Benguet Province, Philippines

People of Benguet

• As of the 2020 Census, Benguet Province had a population of 460,683.
• In 2015, the province recorded a population of 444,634, reflecting a growth rate of approximately 3.6% over five years.
• Benguet is home to several indigenous groups collectively known as the Igorot, including the Ibaloi, Kankanaey, and Kalanguya peoples. These communities are known for their rice terraces, woodcraft, and rich oral traditions.
• The major dialect spoken is Ilocano, followed by Ibaloi and Kankanaey. While these dialects reflect local heritage, English is the official medium of instruction in all schools, ensuring educational access and national integration.

Location of Benguet

• Benguet is located in the southern part of the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR), northern Luzon. Its geographic coordinates are approximately 16.5°N latitude and 120.6°E longitude.
• The province spans a land area of 2,769.08 square kilometers, comprising 13 municipalities and 140 barangays. Its terrain is mountainous, with pine forests, valleys, and highland plateaus. The climate is subtropical highland, with cooler temperatures and distinct wet and dry seasons.
• The capital of Benguet is La Trinidad. The Provincial Capitol is located in Barangay Poblacion, La Trinidad.
• Most people reach Benguet via land transport. From Manila, travelers take buses to Baguio City (approximately 4–6 hours), then proceed to La Trinidad via jeepney or van. The nearest airport is Loakan Airport in Baguio, while the closest major seaport is the Port of San Fernando, La Union, about 2–3 hours away by road.

Tourist Attractions of Benguet

• Mount Pulag: The third highest peak in the Philippines, known for its sea of clouds and dwarf bamboo grasslands.
• Strawberry Farm: Located in La Trinidad, this farm allows visitors to pick strawberries and enjoy local delicacies.
• Atok Sakura Park: A scenic park with cherry blossom trees gifted by Japan, located in Atok municipality.
• Ambuklao and Binga Dams: Hydroelectric dams in Bokod and Itogon, offering panoramic views and eco-tourism opportunities.
• Adivay Festival: Celebrated every November, this province-wide festival showcases Benguet’s culture, agriculture, and unity through parades, trade fairs, and indigenous rituals.

Economy of Benguet

• Benguet’s economy is anchored in:
  • Agriculture: Known as the “Salad Bowl of the Philippines,” Benguet produces highland vegetables such as cabbage, carrots, potatoes, and lettuce.
  • Mining: Gold and copper mining are major industries, especially in the municipalities of Itogon and Mankayan.
  • Tourism: Eco-parks, mountain trails, and cultural festivals attract both domestic and international visitors.
  • Trade and services: La Trinidad and Baguio serve as commercial hubs for the province.
• In 2024, Benguet posted a Gross Provincial Domestic Product (GPDP) of ₱86.91 billion, with a growth rate of 5.0%.

Educational Institutions of Benguet

• Young residents pursue higher education at:
  • Benguet State University (BSU): Located in La Trinidad, BSU offers programs in agriculture, education, engineering, and public administration.
  • Cordillera Career Development College: Offers programs in criminology, business, and teacher education.
  • King’s College of the Philippines: Located in Pico, La Trinidad, offering programs in IT, hospitality, and theology.
  • Technical-vocational schools: TESDA-accredited centers provide training in welding, electronics, culinary arts, and other trades.
  • Public high schools: Each municipality has DepEd-supported secondary schools and senior high programs.

History of Benguet

• Benguet’s indigenous peoples have inhabited the region for centuries, practicing rice terracing, hunting, and trade with lowland communities. Spanish colonizers arrived in the 1800s but faced resistance from the Igorot tribes. Missionary efforts and military expeditions eventually led to partial control of the highlands.
• On November 23, 1900, the first civil government in Benguet was established under American rule. This date is now commemorated as Benguet Day, officially recognized through Republic Act No. 12099 signed in December 2024.
• Benguet was formally organized as a province on June 16, 1966 through Republic Act No. 4695, which created the Cordillera provinces. La Trinidad was designated as the capital, while Baguio City, although geographically within Benguet, became a highly urbanized city independent of provincial jurisdiction.
• Today, Benguet is known for its agricultural vitality, cultural diversity, and environmental stewardship. It continues to grow through education, tourism, and sustainable development, while preserving its indigenous heritage and mountain identity.

Elected Officials of Benguet

• As of the 2025 elections, Benguet Province is led by:
  • Governor: Melchor D. Diclas (PFP)
  • Vice Governor: Marie Rose Fongwan-Kepes (Lakas)
  • Representative – Lone District: Eric Go Yap (ACT-CIS)
  • Board Members: Nestor Fongwan Jr., Ruben Paoad, Esteban Cosalan Jr., and others as listed in the official Halalan 2025 results.
• For full election results and updates, visit: Benguet Election Results.

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