi Village

Long ago, Baguio was a huge mountain area with thick forests. Many animals like deer, cloud rats, and Philippine eagles lived there. It was a hunting ground for local groups, especially the Ibalois and other Igorot tribes. When the Spanish arrived in the Philippines, they could not fully take over this area because the Igorots defended it well.

In 1846, during Spanish rule, the Spanish set up a military post in nearby La Trinidad. They divided the Benguet area into small villages, and one of them was Kafagway. This was a wide grassy area where Burnham Park is now. Kafagway was a small village with only about 20 houses. Most of the land belonged to Mateo Cariño, a respected Ibaloi leader. The Spanish later moved their local government office to Cariño's house, where the city hall stands today.

American Influence and City Planning

Baguio city plan map made by Daniel Burnham, circa 1905

Summer offices of the Philippine Insular Government in Baguio in 1909

Aerial view of Baguio, 1937

After the Spanish–American War, the United States took over the Philippines. They chose Baguio to be the summer capital because of its cool weather. In 1901, the American government bought land in Baguio from the Ibaloi people.

In 1903, workers from the Philippines, Japan, and China built Kennon Road. This was the first direct road connecting Baguio to the lowlands. Before this, the only way to Benguet was a horse trail. Camp John Hay was also set up in 1903 as a military base where American soldiers could rest.

The Mansion, built in 1908, became the summer home for the American Governor-General. It was designed by architect William E. Parsons based on ideas from Daniel Burnham. Burnham, a famous city planner, designed Baguio to be a beautiful mountain retreat. On September 1, 1909, Baguio officially became a city and was called the "Summer Capital of the Philippines."

Baguio During World War II

Before World War II, Baguio was important because it was the summer capital and home to the Philippine Military Academy. On December 8, 1941, Japanese planes attacked Camp John Hay. Baguio was declared an "open city" on December 27, meaning it would not be defended.

The Imperial Japanese Army used Camp John Hay as a military base. They also used a nearby camp, Camp Holmes, to hold about 500 American civilians from 1942 to 1944.

By March 1945, American and Filipino forces were close to Baguio. Between March 4 and 10, American planes dropped many bombs on Baguio, destroying much of the city. On April 27, 1945, the city was freed. In September 1945, Japanese forces in the Philippines officially surrendered at Camp John Hay.

Rebuilding and Modern Times

After World War II, Baguio quickly recovered. It became a popular place for tourists. Even though it stopped being the official "Summer Capital" in 1976, it still attracts many visitors.

In 1986, during the People Power Revolution that ended a dictatorship, Baguio played a part. People gathered at the Baguio Cathedral to protest. This helped lead to the change in government on February 25, 1986.

On July 15, 1987, the Cordillera Administrative Region was created, and Baguio became its main city.

The 1990 Earthquake

On July 16, 1990, a strong earthquake (magnitude 7.7) hit Baguio. Many buildings and roads were damaged. Hotels, factories, and homes collapsed. Major roads were blocked by landslides. Baguio was rebuilt with help from the government and other countries like Japan and the United States.

Baguio's Location and Layout

Pine trees near UP Baguio

Baguio is a city in the mountains of northern Luzon. The city center is about 1,400 to 1,500 meters (4,600 to 4,900 feet) above sea level. Some areas within Baguio are even higher, reaching almost 1,700 meters (5,600 feet). The highest nearby peak is Mount Santo Tomas, over 2,200 meters (7,200 feet) high.

The city is surrounded by the province of Benguet. It covers a small area of about 57.5 square kilometers (22.2 sq mi). Most of the city is built on hilly land. When Daniel Burnham planned the city, he made the City Hall the center. From there, the city stretches about 8.2 km (5.1 mi) from east to west and 7.2 km (4.5 mi) from north to south.

City Districts: Barangays

Baguio is divided into 129 smaller areas called barangays. Each barangay has even smaller parts called puroks and sometimes sitios.

Barangay Map of Baguio

Baguio's Climate: Always Cool?

Baguio has a mild climate because it is high up in the mountains. The temperature is usually about 7 to 10 degrees Celsius (13 to 18 degrees Fahrenheit) cooler than in cities near the sea. The average temperature is between 15 and 23 degrees Celsius (59 to 73 degrees Fahrenheit). The coldest months are from November to February. The lowest temperature ever recorded was 6.3 degrees Celsius (43.3 degrees Fahrenheit) on January 18, 1961. Even during the warmest times of the year, the temperature rarely goes above 26 degrees Celsius (79 degrees Fahrenheit).

How Much Rain Does Baguio Get?

Fog in Baguio as viewed from Mount Cabuyao

Baguio gets a lot of rain during its rainy season, from June to October. It receives over 3,914 millimeters (154 inches) of rainfall each year. This is one of the highest amounts in the Philippines.

Environment: Keeping Baguio Clean

Air and Waste Challenges

Smog from vehicles in Bonifacio Street in 2018

Baguio faces challenges with air pollution. In 2018, a report said it had some of the most polluted air among several Philippine cities. Efforts are being made to use cleaner vehicles, like those that meet Euro 4 standards.

Another issue is garbage disposal. The city has been sending its trash to a landfill far away, which is expensive. They are looking into new ways to handle waste, like turning trash into energy. The city's waste water treatment plant also needs to be bigger to handle all the wastewater.

City Design and Buildings

Baguio is a planned city. American architect Daniel Burnham designed it with wide streets and avenues. His design followed the "City Beautiful movement."

During World War II, much of Baguio was destroyed. After the war, many historical buildings were rebuilt. However, some old buildings were lost or left to decay. The 1990 earthquake also damaged many buildings, including hotels and schools.

Today, Baguio's buildings are mostly modern American style.

What Kind of Buildings Will You See?

Porta Vaga Mall along Session Road

Baguio's buildings often show American influence, especially those at Teacher's Camp and Camp John Hay. Some buildings also have Spanish designs, like Porta Vaga Mall. Modern buildings include SM City Baguio, built in 2003.

There are groups working to protect Baguio's old buildings. For example, there was a debate about renovating the Baguio City Hall. People wanted to make sure its historical value was kept.

Who Lives in Baguio?

The first people to live in Baguio were the Ibaloi. When the Americans built the city, other groups came to live there. These included other Igorot tribes, Ilocanos from the lowlands, Americans, and mestizos (people of mixed Filipino and foreign descent). Many Chinese and Japanese workers also helped build Kennon Road and later settled in Baguio.

Baguio is a busy city with many people. It has a population density of over 6,000 people per square kilometer. The city was originally planned for only 25,000 to 30,000 people. As of May 2020, its population grew to 366,358. Many young people live in Baguio, with 65.5% of the population under thirty years old. During holidays, the number of people in the city can double due to tourists.

Religions in Baguio

The Cathedral of Our Lady of the Atonement, the seat of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Baguio

Baguio is mostly a Christian city. In 2015, most residents were Roman Catholics. There are also many Evangelicals and members of other Christian churches.

Some people in Baguio are Muslims. The largest mosque in the area is Masjid Al-Maarif, which is a center for Islamic studies. The city also has smaller groups of Buddhists and atheists, along with people of other faiths.

Baguio's Economy: How the City Earns Money

SM City Baguio seen from Burnham Park

Baguio is a mix of different cultures, which attracts many businesses. It has a large retail industry, with people coming to buy various products at good prices. Many people also look for bargains at places like Baguio Market and Maharlika Livelihood Center. The city has many shopping centers and malls, including SM City Baguio, Baguio Center Mall, and Tiong San.

Local food and retail businesses are also very popular. You can find many shops and restaurants along Bonifacio Street, Session Road, and near Mines View Park.

Maharlika Livelihood Center

The main business areas are Session Road, Harrison Road, Magsaysay Avenue, and Abanao Street. Here, you'll find cinemas, hotels, restaurants, and department stores. The City Market sells many local goods, especially from Benguet province. These include colorful woven fabrics, wood carvings, flowers, strawberries, and "Baguio" vegetables. Strawberries and string beans (often called Baguio beans) are sent to markets all over the Philippines.

Baguio also benefits from the mining industry in Benguet. Many farm products from Benguet pass through Baguio for processing or distribution.

Industries and Outsourcing

Baguio is a good place for businesses and investments. The Baguio City Economic Zone (BCEZ) is a special business park. Companies there make and export things like clothing, electronics, and computer parts. Texas Instruments Philippines is one of the biggest exporters in the country. Other companies like Moog Philippines, Inc. and Sitel Philippines, Baguio are also in the BCEZ.

Outsourcing, like call centers, also helps Baguio's economy. Sitel is the largest BPO company in the city. There are also other call centers and business process outsourcing (BPO) companies.

In recent years, many ESL (English as a Second Language) schools have opened in Baguio. They teach English to students from other countries.

Baguio's Culture and Arts

Art and Museums in the City

Laperal White House

Baguio became a home for many Filipino artists in the 1970s to 1990s. Artists like Ben Cabrera and filmmaker Butch Perez moved here because of the cool climate and low living costs. Local artists like Santiago Bose and Kidlat Tahimik also created art in the city. Even today, artists come to the annual Baguio Arts Festival. The city has several museums, including the Baguio Museum and the Laperal White House.

Baguio is part of UNESCO's Creative Cities Network. This is because of its rich traditions in crafts and folk art, like wood carving, silver craft, weaving, and tattooing. Baguio is the first city in the Philippines to join this network, which promotes creative industries and culture.

Languages Spoken in Baguio

The main languages spoken in Baguio are Ilocano, Tagalog, and English. Other languages like Ibaloi, Kankanaey, Pangasinan, Cantonese, Hokkien, and Japanese are also spoken by different communities.

Local News and Media

Local newspapers in Baguio include the Baguio Midland Courier, Baguio Herald Express, and Baguio Chronicle. The Baguio Midland Courier was the largest newspaper in the area for a long time. It started in 1947 and recently stopped its print editions in July 2024, but its website and social media pages are still active.

Festivals and Special Days

Panagbenga Festival

The annual flower festival, called the Panagbenga Festival, happens every February. It celebrates the city's beautiful flowers and cool weather. It also helps the city remember how it recovered from the 1990 earthquake. The festival features floats covered in flowers and street dancing. The dances are inspired by the Bendian, an Ibaloi celebration dance.

The annual Gong Festival is on October 29. This day is also the National Indigenous Peoples’ Thanksgiving Day. The festival includes traditional dances and the beating of seven gongs. This symbolizes peace, unity, and keeping cultural heritage alive.

Baguio celebrates its city charter anniversary every September 1. This day is a special non-working holiday.

Tourism: Visiting Baguio

Burnham Park Lake

Tourism is a big part of Baguio's economy because of its cool climate and interesting history. It is one of the top places to visit in the Philippines. During holidays, especially during Holy Week, many tourists come to the city. The number of people in the city can double during these times. To welcome visitors, Baguio has over 80 hotels and inns, plus many temporary homes offered by locals. Festivals like the Panagbenga Festival also attract many tourists.

Baguio was even named one of the top 25 destinations in Asia by TripAdvisor in 2011. Popular tourist spots include Burnham Park, Mines View Park, Wright Park, The Mansion, and the Botanical Garden.

Sports and Recreation

Baguio Athletic Bowl

Baguio has hosted many sports events, including international ones. The Baguio Athletic Bowl in Burnham Park is a main sports venue. Baguio hosted the 1978 World Chess Championship match.

The city takes part in the CARAA games (Cordillera Administrative Region Athletic Association). Winners from these games represent the region in the annual Palarong Pambansa games. Baguio has been the overall champion in the CARAA games for many years.

In recent years, Baguio has also become known for Mixed Martial Arts, with teams like Team Lakay winning many titles.

City Services and Transportation

Getting Around Baguio

By Air

Loakan Airport runway in the outskirts of the city

Loakan Airport is the only airport serving Baguio. It is a major domestic airport. However, regular commercial flights to Baguio stopped in 1998. There have been attempts to restart flights, but they haven't lasted long. Commercial flights did resume in 2022 but were stopped again in July 2024 due to low passenger numbers.

The airport is south of the city center. Its runway is short (only 1,802 meters or 5,912 feet), so only smaller planes can use it. It is mostly used by helicopters and propeller planes.

By Land

Session Road, one of Baguio's primary roads

Jeepney terminal in downtown Baguio

Flyover in Baguio

Jeepneys and taxis are the main ways to get around Baguio. Newer, cleaner jeepneys are being introduced. Many bus lines connect Baguio to Manila and other provinces like Pangasinan and La Union.

From Metro Manila, you can reach Baguio using highways like NLEX, SCTEX, and TPLEX. The three main roads leading to Baguio from the lowlands are Kennon Road, Aspiras–Palispis Highway (also called Marcos Highway), and Naguilian Road (also called Quirino Highway).

• Kennon Road is often the fastest way but can be dangerous with landslides during rainy season.
• Aspiras-Palispis Highway starts in Agoo, La Union.
• Naguilian Road starts in Bauang, La Union. These two roads are longer but safer, especially for buses and trucks.

There's also Halsema Highway, which goes north through the mountains.

Hop On, Hop Off (HoHo) Bus

To help with traffic and parking, Baguio has a free Hop On, Hop Off (HoHo) Tourist Bus. Tourists can park their cars at the Baguio Convention Center and ride the bus to popular spots for free. The bus runs daily from 8:30 AM to 6:20 PM, stopping at places like the Botanical Garden, The Mansion, Mines View Park, and Wright Park.

Future Travel Ideas

• Cable Cars: The government is studying the idea of installing cable cars in Baguio to help with traffic and boost tourism.
• Monorail: There are also talks about building a monorail from Baguio to La Trinidad.

Water and Electricity Services

Most of Baguio's water comes from the Baguio Water District. It uses 60 deep wells to supply water to most of the city. However, the water supply is decreasing due to private wells.

Electricity is provided by Benguet Electric Cooperative (BENECO). There have been discussions about creating a separate electric company just for Baguio, but this would involve many legal and practical challenges.

Baguio is unique because it owns and operates its own renewable energy plant. The Asin Mini Hydropower Plants, built in the 1920s, provide power and income for the city. They stopped operating in 2015 but there are plans to restart them.

Healthcare in Baguio

BGHMC, Baguio's sole government hospital

Healthcare in Baguio is mostly provided by private hospitals. These include Baguio Medical Center, Notre Dame de Chartres Hospital, and Saint Louis University's Hospital of Sacred Heart. One hospital, BCU-Santo Niño de Jesus Medical Center Foundation, closed in 2009 but reopened during the COVID-19 pandemic to help patients.

The Baguio City Health Services Office manages the city's health programs. It runs 16 health centers and 15 smaller clinics. Baguio also has the Baguio General Hospital and Medical Center (BGHMC). This is the only government hospital in the city and the largest government hospital in the Cordillera Administrative Region.

Education: A Learning Hub

Baguio Central School

Education is a big part of Baguio's economy. Many students move to the city to attend college. Baguio is known as the "Educational Center of the North" because it has many good universities and high schools.

Schools for Younger Students

Baguio City High School

The city has 45 public elementary schools and 21 public secondary schools. Many private high schools are part of the city's universities. The Philippine Science High School - CAR campus opened in Baguio in 2009. In 2016, the city also opened Baguio City Science High School.

Baguio Central School was the country's first public primary school, opened on September 2, 1899. It started with only 25 Igorot boys in a small school building. It was badly damaged in World War II but has been renovated. It is considered a heritage school.

Universities in Baguio

Saint Louis University

Philippine Military Academy

Baguio has eight major universities. Easter College, the city's first private school, was founded in 1906.

The University of the Philippines, a top state university, opened a campus in Baguio in 1938. It became UP Baguio in 2002.

Saint Louis University is the largest university in Baguio, with over 30,000 students. It was started by Belgian missionaries in 1911 as a school for boys. It became a university in 1963 and now has four campuses.

Other universities include Baguio Central University (founded 1945), University of the Cordilleras (founded 1946), and the University of Baguio (founded 1948). Pines City Colleges, mainly a nursing and medical school, opened in 1969.

The Philippine Military Academy, the country's military school, moved to Baguio in 1908.

Famous People from Baguio

Cities Baguio is Connected With

Local Sister Cities

International Sister Cities

See also

In Spanish: Baguió para niños