Baguio City Heritage: Unit 1 Notes

Lesson 1: Settlements and Territories

• Overview of unit focus

  • Historical sociocultural features of Baguio City, with emphasis on its ethnohistorical transformation from Cafaguay to Baguio City during the American occupation.
  • Focus on the Ibaloys (Igorots) as early settlers and the sociocultural and political changes resulting from the influx of ethnolinguistic groups from the Cordillera Mountains and lowland migrants attracted by American colonialism in the $early 1900s$.
  • The Baguio committee's role in creating a multicultural society while preserving cultural heritage and attracting diverse backgrounds.

• Precolonial settlements and territories

  • Baguio’s location was advantageous for settlement: elevated position, overlooking lowland plains, attracting migrations up and down the mountains.
  • Ethnolinguistic groups: Cordilleran settlers, notably the Ibaloys; related groups include Kalanguya and Gancanai.
  • Precolonial identity: the people of Cafaguay/Baguio were known as the Igurot/Iguild terms; precolonial records are limited, leading to the idea of “people without history” in some early sources, later clarified through ethnohistorical work.
  • Cordillera settlers maintained communal living with filial clans and broader community structures; Spanish expeditions aimed to pacify lands and convert non-Christians while pursuing Igurot gold.

• Spanish period and early colonial interventions

  • In 1846, the Spanish established the La Trinidad commandant and organized Binguit (Binguet) into 31 rancherias, including Cafaguay, thus laying the groundwork for what would become Baguio City.
  • The name Cafaguay evolves toward Baguio; the Cordillera people (Igorots) resisted Spanish incursions despite missionary efforts and militarization.
  • Key conflicts: Tonglo battle on the northern slopes of Mount Kalugong, where chieftain Khidid’s group ambushed Spanish troops (Captain Del Rosario); Spanish punitive actions burned villages and left Tonglo in ruins.
  • Ethnohistorical note: Tonglo/ Kabayang/Tuba areas formed a resistance frontier; Tonglo is described as the southwestern gateway to Binguet through Kenyon Road and Marcos Highway.
  • Spanish colonial aims: Christianization and search for gold; “Spanish reduction” redistributed inhabitants into compact village centers around churches, quelling resistance through evangelization.
  • The Tonglo episode dispelled the stereotype of Igorot passivity, revealing a warrior ethos and resistance that continued into the revolutionary era and against American forces.

• Transition to American era and transformation of settlement patterns

  • End of Spanish rule and opening to American interests catalyzed a new phase of exploration, tourism possibility, and relocation.
  • The American period brought a different developmental logic: a resort climate (cooler highland climate) and attraction of Westerners; construction of Kenil Road and new infrastructure accelerated growth.
  • Population shifts: the area already housed Ibaloy and Kankanaey settlements; influx of lowland migrants (Americans, Japanese, Chinese) to work on infrastructure and development projects.
  • Displacement and land laws: Spanish punitive campaigns and later American land laws led to loss of land by original Cafaguay settlers; some Ibaloy families (notably Carino and Carantes) resisted relocation and stayed with their farms in the center of the new city.
  • Cafaguay’s development as a trade and education hub; better roads and mining opportunities attracted migrants.
  • Education as a driver of sociocultural change: American-led public schooling introduced English, erasing much of the Spanish linguistic and cultural influence; education empowered local populations and shifted political influence toward lowland leadership.

• Postcolonial and multicultural synthesis

  • Post-World War II: Baguio emerged as a popular destination due to trade, education, and economic opportunities.
  • The city became a melting pot of Cordillera cultures and lowland migrants; despite diversity, harmony and coexistence prevailed.
  • Overall significance: Baguio’s ethnohistorical trajectory demonstrates how settlements, colonial interventions, education, and migration shape a city’s identity.

• Key terms and figures to know

  • Cafaguay: original name of the area that would become Baguio City.
  • Ibaloy (Igorot): Indigenous group of Cafaguay/Baguio; early settlers.
  • Tubah (Tuba) and Kabayan: other Cordillera settlements linked to migration and territorial boundaries.
  • Tonglo: site of a punitive expedition against Igurot groups; symbol of resistance.
  • Khidid: chieftain whose group initially supported the new Christian religion before resistance escalated.
  • Del Rosario: Spanish commander killed in Tonglo ambush.
  • Galvee punitive expedition (18$29$): another episode of Spanish military action in the Cordillera.

• Connections and implications

  • Ethnohistorical transformation illustrates how colonial power, migration, and education interact to reshape settlement patterns, land tenure, and cultural heritage.
  • The shift from a precolonial, relatively autonomous Cordillera society to a chartered city under American influence shows the role of governance, law, and infrastructure in shaping urban identity.
  • Ethical and practical implications include displacement of indigenous communities, the reshaping of land rights, and the introduction of Western education as a vehicle for cultural change and political power.

• Summary takeaway

  • Baguio City’s settlements and territories evolved from Cafaguay to a multicultural, education-centered urban center under American influence, with a history of resistance, adaptation, and enduring cultural heritage.

Lesson 2: Peopling and Ethnolinguistic Groups

• Naming and origin

  • The city’s original name Cafaguay; the name Baguio arose when Americans found it difficult to pronounce Cafaguay, and later the Ibaloy word bagui (moss) is linked to the name Baguio (with a folkloric moss story cited in popular accounts).
  • The Ibaloy and Kalanguya (Kankanaey) are the early settlers; the city’s early inhabitants are referred to in various terms (e.g., Ibagu, Iwagyu) in the local ethnolinguistic lexicon.
  • The word bagu comes from Ibaloy bagui, meaning moss; a popular anecdote describes foreigners misreading moss as the land’s name, contributing to the Baguio label.

• Influx of lowland and foreign populations

  • As early 20th century development accelerated, influx of lowland settlers (Americans, Japanese, Chinese) contributed to a melting-pot character.
  • Native residents continued to be called Ibaloy or Iwagyu; broader Cordillera populations (Igorot) also present.
  • The migration pattern to Cafaguay/Baguio can be understood through four key movements (as proposed by Prillbreath et al., discussed in Chapter 2):

• Four migration movements to Cafaguay/Baguio
  1) Initial pippling of Ibaloy land from the West and Southwestern Plains of Pangasinan, following river systems (Aringai to Galiano to Nagilian), including routes through Buet Angalakacan, passing by Cason to San Jacinto, and along the Agno River.
  2) Northeast-to-Southwest movement; people in Cafaguay/Baguio came from Kabayan (Tinat region).
  3) Dispersal from Tubah; areas around Tubah later became part of Baguio’s territory.
  4) A final movement from Tubab during the American period; the present Baguio area and surroundings were originally from Tubab; migration connected to the American-era chartering and resettlement.

  • These migrations are supported by linguistic similarities and oral histories rather than solely written records.

• The Spanish punitive context and its effects on peopling

  • The punitive expeditions against Tonglo (1579) and later Galvee (1829) influenced settlement patterns and resistance dynamics.
  • Tonglo’s clash highlights Igurot resistance and subsequent Spanish strategies of evangelization and relocation around churches as a means to quell uprisings.
  • European and American colonial interests shifted population distributions, accelerating lowland settlement and the integration of Cordilleran communities into a broader urban space.

• Pan-Cordillera and land-use changes under colonization

  • The Spanish aim to convert non-Christian communities and to exploit mineral resources (Igorot gold) intersected with resistance and the defense of territorial sovereignty.
  • Under American rule, the land tenure system and city planning redefined settlement boundaries, contributing to Cafaguay’s transformation into a chartered city with distinct territorial limits.
  • The involvement of BNCT (Bureau of Non-Christian Tribe) in $1905$, Bureau of Education in $1905$, and Bureau of Science in $1906$ as instruments to stabilize rule and appoint local leaders from lowland areas.

• Migration dynamics and cultural blending

  • Cafaguay’s growth as a trading and educational hub attracted migrants; Kenil/ Kenyon Road’s improvements facilitated mobility.
  • The presence of Americans, Japanese, and Chinese in the building of Kenyon Road and the broader infrastructure catalyzed a multicultural urban fabric.
  • The postcolonial city becomes a melting pot of Cordillera and lowland cultures, with a relatively harmonious coexistence despite diversity.

• Conceptual themes and implications

  • Peopling combines migration theory (movement from external regions) with ethnohistorical reconstruction (oral histories and linguistic affinities).
  • The “melting pot” metaphor captures cultural fusion but also raises questions about the balance between integration and preservation of indigenous practices.
  • The continuity and change of local identities (Ibaloy, Iwagyu) in a rapidly urbanizing space illustrate resilience and adaptation.

• Notable terms and places

  • Ibaloy (Igorot), Kalanguya, Gancanai: Cordillera groups involved in early settlements and interactions.
  • Tubah, Kabayan, Tonglo: key geographic and political locales linked to migrations and conflicts.
  • Cafaguay as the original settlement area; Baguio as the transformed urban center.

• Connections and implications

  • The migration narratives tie local history to broader Cordillera and Philippine colonial dynamics (Spanish and American periods).
  • The interplay of evangelization, land dispossession, and urban planning shaped the city’s sociocultural landscape.
  • The shift from a peripheral highland settlement to a regional educational and economic hub reflects the strategic importance of climate, roads, and institutions in urban growth.

• Summary takeaway

  • The peopling of Cafaguay/Baguio is a story of indigenous continuity, external influence, and continual adaptation that produced a multicultural, education-centered city with deep historical roots.

Lesson 3: Education and Social Institutions

• Baguio City as a hub of history, education, and culture

  • Baguio is depicted as a historical city, a creative hub, and an educational center for Northern Luzon, with tourism as a key sector and a gateway to Cordillera cuisine, arts, and culture.
  • It served as a temporary capital during the Philippine Commonwealth era under President Manuel Quezon during the Japanese occupation; liberated in 1945 by American and Filipino forces.
  • The city hosts numerous galleries, museums, and cultural centers that celebrate Cordillera heritage; UNESCO recognized Baguio City as a Creative City in 2017 for its excellence in folk arts and crafts.
  • Local advocates and cultural institutions (e.g., Ben Cub, Benedicto Cabrera, Kidlat Tahimik) contributed to this UNESCO recognition via preservation and promotion of Cordillera cultural heritage.

• Notable landmarks and cultural institutions

  • The Mansion (Mansion House) and the President’s residence during the Japanese era; the Thomasites at the Teachers Camp; Camp John Hay; Burnham Park; Kennon Road; Baguio Country Club; Wright Park; Session Road; Baden-Powell Inn; Melvin Jones in Burnham Park; Baden Powell Inn; Governor’s Park Road; Leonard Wood Road; Harrison Road; Session Road.
  • Birmingham Park and the gateway to Baguio City; Good Taste (a famous local restaurant); SM City Baguio and Abanao malls; Center Mall and Abanao Street.
  • Religious and educational landmarks: Baguio Cathedral; Baguio Teachers Camp; Museo Cordillera; Baguio Museum; the University and college campuses such as Saint Louis University (SLU), the University of the Philippines Baguio Campus, and Benguet State University.
  • Diplomat Hotel, now known as Heritage Hill and Nature Park Garden, is discussed as part of Baguio’s “dark tourism” narrative due to paranormal associations.
  • The cultural landscape is enriched by the presence of the Cordillera arts centers and the Center for Cultural Arts at SLU with performances by the SLU Glee Club, Tanganan, and the SLU Dance Troupe.

• Educational institutions and language policy

  • The American era brought the public school system and English as the language of instruction, greatly shaping education and national language policy; English became an official language alongside Filipino.
  • Thomasites (American teachers) contributed to the spread of English in the city and across the country; education became a primary vehicle for cultural change and modernization.
  • The city’s educational ecosystem includes prestigious universities (SLU, University of Baguio, University of Cordilleras, Benguet State University) and various research centers and cultural organizations.
  • The presence of a robust educational infrastructure accelerated Baguio’s development as a center for education in Northern Luzon and supported its status as a regional research and culture hub.

• Economic institutions and urban development

  • Public market (historic Baguio City Public Market) as a symbol of economic activity; markets such as Sabado (Saturday market) functioned as social and economic gathering places for villagers.
  • The city’s economy thrives on tourism, education, and commerce; agricultural and mining products moved from Benguet to the lowlands via established trade routes.
  • The Baguio City Economic Zone (PEZA) and the Ukai Center of Northern Luzon anchor modern economic activity, with numerous retail centers (SM, Center Mall Abanao, local markets, and malls).
  • Notable commercial districts include Session Road (historically the site of government sessions and today the city’s core commercial thoroughfare), Harrison Road (night market), Maksang Sai Avenue, Abanao Street, and the Baden Powell Hall area.
  • The city’s growth has brought challenges: traffic congestion, environmental degradation (e.g., tree loss due to development), and unequal distribution of economic benefits.

• Cultural and ethical implications

  • UNESCO recognition highlights the ethical imperative to preserve Cordillera heritage while fostering contemporary cultural expression.
  • The expansion of Western-style education and economic institutions reshaped local identities and power structures, raising questions about cultural continuity and colonially influenced modernization.
  • The “melting pot” dynamic can lead to tensions around land rights, resource distribution, and the balance between integration and preservation of Indigenous practices.

• Notable street names and language heritage

  • Ibaloy street names reflect local nature and culture, illustrating the linguistic imprint on the city’s geography:
  • Abanao: means "wide".
  • Otech (or otech): means "small" or possibly related to terrain in local language.
  • Kisad (Gisad): near Birmingham Park with local hotels; Kisad is associated with the term in the local language.
  • Lukban: means "orange".
  • Kafaguay: original name meaning “wide open space.”
  • Jav Javan: native blacksmith shop.
  • Kampao: place for social gathering.
  • Purengao: oily water.
  • Oliwag: a whirlpool where rainwater drains through a limestone channel.
  • American-era toponymy reflects colonial governance and urban planning: Palm Island, Burnham Park, Harrison Road, Camp John Hay, Kenner Road, Malcolm Square, Leonard Wood Road, Wright Park, Mansion House, Session Road, Baden Powell Inn, Governor Pack Road, and more.

• Notable cultural and practical takeaways

  • The city’s identity as a historical and educational center is inseparable from its physical landmarks, cultural institutions, and the interplay between local and colonial influences.
  • The interplay between heritage preservation and modernization remains central to policy and planning in Baguio today.

• Summary takeaway

  • Baguio’s education and social institutions crystallize how public schooling, language policy, religious institutions, and cultural centers shape a city’s identity and economic trajectory, while its landmarks testify to a layered history of Cordillera heritage, colonial influence, and modern urban development.

• Overall synthesis across lessons

  • Unit 1 traces how settlements, ethnolinguistic groups, education, and economic institutions intersect to form Baguio City’s unique heritage.
  • Key themes include: ethnohistorical transformation, migration and settlement patterns, resistance and adaptation to colonial rule, the strategic role of education, and the ongoing negotiation between heritage and modernization.

• Quick reference to dates and events (selected)

  • 1846: Spanish commandant established La Trinidad and organized Binguit into rancherias, including Cafaguay.
  • 1579: Spanish punitive expedition against Tonglo; Tonglo site on Mount Kalugong.
  • 1829: Galvee punitive expedition.
  • 1905: BNCT established; Bureau of Education.
  • 1906: Bureau of Science established.
  • 1904: First session of the Second Philippine Commission (Session Road’s naming context).
  • 1945: Liberation of Baguio by American-Filipino forces.
  • 2017: UNESCO Creative Cities List recognition for Baguio City (folk arts and crafts).

• Suggested reflections for exams

  • Explain how the Cordillera ethnohistorical narrative in Baguio City exemplifies broader patterns of colonial encounter and urban transformation in the Philippines.
  • Discuss the role of education and language policy in shifting power dynamics from indigenous groups to lowland and colonial authorities.
  • Analyze the tension between preserving Cordillera heritage and accommodating modernization and tourism-driven development in Baguio.

• Connections to prior lectures and real-world relevance

  • Builds on migration and ethnohistorical frameworks discussed earlier (chapter 2) about how Cordillera populations migrated and settled.
  • Demonstrates colonial strategies (Spain and the U.S.) in land control, education, and urban planning, aligning with foundational principles of political ecology and cultural geography.
  • Real-world relevance includes understanding Baguio’s current status as a UNESCO Creative City and as a modern educational and tourism hub, with ongoing debates about heritage conservation vs. development.

• Key formulas and numerical references (for quick recall)

  • $1905$: Bureau of Non-Christian Tribe (BNCT) established.
  • $1905$: Bureau of Education established.
  • $1906$: Bureau of Science established.
  • $1904$: First session of the Second Philippine Commission at Session Road.
  • $1945$: Liberation of Baguio.
  • $2017$: UNESCO Creative Cities recognition.

• Important people and entities to remember

  • Khidid: chieftain associated with Tonglo resistance.
  • Captain Del Rosario: Spanish troop commander killed at Tonglo.
  • Paul and colonial agents referenced: BNCT officials, Thomasites, local lowland leaders.
  • Ben Cub, Benedicto Cabrera, Kidlat Tahimik: local figures mentioned in UNESCO recognition context for Cordillera culture preservation.

• End of notes for Unit 1 (Lessons 1–3)

  • Focused synthesis: Settlement history, ethnolinguistic movements, colonial impact on land and society, the central role of education, and the emergence of Baguio as a modern, multicultural urban center with a rich heritage landscape.