Baguio City, Benguet, Philippines

Baguio City, Benguet is within Region XIV – CAR, in the Republic of the Philippines.

People of Baguio City

• As of the 2020 Census, Baguio City had a population of 366,358.
• In 2015, the city recorded a population of 345,366, reflecting a growth rate of approximately 6% over five years.
• Baguio is historically home to the Ibaloi and Kankanaey peoples, indigenous groups of the Cordillera region. The Ibaloi were the original settlers of the area known as “Kafagway,” which later became Baguio. These communities are known for their rice terraces, oral traditions, and forest stewardship.
• The major dialect spoken is Ilocano, followed by Tagalog and English. Indigenous languages such as Ibaloi and Kankanaey are still spoken in cultural communities. English is the official medium of instruction in all schools, ensuring educational access and national integration.

Location of Baguio City

• Baguio City is located in the Cordillera mountains of northern Luzon, within the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR). Its geographic coordinates are approximately 16.4119°N latitude and 120.5933°E longitude.
• The city spans a land area of 57.51 square kilometers, comprising 129 barangays. Its terrain is mountainous, with pine forests, ridges, and valleys. The climate is subtropical highland, with cool temperatures year-round and a distinct wet season from May to October.
• Baguio is a highly urbanized city and is administratively independent from Benguet Province. The City Hall is located in Barangay Cabinet Hill–Teacher’s Camp.
• Most people reach Baguio via land transport. From Manila, travelers take buses (approximately 4–6 hours) via the North Luzon Expressway and Kennon Road or Marcos Highway. The nearest airport is Loakan Airport, which serves limited domestic flights. The closest major seaport is the Port of San Fernando, La Union, about 2–3 hours away by road.

Tourist Attractions of Baguio City

• Burnham Park: A central park with gardens, a lake, and recreational areas named after city planner Daniel Burnham.
• Mines View Park: Offers panoramic views of Benguet’s mining towns and mountain ranges.
• The Mansion: The official summer residence of the Philippine President, located along Leonard Wood Road.
• Botanical Garden: A lush garden showcasing native flora and Cordilleran heritage.
• Panagbenga Festival: Celebrated every February, this “Festival of Flowers” features grand floats, street dancing, and floral exhibits, honoring Baguio’s cultural and environmental identity.

Economy of Baguio City

• Baguio’s economy is anchored in:
  • Tourism: The city is a top destination for domestic and international visitors due to its cool climate and cultural attractions.
  • Education: With over 20 universities and colleges, Baguio is a major educational hub in Northern Luzon.
  • Retail and services: Malls, markets, and hospitality businesses support the city’s vibrant commercial sector.
  • IT and BPO: Baguio hosts several business process outsourcing firms and tech startups.
• In 2024, Baguio posted a Gross City Domestic Product (GCDP) of approximately ₱85.3 billion, ranking among the top-performing highly urbanized cities outside Metro Manila.

Educational Institutions of Baguio City

• Young residents pursue higher education at:
  • University of the Philippines Baguio: A public research university offering programs in arts, sciences, and indigenous studies.
  • Saint Louis University: A private Catholic university offering engineering, business, law, and health sciences.
  • University of Baguio: Offers programs in architecture, criminology, hospitality, and liberal arts.
  • University of the Cordilleras: Known for its programs in law, IT, and education.
  • Baguio Central University: Offers programs in nursing, education, and business administration.
  • TESDA-accredited centers: Provide vocational training in electronics, culinary arts, and other trades.

History of Baguio City

• Baguio was originally known as “Kafagway,” an Ibaloi grazing land surrounded by pine forests and springs. The name “Baguio” comes from the Ibaloi word “bagiw,” meaning moss, which grows abundantly in the area’s cool, misty climate.
• During the American colonial period, Baguio was developed as a hill station and designated the “Summer Capital of the Philippines.” In 1900, American engineers began constructing roads and buildings, including Camp John Hay and Burnham Park.
• On September 1, 1909, Baguio was officially declared a chartered city through Act No. 1963 of the Philippine Commission. It became a highly urbanized city on December 22, 1979, making it administratively independent from Benguet Province.
• Today, Baguio is known as the “City of Pines,” balancing heritage, education, and tourism. It continues to grow through sustainable planning, cultural preservation, and regional leadership in the Cordillera.

Elected Officials of Baguio City

• As of the 2025 elections, Baguio City is led by:
  • Mayor: Benjamin “Benjie” Magalong (NPC)
  • Vice Mayor: Faustino A. Olowan (PFP)
  • Representative – Lone District: Mauricio G. Domogan (Lakas)
  • City Councilors: Edison Bilog, Joel Alangsab, Jose Molintas, Leandro Yangot Jr., Vladimir Cayabas, Peter Fianza, Van Dicang, Fred Bagbagen, Paolo Salvosa, Betty Lourdes Tabanda, Yuri Weygan, Elmer Datuin
• For full election results and updates, visit: Baguio City Election Results.

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