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{{Short description|Province in Cordillera, Philippines}}
{{Unreferenced|date=January 2008}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=December 2022}}
{{Infobox Philippine province |
{{Use Philippine English|date=December 2022}}
name = Benguet |
{{Infobox settlement
sealfile = Ph seal benguet.png |
| name = Benguet
region = [[Cordillera Administrative Region]] (CAR) |
capital = [[La Trinidad, Benguet]] |
| official_name = Province of Benguet
| settlement_type = {{PH wikidata|settlement_type}}
founded = June 18, 1995
| image_skyline = {{Photomontage
pop2000 = 330,129 |
| photo1a = Mount Pulag, Kabayan, Philippines (Unsplash).jpg{{!}}
pop2000rank = 43rd largest |
| photo2a = Binga Dam.jpg{{!}}
popden2000 = 219 |
| photo2b = Ambuklao Dam captured by Mitchell Yumul.jpeg{{!}}
popden2000rank = 36th highest |
| photo3a = Buguias, Benguet 9-8-13.jpg{{!}}
areakm2 = 2,599.4 |
| photo3b = Atok, Benguet 9-8-2013.jpg
arearank = 49th largest |
| photo4a = Benguet Capitol (La Trinidad, Benguet)(2018-11-26).jpg
hucities = 1 |
| size = 250
componentcities= 0 |
| spacing = 2
municipalities = 13 |
| position = center
barangays = 140 |
| color = transparent
districts = 1 |
| border = 0
languages = Kankanaey, Ibaloi, Kalanguya, [[Ilokano language|Ilokano]] |
}}
governor = [[Nestor Fongwan]] ([[Kabalikat ng Malayang Pilipino|Kampi]]) |
| image_caption = (from top: left to right) [[Mount Pulag]] summit in [[Kabayan, Benguet|Kabayan]], [[Binga Dam]] in [[Itogon]], [[Ambuklao Dam]] in [[Bokod, Benguet|Bokod]], Rice terraces in [[Buguias]], mountain view in [[Atok, Benguet|Atok]] and Benguet Provincial Capitol in [[La Trinidad, Benguet|La Trinidad]].
locatormapfile = Ph locator map benguet.png |
| image_flag = {{PH wikidata|image_flag}}
| flag_size = 120x80px
| image_seal = Seal of Benguet.png
| seal_size = 100x80px
| image_shield =
| nickname = ''Salad Bowl of the Philippines''<ref name=NSCBGov /><ref name=ItsMoreFun />
| motto = Unity, Industry, Prosperity
| image_map = {{PH wikidata|image_map}}
| map_caption = Location in the Philippines
| coordinates = {{PH wikidata|coordinates}}
| subdivision_type = [[List of sovereign states|Country]]
| subdivision_name = {{PH wikidata|country}}
| subdivision_type1 = [[Regions of the Philippines|Region]]
| subdivision_name1 = {{PH wikidata|region}}
| established_title = [[Date of establishment|Founded]]
| established_date = November 23, 1900
| established_title1 = Province
| established_date1 = June 16, 1966
| seat_type = Capital
| seat = {{PH wikidata|seat}}
| leader_title = [[Governor of Benguet|Governor]]
| leader_name = [[Melchor Diclas|Melchor D. Diclas]] ([[PDP–Laban]])
| leader_title1 = [[Vice Governor]]
| leader_name1 = Johnny D. Waguis ([[PDP–Laban]])
| leader_title3 = [[Sangguniang Panlalawigan|Legislature]]
| leader_name3 = [[Benguet Provincial Board]]
| area_footnotes = <ref name=nscblist>{{cite web |title=List of Provinces |url=http://www.nscb.gov.ph/activestats/psgc/listprov.asp |work=PSGC Interactive |publisher=National Statistical Coordination Board |access-date=March 5, 2020 |location=Makati, Philippines |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160419000512/http://www.nscb.gov.ph/activestats/psgc/listprov.asp |archive-date=April 19, 2016}}</ref>
| area_total_km2 = {{PH wikidata|area}} <!-- 2826.59 minus 57.51 ha for Baguio -->
| area_rank = 47th out of 81
| area_note = (excluding Baguio)
| elevation_max_m = 2,928
| elevation_max_point = [[Mount Pulag]]
| population_footnotes = {{PH census|current|CAR}}
| population_total = {{PH wikidata|population_total}}
| population_as_of = {{PH wikidata|population_as_of}}
| population_rank = 61st out of 81
| population_est = 842,542<ref>{{cite web|date=August 27, 2020|title=POPULATION PROJECTIONS BY REGION, PROVINCE, CITIES AND MUNICIPALITIES, 2020-2025|url=https://www.doh.gov.ph/node/15619|access-date=October 16, 2020|work=www.doh.gov.ph|publisher=Department of Health|archive-date=May 14, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210514203439/https://doh.gov.ph/node/15619|url-status=dead}}</ref>
| pop_est_as_of = 2020
| population_density_km2 = auto
| population_density_rank = 55th out of 81
| population_note = (excluding Baguio)
| demographics_type1 = Divisions
| demographics1_title1 = [[Cities of the Philippines#Independent cities|Independent&nbsp;cities]]
| demographics1_info1 = {{Collapsible list
| titlestyle = font-weight:normal;text-align:left;background-color:WhiteSmoke;
| title = 1
| [[Baguio]]<br />({{small|Highly urbanized city}})
}}
| demographics1_title2 = [[Cities of the Philippines|Component cities]]
| demographics1_info2 = 0
| demographics1_title3 = [[Municipalities of the Philippines|Municipalities]]
| demographics1_info3 = {{Collapsible list
| titlestyle = font-weight:normal;text-align:left;background-color:WhiteSmoke;
| title = 13
| {{PH wikidata|municipalities}}
}}
| demographics1_title4 = [[Barangay]]s
| demographics1_info4 = {{unbulleted list | [[List of barangays in Benguet|140]] | {{Small|including [[Cities of the Philippines#Independent cities|independent cities]]:}} 269 }}
| demographics1_title5 = [[House of Representatives of the Philippines|Districts]]
| demographics1_info5 = {{bulleted list | [[Legislative districts of Benguet]] | {{Small|including [[Cities of the Philippines#Independent cities|independent cities]]:}} [[Legislative district of Baguio]]}}
| timezone = [[Philippine Standard Time|PST]]
| utc_offset = +8
| postal_code_type = [[List of ZIP codes in the Philippines|ZIP code]]
| postal_code = {{PH wikidata|postal_code}}
| area_code_type = {{areacodestyle}}
| area_code = {{PH wikidata|area_code}}
| iso_code = {{PH wikidata|iso_code}}
| blank_name_sec1 = Spoken languages
| blank_info_sec1 = {{hlist | [[Ilocano language|Ilocano]] | [[Filipino language|Filipino]] | [[Ibaloi language|Ibaloi]] | [[Pangasinan language|Pangasinan]] | [[Kankana-ey language|Kankana-ey]] | [[Kalanguya language|Kalanguya]] | [[Karao language|Karao]] |[[Philippine English|English]] }}
| website = {{PH wikidata|website}}
| anthem = Benguet Hymn
| native_name =
| seat1 = [[Baguio]]
| seat1_type = Largest city
| image_map1 = {{hidden begin|title=OpenStreetMap|ta1=center}}{{Infobox mapframe|frame-width=250|zoom=8}}{{hidden end}}
}}
}}


'''Benguet''' is a landlocked [[Provinces of the Philippines|province]] of the [[Philippines]] in the [[Cordillera Administrative Region]] in [[Luzon]]. Its capital is [[La Trinidad, Benguet|La Trinidad]] and borders, clockwise from the south, [[Pangasinan]], [[La Union province|La Union]], [[Ilocos Sur]], [[Mountain Province]], [[Ifugao]], and [[Nueva Vizcaya]].
'''Benguet''' ({{IPA-all|bɛŋˈɡɛt}}), officially the '''Province of Benguet''' ({{Lang-ibl|Probinsya ne Benguet}}'';'' {{Lang-kne|Probinsyan di Benguet}}; {{lang-pag|Luyag/Probinsia na Benguet}}; {{lang-ilo|Probinsia ti Benguet}}; {{Lang-fil|Lalawigan ng Benguet}}), is a landlocked [[Provinces of the Philippines|province]] of the [[Philippines]] located in the southern tip of the [[Cordillera Administrative Region]] in the island of [[Luzon]]. Its [[capital city|capital]] is [[La Trinidad, Benguet|La Trinidad]].


The [[highland]] province is known as the ''Salad Bowl of the Philippines'' due to its huge production of upland vegetables.<ref name=NSCBGov /><ref name=ItsMoreFun /><ref name=FastFactsPhilProv />
[[Baguio City]], a popular tourist destination in the country, is located in the interior of the province, however, the city is independent of the province.


Situated within the interior of Benguet is the [[Cities of the Philippines#Classification|highly urbanized city]] of [[Baguio]], which is administered independent from the province.
==People and culture==
===Natives (Residents)===
{{Main|Igorot}}
'''Cordillerano''', or ''Cordilleran'', is an unofficial and relatively recent term for the people of the hill tribes of Luzon, Philippines, who are residing in the Cordillera and Caraballo mountains. This term is an attempt at political correctness, since a current term, Igorot, has caused controversy due to its perceived negative stigma, which is incorrectly connected to backwardness and inferiority. Of the people in the Cordilleras, some Kalinga and Ifugao refuse to be called Igorot. On the other hand, most Igorot tribes, along with some Kalinga and Ifugao consider themselves as part of the Igorot people.


{{TOC limit|3}}
===Demographics===


==History==
Based on the May 2000 [[census]], Benguet has a total population of 330,129, which makes it the most populous province in the region. This figure is up by 16,296 from 313,833 persons recorded in the 1995 census, giving an annual growth rate of 1.09% during the 5-year period&mdash;much, much lower than the national average of 2.43%. If this growth rate were maintained, Benguet would double its population in approximately 64 years.
===Early history===
The [[Highland|mountainous area]] now covered by Benguet is generally presumed to have been settled from at least the 14th century by tribes coming from the surrounding lowlands, lured by the abundance of natural resources such as gold, hides, and wax. Two of these groups, the [[Ibaloi]] and the [[Kankanaey people|Kankanaey]], are dominant ethnolinguistic groups of the area. In the pre-conquest period, these tribes enjoyed flourishing trade with lowland groups immediately to their west and south, such as the [[Pangasinan people|Pangasinans]]. Governor Juan "Oraa" Cariño (1913-1918), one of Benguet’s governors, was the first Filipino governor.


The Kankanaey occupied the northern highlands of the province, while the Ibaloy occupied the southern portion, while all Igorots practiced [[animism]] and [[ancestor worship]]. Rituals were proscribed by the priests, ''mambunong''. The economy of the region was based on [[rice terrace]]s, [[root crop]] [[swidden farming]], livestock raising, hunting, foraging, plus the mining and trading of gold. These Igorot gold mines were located in Suyoc, Tabio, Acupan, and Antamok. [[Gold panning]] took place in [[placer deposit]]s along the [[Agno River]], the [[Bued River]], the Suyoc River, and the [[Amburayan River]]. Gold was also mined from [[lode]] [[vein (geology)|veins]] within [[andesite]] and [[diorite]]. Gold in Mankayan was associated with copper. Gold mining resulted in social stratification, with the upper class consisting of the mine owners, the ''baknang'', followed by the gold workers, or ''abiteg'', and then the ''bagaen'', or [[chattel slavery|slave class]]. These slaves were made up of war captives, and their children. Gold mines were inheritable kinship property, while original ownership was bestowed on those individuals discovering the gold location, and then developing the property.<ref name="PhilStudies">{{cite journal |last1=Habana |first1=Olivia M. |title=Gold Mining in Benguet to 1898 |journal=Philippine Studies |date=2000 |volume=48 |pages=458–467 |url=http://www.philippinestudies.net/files/journals/1/articles/1662/public/1662-1761-1-PB.pdf |access-date=October 13, 2018 }}</ref><ref name=Scott/>{{rp|183}}
The province registered at 63,123 households, an increase of 4,588 households over the 1990 figure. This gave an average household size of 5.2 persons, a little higher than the national average of 4.99.


===Spanish colonial era===
Benguet is the homeland of several tribes, collectively referred to as the [[Igorot]]. Two of them, the [[Ibaloi]] in the southeast and the [[Igorot#The Kankana-ey|Kankana-ey]] in the northwest, are the dominant tribes of Benguet. In the 2000 census, 43% of the household population were Kankana-ey. About 29.2% were Ibaloi and 13.4% were [[Ilocos|Ilocano]]. Other ethnic groups included Ikalahan (3.7%) and Tagalog (2.4%).
At the beginning of the [[History of the Philippines (1521-1898)|Spanish Era]], colonisers heard of the rich gold mines in the mountains and attempted to colonize the highlands, but failed. In 1572, Spanish ''conquistador'' [[Juan de Salcedo]] led a small expedition into the southern part of Benguet, but the natives forced it to retreat.<ref name=FastFactsPhilProv>{{cite book|last1=Lancion|first1=Conrado M. Jr.|last2=de Guzman|first2=''Rey'' (''cartography'')|title=Fast Facts about Philippine Provinces|date=1995|publisher=Tahanan Books|location=Makati, Metro Manila|isbn=978-971-630-037-6|page=38|edition=The 2000 Millenium|chapter-url=https://books.google.com/books?id=r0EOAQAAMAAJ|access-date=January 16, 2015|chapter=The Provinces}}</ref> The first major expedition into the mountains occurred in 1620, when Spanish explorers went into the [[La Trinidad, Benguet|La Trinidad]] Valley, followed by a second expedition in 1623, and a third in 1624. This was the last attempt to occupy the Baguio gold mines by the Spanish until the Galvey expeditions (1829-1839).<ref name=PhilStudies/>{{rp|473–475}}


In the 1800s, Spanish colonizers made more serious attempts such as expeditions under Col. Guillermo Galvey<ref>Kane, S.E., 1933, Thirty Years with the Philippine Head-Hunters, New York: Grosset & Dunlap</ref>{{rp|280}} and succeeded in establishing a presence in the La Trinidad Valley, named after Galvey's wife.<ref name=FastFactsPhilProv />
===Languages===


This area later became a district of the new province of [[Mountain Province|''La{{nbsp}}Montañosa'']] (or ''La{{nbsp}}Montaña'')<ref name="FastFactsPhilProv-MtProv">{{cite book|last1=Lancion|first1=Conrado M. Jr.|last2=de Guzman|first2=''Rey'' (''cartography'')|title=Fast Facts about Philippine Provinces|date=1995|publisher=Tahanan Books|location=Makati, Metro Manila|isbn=978-971-630-037-6|pages=108–109|edition=The 2000 Millenium|url={{Google books |plainurl=yes |id=r0EOAQAAMAAJ }}}}</ref><ref name=NSCB>{{cite web|title=Facts & Figures: Mountain Province|url=http://www.nscb.gov.ph/rucar/fnf_mprov.htm|website=Philippine Statistics Authority - National Statistical Coordination Board - [[Cordillera Administrative Region]]|access-date=October 22, 2014|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160901025930/http://www.nscb.gov.ph/rucar/fnf_mprov.htm|archive-date=September 1, 2016}}</ref> in 1846. Eight years later, in 1854, Benguet became a separate ''comandancia politico-militar''. Parts of the present province were established as component territories of other ''comandancias'' such as Lepanto and [[Amburayan]].<ref name=FastFactsPhilProv />
Most of the tribes in Benguet have their own languages or dialects. The Ibaloi tribe speak Ibaloy, which is similar to [[Pangasinan language|Pangasinan]]. The [[Kankana-ey]] tribe speak have their own [[Kankanaey|language]], which is related to the [[Bontoc language]]. Many inhabitants also speak [[Ilokano language|Ilokano]], [[Tagalog language|Tagalog]], and [[English language|English]] for trade and commerce. Now a days, because of working abroad some can even speak Chinese, Japanese, Korean, etc. which shows that they are globally interacting.


===American government era===
The [[Ethnologue|SIL Ethnologue database]] [http://www.ethnologue.com/show_family.asp?subid=92519] classifies the tribal languages under the ''South-Central Cordilleran'' branch. Nabaloy (named in the database as ''Ibaloi'') is part of the ''Southern Cordilleran'' branch which also includes Pangasinense. The Kankana-ey language (named in the database as ''Kankanaey'') is under the ''Central Cordilleran'' branch, which also includes Bontoc and Ifugao.
When the [[History of the Philippines (1898-1946)|Americans took control of the Philippines]], they established local civil governments in many parts of the country. American civilian government was established in Benguet on November 23, 1900, through ''Act No. 48'', with [[Canadians|Canadian]] journalist ''H.P. Whitmarsh'' appointed as the province's first governor.<ref name="DILG-CAR">{{cite web|title=Municipality of La Trinidad, Benguet|url=http://www.dilgcar.com/index.php/lgu/car-profile/benguet/la-trinidad-capital|website=[[Department of the Interior and Local Government|DILG]]-[[Cordillera Administrative Region|CAR]]|access-date=September 18, 2014|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160121232623/http://www.dilgcar.com/index.php/lgu/car-profile/benguet/la-trinidad-capital|archive-date=January 21, 2016}}</ref>


{| class="wikitable" style="font-size:90%;line-height:1.20em;background-color:white;"
==Economy==
|+The 19 historical [[township]]s of Benguet under ''Act No. 48''<ref name=NSCBGov>{{cite web|title=Facts & Figures: Benguet Province|url=http://www.nscb.gov.ph/rucar/fnf_benguet.htm|website=Philippine Statistics Authority - National Statistical Coordination Board - [[Cordillera Administrative Region]]|access-date=October 9, 2014}}</ref><ref name=BenguetGov2>{{cite web|title=History: Benguet Province |url=http://www.benguet.gov.ph/index.php?Itemid=268 |website=Province of Benguet (official website) |access-date=October 9, 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141019211257/http://www.benguet.gov.ph/index.php?Itemid=268 |archive-date=October 19, 2014 }}</ref>
|-
! scope="col" | Township
! scope="col" | Abolished?
! scope="col" | Notes
! scope="col" | Township
! scope="col" | Abolished?
! scope="col" | Notes
|-
| style="font-weight:bold;" | Adaoay
| {{yes}}
| {{small|Currently part of [[Kabayan, Benguet|Kabayan]]}}
| style="font-weight:bold;" | [[Itogon, Benguet|Itogon]]
| {{no}}
|
|-
| style="font-weight:bold;" | Ambuklao
| {{yes}}
| {{small|Currently part of [[Bokod, Benguet|Bokod]]}}
| style="font-weight:bold;" | [[Kabayan, Benguet|Kabayan]]
| {{no}}
|
|-
| style="font-weight:bold;" | Ampusongan
| {{yes}}
| {{small|Currently part of [[Bakun, Benguet|Bakun]]}}
| style="font-weight:bold;" | [[Kapangan, Benguet|Kapangan]]
| {{no}}
|
|-
| style="font-weight:bold;" | [[Atok, Benguet|Atok]]
| {{no}}
|
| style="font-weight:bold;" | [[Kibungan, Benguet|Kibungan]]
| {{no}}
|
|-
| style="font-weight:bold;" | [[Baguio]]
| {{yes}}
| {{small|Converted into a [[chartered city]] in 1909*}}
| style="font-weight:bold;" | [[La Trinidad, Benguet|La Trinidad]]
| {{no}}
|
|-
| style="font-weight:bold;" | Balakbak
| {{yes}}
| {{small|Currently part of [[Kapangan, Benguet|Kapangan]]}}
| style="font-weight:bold;" | Loo
| {{yes}}
| {{small|Currently part of [[Buguias, Benguet|Buguias]]}}
|-
| style="font-weight:bold;" | [[Bokod, Benguet|Bokod]]
| {{no}}
|
| style="font-weight:bold;" | Palina
| {{yes}}
| {{small|Currently part of [[Kibungan, Benguet|Kibungan]]}}
|-
| style="font-weight:bold;" | [[Buguias, Benguet|Buguias]]
| {{no}}
|
| style="font-weight:bold;" | [[Sablan, Benguet|Sablan]]
| {{no}}
|
|-
| style="font-weight:bold;" | Daclan
| {{yes}}
| {{small|Currently part of [[Bokod, Benguet|Bokod]]}}
| style="font-weight:bold;" | [[Tublay, Benguet|Tublay]]
| {{no}}
|
|-
| style="font-weight:bold;" | Galiano
| {{yes}}
|
|-class="sortbottom" style="background-color:#F2F2F2;"
| colspan=7 |
* When Baguio was converted into a chartered city in 1909, barrio [[Tuba, Benguet|Tuba]] was separated from the city and incorporated into the township of ''Twin Peaks''.<ref name=LaUnionGov>{{cite web|title=LGU-Pugo-History|url=http://www.launion.gov.ph/page.php?119|website=Provincial Government of La Union (official website)|access-date=October 3, 2014|quote=''(Note: [[Pugo, La Union|Pugo]] was part of the municipal district of Benguet Province until February 4, 1920)''|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160306112833/http://launion.gov.ph/page.php?119|archive-date=March 6, 2016|url-status=dead}}</ref>
|}


Upon the American colonial government enacting ''Act No. 1876'' on August 18, 1908, which created [[Mountain Province]] from areas of the old ''La Montañosa'', Benguet (along with [[Amburayan]], [[Apayao]], Bontoc, [[Ifugao]], [[Kalinga Province|Kalinga]], and Lepanto) became sub-provinces of this new province.<ref name=FastFactsPhilProv /><ref name=PhilLaw>{{cite web|title=Act No. 1876|url=http://philippinelaw.info/statutes/act1876.html|website=PhilippineLaw.info|access-date=October 9, 2014|date=August 18, 1908|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141015173149/http://philippinelaw.info/statutes/act1876.html|archive-date=October 15, 2014|url-status=dead}}</ref> A year later in 1909, the township of [[Baguio]] was abolished upon its conversion into a chartered city. In 1920, portions of the sub-provinces of Amburayan and Lepanto were incorporated into Benguet.<ref name=FastFactsPhilProv />
[[Agriculture]], [[mining]], and [[tourism]] are the major industries in Benguet. Because of its temperate climate and high altitude, Benguet is an ideal place for producing vegetables. Benguet is often called the ''Salad Bowl of the Philippines''. During February 2007, Benguet suffered crop damage due to freezing temperatures in the area, reaching as low as 5 Celsius and even lower in some areas, and important crops like cabbages were damaged. Major crops include [[potato]]es, [[Baguio beans]], [[pea]]s, [[strawberry|strawberries]], [[cabbage]], [[lettuce]], and [[carrot]]s. Other agricultural-related activities are [[monggo]] processing, fruit preservation, [[peanut brittle]] manufacturing, broom making, basket weaving, and [[flower]] growing.


Mining companies started operating in the province in the 1930s. This brought jobs, and many lowlanders migrated to Benguet, especially in towns surrounding the gold mines, such as [[Itogon, Benguet|Itogon]], [[Mankayan, Benguet|Mankayan]] and [[Tuba, Benguet|Tuba]].<ref name="DILG-CAR-Tuba">{{cite web|title=Municipality of Tuba, Benguet|url=http://www.dilgcar.com/index.php/lgu/car-profile/benguet/11-lgus/173-municipality-of-tuba-benguet|website=[[Department of the Interior and Local Government]] - [[Cordillera Administrative Region]]|access-date=October 4, 2014}}</ref>
Mining is another major industry of Benguet, which is one of the country's leading [[gold]] producers. Other mineral deposits are [[silver]], [[copper]], [[pyrite]], and [[limestone]]. [[Silver]]smithing is a large industry in Benguet, and many entrepreneurs sell silver works at lower prices in [[Baguio City]], compared to [[Manila]]. In 2006 alone revenues from mining reached a stunning four billion pesos, and yet this figure comes from just two-Lepanto Consolidated Mining Corporation and Philex Mines- of the many mining firms operating in the province. Nevertheless, the province's mining vigor has never translated into better quality of life of the Benguet people, simply because a bulk of the mining firm's taxes are not paid directly to the province. The two mining corporations, like many others around the country, have principal offices in the City of Makati, a set-up that makes Makati the prime mining tax beneficiary.


===Japanese occupation era===
The presence of Baguio City in Benguet draws a large number of tourists from the lowlands. Often, people who go to Baguio also explore the province, especially the strawberry and vegetable plantations in [[La Trinidad, Benguet|La Trinidad]]. (''See also the [[#Tourist Attractions|Tourist Attractions]] section below.'')
{{See also|Battle of Baguio (1945)}}
During [[Pacific War|World War II]], Igorot guerrillas and the combined Filipino and American forces [[Philippine resistance against Japan|fought]] [[Japanese Imperial Army|Japanese soldiers]] during the final days of the war in 1945.{{explain|date=April 2016}}


{{Expand section|date=January 2016}}
==Education==
*The [[Benguet State University]] is the only university of Benguet and is located in [[La Trinidad, Benguet]]. The university has 9 colleges (Including the Graduate School). The 9 Colleges are:
*The College of Agriculture
*The College of Arts and Sciences
*The College of Engineering and Applied Technology
*The College of Forestry
*The College of Home Economics and Technology
*The College of Nursing
*The College of Teacher Education
*The College of Veterinary Medicine
*The Graduate School


=== Contemporary history ===
Since the Government considers the increasing population of students, the university extended and adapted some schools in far-flung areas like the Buguias Loo Agricultural School and Kapangan. Now, some of the courses offered from the mother university were being taken and learned by students of the said extension.
On June 18, 1966, the huge [[Mountain Province]] was split into four provinces with the enactment of ''[[Republic Acts of the Philippines|Republic Act]] No. 4695''. The four provinces were Benguet, [[Mountain Province]], [[Kalinga-Apayao]] and [[Ifugao]].<ref name=FastFactsPhilProv /><ref name=ChanRobles>{{cite web|title=Republic Act No. 4695: An Act Creating the Provinces of Benguet, Mountain Province, Ifugao and Kalinga-Apayao|url=http://www.chanrobles.com/republicacts/republicactno4695.html|website=Chan Robles Virtual Law Library|access-date=September 18, 2014}}</ref><ref name=Benguet_Gov />


On June 22, 1973, as part of the ''Integrated Organization Plan'' of President [[Ferdinand Marcos]], Benguet was placed under the jurisdiction of the [[Ilocos Region]].<ref name="ChanRobles-PD224">{{cite web|title=Presidential Decree No. 224; Amending Certain Parts of the Integrated Organization Plan|url=http://www.chanrobles.com/presidentialdecrees/presidentialdecreeno224.html|website=Chan Robles Virtual Law Library|access-date=September 30, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131025205730/http://www.chanrobles.com/presidentialdecrees/presidentialdecreeno224.html#.V-6OGSF97IV|archive-date=October 25, 2013|location=Malacañang, Manila, Philippines|date=June 22, 1973}}</ref>
Benguet also contains the [[Cordillera Regional Science High School]].

When the [[Cordillera Administrative Region]] was established by President [[Corazon Aquino]] through ''[[Executive order (Philippines)|Executive Order]] 220'' on July 15, 1987, Benguet was made one of its provinces.<ref name=FastFactsPhilProv /><ref name=CountrySTAT>{{cite web|title=Regional Profile: Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR)|url=http://countrystat.bas.gov.ph/?cont=16&r=14|website=CountrySTAT Philippines|access-date=September 18, 2014|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141022184555/http://countrystat.bas.gov.ph/?cont=16&r=14|archive-date=October 22, 2014}}</ref><ref name=DeptAgri>{{cite web|title=The Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR)|url=http://ati.da.gov.ph/car/about/cordillera-administrative-region-car|website=Department of Agriculture|access-date=September 18, 2014|archive-date=April 2, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150402220535/http://ati.da.gov.ph/car/about/cordillera-administrative-region-car|url-status=dead}}</ref>

==Geology==
[[File:Outcrop of Dalupirip Schist, Benguet, Philippines.jpg|thumb|Dalupirip schist in [[Itogon, Benguet]]]]
[[File:Zigzag formation green and red sandstone beds, Bued River, Camp 6 Kennon Road Baguio City closeup view 02.jpg|thumb|Sandstone beds comprising the Zigzag formation as seen along the Bued River, Camp 6, Baguio City]]

The [[Metro Baguio|Baguio Mining District]] consists of [[Late Cretaceous]] [[ophiolite]] [[basement rock]]s. These are overlain by [[Eocene]] [[back arc]] [[tholeiitic magma series|tholeiitic]] Pugo [[metavolcanic rock|Metavolcanics]]. These grade into the Dalupirip [[Schist]], which is separated from the [[Early Oligocene]]-[[Early Miocene]] [[sedimentary]] Zigzag [[formation (geology)|Formation]] by an [[unconformity]]. The Zigzag is composed of deep [[depositional environment]] [[interbedded]] green [[sandstone]]s, red [[siltstone]]s, [[conglomerate (geology)|oligomicitc conglomerates]], and minor [[limestone]] units. The late [[Early Miocene]]-early [[Middle Miocene]] [[reef]]al Kennon Limestone overlays the Zigzag. The [[Late Oligocene]]-[[Early Miocene]] Agno [[Batholith]] [[intrusive rock|intrudes]] the Pugo and Zigzag. The Middle-Late Miocene Klondyke Formation was deposited during Central Cordillera [[geologic uplift]], consisting of [[grain size|coarse]] [[clastic rock|clastics]], polymictic conglomerates, sandstones, and vitric (glassy) [[tuff]]s, with minor shales and siltstones. Gold mineralization occurred with [[diorite|dioritic]] and [[gabbro]]ic intrusions, and [[basalt]]ic to [[andesite|andesitic]] lavas, including the Monglo [[adakite]]. The [[Pliocene]] Baguio Formation consists of conglomerates interbedded with lava flows and [[Pyroclastic rock|pyroclastics]]. [[Pleistocene]] gold-copper mineralization occurred with [[calc-alkaline]] and dioritic and [[dacite|dacitic]] adakitic intrusions. This mineralization characterizes the Philex Mine.<ref name="Polve">{{cite journal |last1=Polve |first1=Mireille |last2=Maury |first2=Rene |last3=Jego |first3=Sebastien |last4=Bellon |first4=Jerve |last5=Margoum |first5=Ahmed |last6=Yumul |first6=Graciano |last7=Payot |first7=Betchaida |last8=Tamayo |first8=Rodolfo |last9=Cotten |first9=Joseph |title=Temporal Geochemical Evolution of Neogene Magmatism in the Baguio Gold-Copper Mining District (Northern Luzon, Philippines) |journal=Resource Geology |date=2007 |volume=57 |issue=2 |pages=197–218 |doi=10.1111/j.1751-3928.2007.00017.x |s2cid=140540795 |doi-access=free |bibcode=2007ReGeo..57..197P }}</ref>

The main gold [[base metal]] [[mineralization (geology)|mineralization]] zone is approximately 8&nbsp;km wide, trends north south for tens of kilometers, and is centrally located at 16° 20' to 16° 26' N latitude and 120° 37' 30" to 120° 43' 30" E longitude. The western boundary of this zone is defined by a volcanic belt, just west of Baguio, while the eastern boundary is defined by an intrusive belt, just east of the Itogon and Antamok mines. The Agno quartz diorite batholith is further east near [[Binga Dam]]. Key mines, starting from the south, include the Philex ([[copper|Cu]]), Acupan ([[gold|Au]]), Itogon (Au), Black Mt. (Cu), Benguet Exploration (Cu), Atok (Au), Antamok (Cu and Au), and Baguio Gold (Au), where Baguio Gold and Antamok are east of Baguio. Continuing northwards, key mines include the King Solomon (Cu), St. Nino (Cu), Boneng (Cu), Lobo (Cu), Gambang (Cu and Au), and Lepanto (Cu and Au).
By 1979, underground mining had reached Level 1850 in the Antamok Mine.<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Fernandez |first1=Henry |last2=Damasco |first2=Florian |title=Gold Deposition in the Baguio Gold District and Its Relationship to Regional Geology |journal=Economic Geology |date=1979 |volume=74 |issue=8 |pages=1852–1868|doi=10.2113/gsecongeo.74.8.1852 |bibcode=1979EcGeo..74.1852F }}</ref><ref name=people>{{cite book |last1=Bagamaspad |first1=Anavic |last2=Hamada-Pawid |first2=Zenaida |title=A People's History of Benguet Province |date=1985 |publisher=Baguio Printing & Publishing Company, Inc. |location=Philippines |pages=72–76}}</ref><ref name=Scott>{{cite book |last1=Scott |first1=William |title=The Discovery of the Igorots |date=1974 |publisher=New Day Publishers |location=Quezon City |isbn=978-9711000875 |page=149}}</ref>


==Geography==
==Geography==
[[File:FvfBokod0214 02.JPG|thumb|right|Highland landscape at [[Bokod, Benguet|Bokod]]]]
===Political===


Benguet covers an area of {{convert|2,769.08|km2}} occupying the southwestern tip of the [[Cordillera Administrative Region]]. If Baguio is included for geographical purposes, the total area of Benguet is {{convert|2826.59|km2}}.{{PSGC detail|nscb}}
Benguet is subdivided into 13 [[Philippine municipality|municipalities]] and contains [[Baguio City]]. Baguio City used to be part of the province but became independent, when the city's charter was made. However, for statistical convenience, Baguio City is informally considered a part of Benguet, especially in census data or when Baguio City is chosen as a location for Benguet provincial offices, due to its proximity/location.


The province is bordered on the northeast by [[Mountain Province]] and [[Ifugao]], on the southeast by [[Nueva Vizcaya]], on the south by [[Pangasinan]], on the west by [[La Union]], and on the northwest by [[Ilocos Sur]].
====Municipalities====


Situated within the [[Cordillera Central, Luzon|Cordillera mountains]], Benguet is dominantly mountainous. [[Mount Pulag]], the highest in [[Luzon]] is located within [[Kabayan, Benguet|Kabayan]]. The mountains form the headwaters of several [[river]]s, the major ones which include the [[Agno River|Agno]], [[Amburayan River|Amburayan]], [[Bued River|Bued]], Bakun, [[Balili River|Balili]] and the Asin. Some of these run through [[river valley]]s or [[Canyon|gorges]].
{| border="0"

|-----
Several natural lakes, small in size, are found within the [[hinterlands]]. The largest are the "Four Lakes" in Kabayan; Lake Bulalacao, Lake Detepngepos, Lake Incolos and Lake Tabeyo.<ref name="PIA-KabayanLakes">{{cite news|last1=Aro|first1=SC|title=Mt Pulag climb slated October 31-November 2|url=http://archives.pia.gov.ph/?m=12&fi=p081025.htm&no=07|access-date=February 29, 2016|work=[[Philippine Information Agency]]|date=October 25, 2008|quote=From Tawangan where the trekkers will spend the second night, they will visit the four mystic lakes namely Tabeyo, Bulalacao, Incolos, and Detepngepos described as icy cool and crystal clear water and lush green foliage that refreshes the soul.|archive-date=March 5, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160305081705/http://archives.pia.gov.ph/?m=12&fi=p081025.htm&no=07|url-status=dead}}</ref>
| valign="top" |

*[[Atok, Benguet|Atok]]
The province is the location of several conservation areas, the largest of which are the [[Upper Agno River Basin Resource Reserve]], Mount Pulag National Park, Mount Data National Park and [[Lower Agno Watershed Forest Reserve]].
*[[Bakun, Benguet|Bakun]]

*[[Bokod, Benguet|Bokod]]
===Climate===
*[[Buguias, Benguet|Buguias]]
[[File:Foggy Morning in Benguet.jpg|thumb|Foggy forest in Benguet]]
*[[Itogon, Benguet|Itogon]]

*[[Kabayan, Benguet|Kabayan]]
Most of Benguet falls under the [[Oceanic climate|subtropical highland]] climate ([[Köppen climate classification|Köppen]] ''Cwb'') zone, experiencing annual average highs of {{convert|25.3|C}} in April and lows of {{convert|13.3|C}} in January.<ref name="Storm246-BenguetPH">{{cite web|title=Weather forecast for Benguet, Philippines|url=http://uk.storm247.com/weather/121705762/climate|website=Storm247|access-date=January 29, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171107005702/http://uk.storm247.com/weather/121705762/climate|archive-date=November 7, 2017|url-status=dead}}</ref>
*[[Kapangan, Benguet|Kapangan]]

| valign="top" |
The province suffers from crop damage resulting from seasonal [[frost]] during the cold months of December to March, especially in high-altitude towns such as Atok, Buguias, Mankayan and Kibungan.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Catajan|first1=Maria Elena|title=Frost affects towns|url=http://www.sunstar.com.ph/baguio/local-news/2014/01/02/frost-affects-towns-321265|access-date=September 17, 2014|publisher=Sun.Star Baguio|date=January 2, 2014|archive-date=January 16, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150116195531/http://www.sunstar.com.ph/baguio/local-news/2014/01/02/frost-affects-towns-321265|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name="Inquirer, Frost">{{cite news|last1=Quitasol|first1=Kimberlie|title=Frost descends on Benguet farms|url=http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/557291/frost-descends-on-benguet-farms|access-date=September 17, 2014|publisher=[[Philippine Daily Inquirer]]|date=January 3, 2014}}</ref> In February 2007, Benguet suffered crop damage due to temperatures reaching as low as {{convert|7|C}}.<ref name=ManilaTimes>{{cite news|last1=Palangchao|first1=Harley|title=Benguet Farmers Lose Crops to Frost|url=http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1P3-1218803401.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924202644/http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1P3-1218803401.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=September 24, 2015|access-date=September 17, 2014|publisher=[[The Manila Times]]|date=February 2, 2007}}</ref>
*[[Kibungan, Benguet|Kibungan]]
{{Weather box
*[[La Trinidad, Benguet|La Trinidad]]
| metric first = yes
*[[Mankayan, Benguet|Mankayan]]
| single line = yes
*[[Sablan, Benguet|Sablan]]
*[[Tuba, Benguet|Tuba]]
| location = Benguet
| Jan high C = 23.1
*[[Tublay, Benguet|Tublay]]
| Feb high C = 23.9
| Mar high C = 24.7
| Apr high C = 25.3
| May high C = 24.6
| Jun high C = 24.1
| Jul high C = 22.9
| Aug high C = 22.5
| Sep high C = 23
| Oct high C = 23.6
| Nov high C = 23.8
| Dec high C = 23.3
| Jan low C = 13.3
| Feb low C = 13.9
| Mar low C = 14.8
| Apr low C = 16.2
| May low C = 16.7
| Jun low C = 16.6
| Jul low C = 16.4
| Aug low C = 16.6
| Sep low C = 16.3
| Oct low C = 16
| Nov low C = 15.5
| Dec low C = 14.2
| precipitation colour = green
| Jan precipitation mm = 150.8
| Feb precipitation mm = 101.8
| Mar precipitation mm = 82.3
| Apr precipitation mm = 44.9
| May precipitation mm = 132.5
| Jun precipitation mm = 146
| Jul precipitation mm = 196.9
| Aug precipitation mm = 181.6
| Sep precipitation mm = 168.5
| Oct precipitation mm = 199.2
| Nov precipitation mm = 191.2
| Dec precipitation mm = 233.7
| Jan rain days = 2
| Feb rain days = 3
| Mar rain days = 6
| Apr rain days = 9
| May rain days = 19
| Jun rain days = 21
| Jul rain days = 26
| Aug rain days = 26
| Sep rain days = 23
| Oct rain days = 14
| Nov rain days = 9
| Dec rain days = 5
| source 1 = ''Storm247'' {{small|(for average temperature and rainy days)}}<ref name="Storm246-BenguetPH"/>
| source 2 = ''WorldWeatherOnline'' {{small|(for average precipitation)}}<ref name=WorldWeatherOnline-BenguetPH>{{cite web|title=Benguet Monthly Climate Average, Philippines|url=http://us.worldweatheronline.com/benguet-weather-averages/masbate/ph.aspx|website=World Weather Online|access-date=January 29, 2016}}</ref>

}}

===Administrative divisions===
Benguet comprises 13 [[Philippine municipality|municipalities]], all encompassed by [[Legislative district of Benguet|double legislative districts]].{{PSGC detail|nscb}}

The [[Cities of the Philippines#Classification|highly urbanized city]] of [[Baguio]], although administratively independent from Benguet, is situated in the interior of the province, surrounded by the municipalities of [[La Trinidad, Benguet|La Trinidad]], [[Itogon, Benguet|Itogon]], [[Sablan, Benguet|Sablan]] and [[Tuba, Benguet|Tuba]]. The city used to be part of the province but became independent when the city's charter was enacted in 1909.

[[File:Ph fil benguet.png|thumb|upright=1.1|{{center|'''Political map of Benguet'''}}]]

[[File:Benguet Barangay Map.png|thumb|Barangay Map of Benguet Province]]

{{col-begin|width=auto}}
{{col-break}}
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="table-layout:fixed;text-align:right;background-color:white;font-size:95%;border-collapse:collapse;margin:auto;"
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
! scope="col" style="border-width:thin 0 0 thin;" class="unsortable" rowspan=2 |
! scope="col" style="border-width:thin 0 0 0;text-align:left;" class="unsortable" colspan=2 | City {{small|or}} municipality{{thinsp}}{{efn-lr|name=Coord}}
! scope="col" style="border-bottom:0;text-align:center;" class="unsortable" colspan=3 | Population
! scope="col" style="border-bottom:0;text-align:center;" class="unsortable" | {{PSGC rubric}}
! scope="col" style="border-bottom:0;text-align:center;" class="unsortable" colspan=2 | Area{{PSGC detail|nscb}}
! scope="col" style="border-bottom:0;text-align:center;" class="unsortable" colspan=2 | Density
! scope="col" style="border-bottom:0;text-align:center;" class="unsortable" | {{abbr|Barangay|Total number of barangays}}
|-
! style="border-width:0 thin thin 0;" colspan=2 |
! style="border-width:0 0 thin thin;text-align:center;" colspan=2 | {{small|(2020)}}{{PH census|2020|CAR}}
! style="border-width:0 thin thin 0;text-align:center;" | {{small|(2015)}}{{PH census|2015|CAR}}
! style="border-top:0;" |
! style="border-width:0 0 thin thin;text-align:center;" | km<sup>2</sup>
! style="border-width:0 thin thin 0;text-align:center;" class="unsortable" | {{nowrap|sq{{thinsp}}mi}}
! style="border-width:0 0 thin thin;text-align:center;" | /km<sup>2</sup>
! style="border-width:0 thin thin 0;text-align:center;" class="unsortable" | {{nowrap|/sq{{thinsp}}mi}}
! style="border-top:0;" |
|-
! scope="row" style="border-right:0;background-color:initial;" | {{coord|16.5712|N|120.6814|E|name=Atok|region:PH-BEN_type:city|format=hidden}}
| style="text-align:left;font-weight:bold;border-left:0;" colspan=2 | [[Atok, Benguet|Atok]]
| {{percent and number|19,218|460,683|disp=table|1|pad=yes}}
| 19,668
| {{PAGR|color=true|2020.5835|19,218|2015.3315|19,668}}
| {{convert|214.99|km2|abbr=values|disp=table}}
| {{convert|{{sigfig|19,218/214.99|2}}|/km2|abbr=values|disp=table}}
| style="text-align:center;" | 8
|-
! scope="row" style="border-right:0;background-color:initial;" | {{coord|16.4120|N|120.5933|E|name=Baguio|region:PH-BEN_type:city|format=hidden}}
| style="text-align:left;font-weight:bold;border-width:thin 0;" | [[Baguio]]
| style="text-align:center;border-left:0;" | ‡
| —
| 366,358
| 345,366
| {{PAGR|color=true|2020.5835|366,358|2015.3315|345,366}}
| {{convert|57.51|km2|abbr=values|disp=table}}
| {{convert|{{sigfig|366,358/57.51|2}}|/km2|abbr=values|disp=table}}
| style="text-align:center;" | 129
|-
! scope="row" style="border-right:0;background-color:initial;" | {{coord|16.7909|N|120.6638|E|name=Bakun|region:PH-BEN_type:city|format=hidden}}
| style="text-align:left;font-weight:bold;border-left:0;" colspan=2 | [[Bakun, Benguet|Bakun]]
| {{percent and number|14,535|460,683|disp=table|1|pad=yes}}
| 15,357
| {{PAGR|color=true|2020.5835|14,535|2015.3315|15,357}}
| {{convert|286.91|km2|abbr=values|disp=table}}
| {{convert|{{sigfig|14,535/286.91|2}}|/km2|abbr=values|disp=table}}
| style="text-align:center;" | 7
|-
! scope="row" style="border-right:0;background-color:initial;" | {{coord|16.4917|N|120.8296|E|name=Bokod|region:PH-BEN_type:city|format=hidden}}
| style="text-align:left;font-weight:bold;border-left:0;" colspan=2 | [[Bokod, Benguet|Bokod]]
| {{percent and number|14,435|460,683|disp=table|1|pad=yes}}
| 13,756
| {{PAGR|color=true|2020.5835|14,435|2015.3315|13,756}}
| {{convert|274.96|km2|abbr=values|disp=table}}
| {{convert|{{sigfig|14,435/274.96|2}}|/km2|abbr=values|disp=table}}
| style="text-align:center;" | 10
|-
! scope="row" style="border-right:0;background-color:initial;" | {{coord|16.7201|N|120.8263|E|name=Buguias|region:PH-BEN_type:city|format=hidden}}
| style="text-align:left;font-weight:bold;border-left:0;" colspan=2 | [[Buguias, Benguet|Buguias]]
| {{percent and number|44,877|460,683|disp=table|1|pad=yes}}
| 43,627
| {{PAGR|color=true|2020.5835|44,877|2015.3315|43,627}}
| {{convert|175.88|km2|abbr=values|disp=table}}
| {{convert|{{sigfig|44,877/175.88|2}}|/km2|abbr=values|disp=table}}
| style="text-align:center;" | 14
|-
! scope="row" style="border-right:0;background-color:initial;" | {{coord|16.3595|N|120.6773|E|name=Itogon|region:PH-BEN_type:city|format=hidden}}
| style="text-align:left;font-weight:bold;border-left:0;" colspan=2 | [[Itogon, Benguet|Itogon]]
| {{percent and number|61,498|460,683|disp=table|1|pad=yes}}
| 59,820
| {{PAGR|color=true|2020.5835|61,498|2015.3315|59,820}}
| {{convert|449.73|km2|abbr=values|disp=table}}
| {{convert|{{sigfig|61,498/449.73|2}}|/km2|abbr=values|disp=table}}
| style="text-align:center;" | 9
|-
! scope="row" style="border-right:0;background-color:initial;" | {{coord|16.6228|N|120.8380|E|name=Kabayan|region:PH-BEN_type:city|format=hidden}}
| style="text-align:left;font-weight:bold;border-left:0;" colspan=2 | [[Kabayan, Benguet|Kabayan]]
| {{percent and number|15,806|460,683|disp=table|1|pad=yes}}
| 15,260
| {{PAGR|color=true|2020.5835|15,806|2015.3315|15,260}}
| {{convert|242.69|km2|abbr=values|disp=table}}
| {{convert|{{sigfig|15,806/242.69|2}}|/km2|abbr=values|disp=table}}
| style="text-align:center;" | 13
|-
! scope="row" style="border-right:0;background-color:initial;" | {{coord|16.5751|N|120.5979|E|name=Kapangan|region:PH-BEN_type:city|format=hidden}}
| style="text-align:left;font-weight:bold;border-left:0;" colspan=2 | [[Kapangan, Benguet|Kapangan]]
| {{percent and number|19,297|460,683|disp=table|1|pad=yes}}
| 19,361
| {{PAGR|color=true|2020.5835|19,297|2015.3315|19,361}}
| {{convert|164.39|km2|abbr=values|disp=table}}
| {{convert|{{sigfig|19,297/164.39|2}}|/km2|abbr=values|disp=table}}
| style="text-align:center;" | 15
|-
! scope="row" style="border-right:0;background-color:initial;" | {{coord|16.6937|N|120.6539|E|name=Kibungan|region:PH-BEN_type:city|format=hidden}}
| style="text-align:left;font-weight:bold;border-left:0;" colspan=2 | [[Kibungan, Benguet|Kibungan]]
| {{percent and number|17,051|460,683|disp=table|1|pad=yes}}
| 17,292
| {{PAGR|color=true|2020.5835|17,051|2015.3315|17,292}}
| {{convert|254.86|km2|abbr=values|disp=table}}
| {{convert|{{sigfig|17,051/254.86|2}}|/km2|abbr=values|disp=table}}
| style="text-align:center;" | 7
|-
! scope="row" style="border-width:medium 0 medium medium;background-color:initial;" | {{coord|16.4617|N|120.5885|E|name=La Trinidad|region:PH-BEN_type:city|format=hidden}}
| style="text-align:left;font-weight:bold;border-width:medium 0 medium;" | [[La Trinidad, Benguet|La&nbsp;Trinidad]]
| style="border-width:medium medium medium 0;text-align:center;" | †
| {{percent and number|137,404|460,683|disp=table|1|pad=yes}}
| 129,133
| {{PAGR|color=true|2020.5835|137,404|2015.3315|129,133}}
| {{convert|70.04|km2|abbr=values|disp=table}}
| {{convert|{{sigfig|137,404/70.04|2}}|/km2|abbr=values|disp=table}}
| style="text-align:center;" | 16
|-
! scope="row" style="border-right:0;background-color:initial;" | {{coord|16.8569|N|120.7938|E|name=Mankayan|region:PH-BEN_type:city|format=hidden}}
| style="text-align:left;font-weight:bold;border-left:0;" colspan=2 | [[Mankayan, Benguet|Mankayan]]
| {{percent and number|37,233|460,683|disp=table|1|pad=yes}}
| 35,953
| {{PAGR|color=true|2020.5835|37,233|2015.3315|35,953}}
| {{convert|130.48|km2|abbr=values|disp=table}}
| {{convert|{{sigfig|37,233/130.48|2}}|/km2|abbr=values|disp=table}}
| style="text-align:center;" | 12
|-
! scope="row" style="border-right:0;background-color:initial;" | {{coord|16.4959|N|120.4880|E|name=Sablan|region:PH-BEN_type:city|format=hidden}}
| style="text-align:left;font-weight:bold;border-left:0;" colspan=2 | [[Sablan, Benguet|Sablan]]
| {{percent and number|11,588|460,683|disp=table|1|pad=yes}}
| 11,457
| {{PAGR|color=true|2020.5835|11,588|2015.3315|11,457}}
| {{convert|105.63|km2|abbr=values|disp=table}}
| {{convert|{{sigfig|11,588/105.63|2}}|/km2|abbr=values|disp=table}}
| style="text-align:center;" | 8
|-
! scope="row" style="border-right:0;background-color:initial;" | {{coord|16.3927|N|120.5622|E|name=Tuba|region:PH-BEN_type:city|format=hidden}}
| style="text-align:left;font-weight:bold;border-left:0;" colspan=2 | [[Tuba, Benguet|Tuba]]
| {{percent and number|48,312|460,683|disp=table|1|pad=yes}}
| 47,648
| {{PAGR|color=true|2020.5835|48,312|2015.3315|47,648}}
| {{convert|295.97|km2|abbr=values|disp=table}}
| {{convert|{{sigfig|48,312/295.97|2}}|/km2|abbr=values|disp=table}}
| style="text-align:center;" | 13
|-
! scope="row" style="border-right:0;background-color:initial;" | {{coord|16.4751|N|120.6329|E|name=Tublay|region:PH-BEN_type:city|format=hidden}}
| style="text-align:left;font-weight:bold;border-left:0;" colspan=2 | [[Tublay, Benguet|Tublay]]
| {{percent and number|19,429|460,683|disp=table|1|pad=yes}}
| 17,892
| {{PAGR|color=true|2020.5835|19,429|2015.3315|17,892}}
| {{convert|102.55|km2|abbr=values|disp=table}}
| {{convert|{{sigfig|19,429/102.55|2}}|/km2|abbr=values|disp=table}}
| style="text-align:center;" | 8
|-class="sortbottom"
! scope="row" colspan=4 style="text-align:left;" | Total{{thinsp}}{{efn-lr|name=Total}}
! style="text-align:right;" | 460,683
! style="text-align:right;" | 446,224
! style="text-align:right;" | {{PAGR|color=true|2020.5835|460,683|2015.3315|446,224}}
! style="text-align:right;" | 2,769.08
! {{convert|2,769.08|km2|disp=number|2}}
! style="text-align:right;" | {{sigfig|460,683/2,769.08|2}}
! style="text-align:right;" | {{convert|{{sigfig|460,683/2,769.08|2}}|PD/km2|disp=number}}
! style="text-align:center;" | [[List of barangays in Benguet|140]]
|- class="sortbottom" style="background-color:#F2F2F2;line-height:1.3em;border-top:double grey;"
| colspan=2 style="border-width:thin 0 0 thin;" |
| colspan=5 style="border-width:thin 0 0 0;text-align:center;padding:0.7em 0 0 0;" | {{Color box|white|†|border=darkgray}}{{thinsp}}Capital&nbsp;municipality
| colspan=6 style="border-width:thin 0 0 0;text-align:left;padding:0.7em 0 0 0;" | {{Color box|white|border=darkgray}}{{thinsp}}Municipality
|- class="sortbottom" style="background-color:#F2F2F2;line-height:1.3em;"
| colspan=13 style="border-width:0 thin;text-align:center;padding:0;" |
{{Color box|white|‡|border=darkgray}}{{thinsp}}{{font|Highly&nbsp;urbanized city (''geographically&nbsp;within but independent from the&nbsp;province'')}}
|- class="sortbottom" style="background-color:#F2F2F2;line-height:1.3em;font-size:110%;border-top:0;"
| colspan=13 style="border-top:0;text-align:left;padding:0 10em;" |
{{notelist-lr|refs=
{{efn-lr|name=Coord|The ''globe''&nbsp;[[File:WMA button2b.png|frameless|upright=0.1]] icon marks the [[town center|city/town&nbsp;center]].}}
{{efn-lr|name=Total|Total figures exclude the ''highly urbanized city'' of Baguio.}}
}}
|}
|}
{{col-break}}
{{col-end}}


===Barangays===
==Tourist Attractions==
The 13 municipalities of the province comprise a total of 140 [[barangay]]s, with ''Pico'' in La Trinidad as the most populous in 2010, and ''Anchokey'' in Kabayan as the least.{{PH census|2010|CAR}}
{{Further|List of barangays in Benguet}}


==Demographics==
While [[Baguio City]] is not officially part of Benguet, its location provides additional income in form of tourism for the province. Some of the interesting places are, [[Kennon Road]], [[Binga Hydroelectic Plant]], strawberry and flower farms in [[La Trinidad, Benguet|La Trinidad]], the [[Ambuklao Dam]] in Bokod, and the Palina and Naguey rice terraces in Atok.
{{Philippine Census
Aside from these, Tuba and Tublay hotsprings are usually flock by local tourists from the neighboring provinces. Remote Buguias hotspring can also be reached now and the "Man-asok" river can be appreciated early in the morning because of the "smoking like" but in reality it's the vapors that rise up.
| align= left
| title= Population census of {{PH wikidata|name}}
| 1903 = {{PH census population|1903}}
| 1918 = {{PH census population|1918}}
| 1939 = {{PH census population|1939}}
| 1948 = {{PH census population|1948}}
| 1960 = {{PH census population|1960}}
| 1970 = {{PH census population|1970}}
| 1975 = {{PH census population|1975}}
| 1980 = {{PH census population|1980}}
| 1990 = {{PH census population|1990}}
| 1995 = {{PH census population|1995}}
| 2000 = {{PH census population|2000}}
| 2007 = {{PH census population|2007}}
| 2010 = {{PH census population|2010}}
| 2015 = {{PH census population|2015}}
| 2020 = {{PH census population|2020}}
| 2025 =
| 2030 =
| footnote = (''excluding Baguio'')<br />Source: Philippine Statistics Authority{{PH census|2015|CAR}}{{PH census|2010|CAR}}{{PH census|2010}}
}}


The population of Benguet in the 2020 census was 460,683 people,{{PH census|current|CAR}} making it the most populous province in the region. It had a density of {{convert|{{sigfig|460,683/2,769.08|2}}|PD/km2|disp=or}}. If the highly urbanized city of [[Baguio]] is included for geographical purposes, the population is 791,590, with a density of {{Pop density|791590|2826.59|km2|mi2|prec=0}}.
==History==


In the May 2000 census, Benguet had a total population of 330,129. This figure is up by 16,296 from 313,833 persons recorded in the 1995 census, giving an annual growth rate of 1.09% during the 5-year period compared to the national average of 2.43%. The province registered 63,123 households, an increase of 4,588 households over the 1990 figure. This gave an average household size of 5.20 persons, slightly higher than the national average of 4.99.
'''Early History.''' The mountainous area now covered by Benguet is home to several native tribes which are collectively known as the [[Igorot]]. Two of these, the [[Ibaloi]] and the [[Kankana-ey]], are dominant tribes of the area. Many of these tribes are believed by Filipino anthropologists to be of [[Malay people|Malay]] descent. Before the arrival of the [[Spain|Spanish]] colonizers these tribes had a flourishing trade with the lowlanders such as the [[Ilocos|Ilocanos]] and the [[Pangasinan|Pangasinenses]].


{| class="wikitable" style=font-size:85%;white-space:nowrap;line-height:1.3em;border:none;" align=right
'''Spanish Period.''' When the Spanish arrived, they attempted to colonize the highlands, having heard of the rich gold mines in the mountains. In 1572, [[Juan de Salcedo]] led a small expedition into southern Benguet, but the natives forced them to retreat. The first major expedition into the mountains occurred in 1620, when Spanish explorers went into the [[La Trinidad Valley]] and briefly controlled some Igorot gold mines, which were later abandoned after a few years.
|-
! scope="col" | Ethnicity as of 2000<ref name="CensusGovPH-2000Census" />
|-
| style="border:none;" |
{{#invoke:Chart|pie chart
| radius = 100
| slices =
( 141434 : Kankanaey : : [[Kankanaey people|Kankanaey]] )
( 95968 : Ibaloi : : [[Ibaloi people|Ibaloi]] )
( 43984 : Ilocano : : [[Ilocano people|Ilocano]] )
( 12147 : Kalanguya : : [[Kalanguya people|Kalanguya]] )
( 7773 : Tagalog : : [[Tagalog people|Tagalog]] )
( 27396 : ''Others'' )
( 239 : ''Other foreign ethnicity'' )
( 575 : ''Not Reported'' )
| percent = true
}}
|}
{{clear left}}


===Ethnicity===
In the 1800s, the Spanish colonizers made more serious attempts at conquering the highlands. The first expeditions were done under the leadership of Col. Guillermo Galvey and it succeeded in establishing presence in the La Trinidad Valley, which he named after his wife.
{{Further|Kankanaey people|Ibaloi people|Kalanguya people|Igorot people|Ilocano people}}


The [[Igorot people|people]] of Benguet comprise three main [[ethnolinguistic group]]s. [[Kankanaey people|Kankanaeys]] dominate the northwestern municipalities, [[Ibaloi]]s are concentrated on the southeast, and [[Kalanguya people|Kalanguyas]] are mostly found in the east.<ref name=FastFactsPhilProv /><ref>{{cite web|title=About Benguet Province, Philippines|url=http://www.islandsproperties.com/places/benguet.htm|website=IslandsWeb Online Services|access-date=September 17, 2014}}</ref><ref name=NCCA>{{cite web|title=Facts & Figures: Benguet Province|url=http://www.nscb.gov.ph/rucar/fnf_benguet.htm|website=National Commission for Culture and the Arts|access-date=September 17, 2014}}</ref> Migrants from lowland provinces have fused with the local populace to form a [[melting pot]] in some{{vague|date=July 2016}} areas.<ref name=Benguet_Gov>{{cite web|title=Benguet History |url=http://www.benguet.gov.ph/index.php?Itemid=268 |website=Province of Benguet (Official Website) |access-date=September 17, 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141019211257/http://www.benguet.gov.ph/index.php?Itemid=268 |archive-date=October 19, 2014 }}</ref><ref name=NCCA /><ref name=CPA_Phils>{{cite web|title=The Cordillera: Its Land and People|url=http://www.cpaphils.org/cordillera.htm|website=Cordillera Peoples Alliance|access-date=September 17, 2014}}</ref>
This area later became a district of the new province of [[La Union province|La Union]] in 1846. Eight years later, in 1854, Benguet became a separate ''comandancia politico-militar''. Parts of the present province were established as component territories of other ''comandancias'' such as Lepanto, and Amburayan.


According to the 2000 Philippine census, Kankanaeys comprised {{percent and number|141,434|329,216|2}} of the entire provincial household population of 329,216 at the time, while {{percent and number|95,968|329,216|2}} were identified as Ibalois, and {{percent and number|12,147|329,216|2}} were [[Kalanguya people|Ikalahan/Kalanguya]]. Major resident lowland ethnic groups included [[Ilocano people|Ilocanos]] at {{percent and number|43,984|329,216|2}} and [[Tagalog people|Tagalogs]] at {{percent and number|7,773|329,216|2}}. Ilokano population particularly doctors, teachers, businessmen and public servants arrived during the American period for the improvement of the health condition and for the education of the people. The pioneer Ilocanos helped establish La Trinidad as a commercial and political center.This resulted in an improved healthcare, education and economic life of the people' lives. It also established a closer ties between the Ilocanos and the Cordillerans.
'''American Period.''' When the [[United States|Americans]] took control of the Philippines, they established local civil governments in many parts of the country. In Benguet, the civil government was established on Nevember 23, 1900 by virtue of Act No. 49. H.P. Whitmarsh, a [[Canada|Canadian]] journalist, was appointed as the first governor of Benguet.
<ref name="CensusGovPH-2000Census">{{cite web|title=Benguet: Dependency Ratio Down by Four Persons; Table 5. Household Population by Ethnicity and Sex: Benguet, 2000|url=http://census.gov.ph/content/benguet-dependency-ratio-down-four-persons|website=Philippine Statistics Authority|access-date=July 24, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150421091400/http://census.gov.ph/content/benguet-dependency-ratio-down-four-persons|archive-date=April 21, 2015|date=April 26, 2002|url-status=dead}}</ref>


===Languages===
The Americans then established the [[Mountain Province]] on [[August 18]], [[1908]], with the enactment of Act No. 1876. Benguet, along with Amburayan, [[Apayao]], Bontoc, [[Ifugao]], [[Kalinga Province|Kalinga]], and Lepanto, became sub-provinces of this new province. Later on, [[Baguio City|Baguio]] became a chartered city in 1909. Then in 1920, Benguet absorbed the sub-provinces of Amburayan and Lepanto.
Benguet residents generally speak their own languages in addition to [[Ilocano language|Ilocano]], [[Tagalog language|Tagalog]], and [[English language|English]], which are used for trade and commerce. The [[Ibaloi people|Ibaloi]] tribe speak [[Ibaloi language|Ibaloi]], which is similar to [[Pangasinan language|Pangasinan]], while the [[Kankanaey people|Kankanaey]] have their [[Kankana-ey language|own eponymous language]], which is related to the [[Bontoc language]].

The [[Ethnologue|SIL Ethnologue database]] classifies the languages under the ''[[South–Central Cordilleran languages|South-Central Cordilleran]]'' branch. [[Ibaloi language|Nabaloy]] (named in the database as ''Ibaloi'') is part of the ''Southern Cordilleran'' branch which also includes [[Pangasinan language|Pangasinense]]. The [[Kankanaey language]] is under the ''Central Cordilleran'' branch, which also includes [[Bontoc language|Bontoc]] and [[Ifugao language|Ifugao]].<ref name="EthnologueCom-Austronesian">{{cite web|title=Austronesian|url=http://www.ethnologue.com/subgroups/austronesian-1|website=Ethnologue: Languages of the World|access-date=July 22, 2016}}</ref>

===Religion===
[[File:FvfSablanBenguet0262 16.JPG|thumb|Immaculate Conception Parish Church in [[Sablan, Benguet|Sablan]]]]
[[Roman Catholicism in the Philippines|Roman Catholicism]] is the predominant religion with 59% adherence,<ref>{{Cite web | url=https://www.rappler.com/newsbreak/iq/81162-map-catholicism-philippines | title=MAP: Catholicism in the Philippines| date=January 18, 2015}}</ref> Other groups such as [[Members Church of God International|Members Church of God International (MCG)]],<ref>{{Cite news |date=May 8, 2024 |title=𝗠𝗖𝗚𝗜 𝗖𝗮𝗿𝗲𝘀 𝗕𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴𝘀 𝗛𝗼𝗽𝗲 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗛𝗲𝗮𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗼 𝗗𝗮𝘆𝗻𝗲𝘁, 𝗔𝗺𝗽𝘂𝗰𝗮𝗼 |url=https://www.facebook.com/MCGICaresOfficial/posts/pfbid02m4S1aoqCoJNddD9nNzev9f9fDr2w6sGU86Mcz7faCVuVjAjeF1kPRSYwqukkW3ZGl |url-status=live |access-date=May 8, 2024 |work=MCGI Cares}}</ref> [[Heresy in Christianity|Protestants]], especially [[Anglicans]], [[Methodists]], [[Baptists]], and [[Evangelicals]], form about 33% of the population,<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://philchal.org/dawn/provinceupdates/Table%201_%20BENGUET2008.pdf |title=Archived copy |access-date=October 9, 2017 |archive-date=January 14, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140114113329/http://philchal.org/dawn/provinceupdates/Table%201_%20BENGUET2008.pdf |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref name="psa.gov.ph">[http://psa.gov.ph/sites/default/files/attachments/hsd/specialrelease/Benguet_Statistical%20Tables.xls Benguet Statistical Tables] psa.gov.ph</ref> while the [[Iglesia ni Cristo]] forms about 7%.<ref>{{Cite web | url=https://www.rappler.com/newsbreak/iq/64391-map-iglesia-ni-cristo-population-philippines | title=MAP: Iglesia ni Cristo in the Philippines| date=July 26, 2014}}</ref> There is also small community of [[Muslims]] (0.472% of the province population).

{{Pie chart
| percent = true
| radius = 100
| thumb =
| other = yes
| caption = Religious breakdown in Benguet<ref name="psa.gov.ph"/>
| label1 = Roman Catholicism
| value1 = 59
| color1 = Red
| label2 = Protestantism
| value2 = 33
| color2 = Blue
| label3 = Iglesia ni Cristo
| value3 = 2
| color3 = Green
}}

==Economy==
{{stack|float=left|{{PH poverty incidence}}}}
[[File:FvfSablanBenguet0402 33.JPG|thumb|upright=0.8|Benguet is a major producer of highland vegetables in the country.]]

[[Agriculture]], [[mining]], and [[tourism]] are the major industries in Benguet. Its cool climate and high altitude has made it an ideal place for producing highland vegetables. Benguet is often called the ''Salad Bowl of the Philippines''.<ref name=ItsMoreFun>{{cite web|title=Cordillera Autonomous Region|url=http://itsmorefuninthephilippines.com/benguet/|website=It's More Fun in the Philippines|access-date=September 17, 2014|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130509114013/http://itsmorefuninthephilippines.com/benguet/|archive-date=May 9, 2013}}</ref><ref name=FastFactsPhilProv /><ref name=NCCA /> The La Trinidad Vegetable Trading Post in the capital town of La Trinidad serves as the hub of vegetable trading in the province, attracting farmers, merchants and traders from the local community and the Philippines' different provinces.<ref name=BAR>{{cite web|author1=Angela E. Obnial|title=La Trinidad veggie trading post revisited|url=http://www.bar.gov.ph/chronicle-home/archives-list/374-december-2005-issue/2624-la-trinidad-veggie-trading-post-revisited|website=Bureau of Agricultural Research Chronicle|publisher=Bureau of Agricultural Research|access-date=September 17, 2014|date=December 2005|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141009231415/http://www.bar.gov.ph/chronicle-home/archives-list/374-december-2005-issue/2624-la-trinidad-veggie-trading-post-revisited|archive-date=October 9, 2014}}</ref> Major crops produced which include [[potato]]es, [[Green bean|Baguio beans]], [[pea]]s, [[strawberry|strawberries]], [[cabbage]], [[broccoli]], [[cauliflower]], [[lettuce]], [[sayote]] and [[carrot]]s are shipped throughout the country.<ref name=FastFactsPhilProv /><ref name="CNNPhil-HighlandVegetables">{{cite news|last1=Agreda|first1=JM|title=Highland vegetable prices increase in Benguet|url=http://cnnphilippines.com/regional/2015/07/08/highland-vegetables-increase-benguet.html|access-date=February 29, 2016|work=CNN Philippines|date=July 8, 2015|quote=Benguet produces more than 1.6 million kilograms of vegetables daily to Metro Manila and the rest of Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao. Benguet province currently supplies 80 percent of highland vegetables such as carrots, sayote, potatoes, lettuce, cabbage among other semi-temperate vegetables being sold in Metro Manila public markets and supermarkets.|archive-date=March 5, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160305121852/http://cnnphilippines.com/regional/2015/07/08/highland-vegetables-increase-benguet.html|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Province of Benguet: Fast Facts|url=http://www.benguet.gov.ph/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=316:fast-facts&catid=73:general|website=Province of Benguet website|access-date=September 17, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150923183551/http://www.benguet.gov.ph/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=316:fast-facts&catid=73:general|archive-date=September 23, 2015|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name="SunStar-Vegetables">{{cite news|last1=Catajan|first1=Maria Elena|title=Benguet ships 11 tons of vegetables for Christmas|url=http://www.sunstar.com.ph/baguio/local-news/2015/12/24/benguet-ships-11-tons-vegetables-christmas-448680|access-date=February 29, 2016|work=[[Sun.Star]] Baguio|date=December 24, 2015|quote=BENGUET farmers have shipped 2.5 million kilos of vegetables from Saturday to Tuesday as they try to keep out with bulk orders for the Christmas holiday. ... Benguet provides 80 percent of the country's vegetable needs. ... As many as 140 trucks haul vegetables from the Benguet Trading Post mainly to Metro Manila.}}</ref>

[[Horticulture]] and [[floriculture]] are practiced in the province.<ref name=ManilaBulletin>{{cite news|last1=Comanda|first1=Zaldy|title=Benguet grows Holland tulips|url=http://www.mb.com.ph/benguet-grows-holland-tulips/|access-date=September 17, 2014|publisher=[[Manila Bulletin]]|date=February 15, 2014}}</ref> The province supplies flowers to the different municipalities, including Baguio, as well as to [[Metro Manila]], including other parts of Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Agreda|first1=JM|title=Baguio flowers sell fast despite price increase|url=http://cnnphilippines.com/regional/2015/10/30/Baguio-flowers-sell-fast-despite-price-increase.html|access-date=February 29, 2016|work=CNN Philippines|date=October 30, 2015|quote=Majority of flowers sold in Dangwa in Metro Manila are being propagated in Benguet. The province produced more than 30 million metric tons of cut flowers in 2014, making it the top flower producer and supplier for most of Luzon including Metro Manila, Visayas and Mindanao and providing farmers of millions of pesos in earnings annually.|archive-date=March 5, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160305120257/http://cnnphilippines.com/regional/2015/10/30/Baguio-flowers-sell-fast-despite-price-increase.html|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name=InterAksyon>{{cite news|title=Benguet farmers harvest of tons of fresh flowers for All Saints Day|url=http://www.sunstar.com.ph/baguio/local-news/2013/01/17/benguet-flowers-ready-panagbenga-263313|access-date=September 17, 2014|agency=Philippines News Agency|publisher=InterAksyon.com|date=October 29, 2013}}</ref><ref name="Sun.Star">{{cite news|last1=Catajan|first1=Ma. Elena|title=Benguet flowers ready for Panagbenga|url=http://www.sunstar.com.ph/baguio/local-news/2013/01/17/benguet-flowers-ready-panagbenga-263313|access-date=September 17, 2014|publisher=[[Sun.Star]] Publishing, Inc.|date=January 17, 2013}}</ref> [[Rose]]s are produced, particularly in Barangay Bahong in La Trinidad, earning the barangay the title ''Rose Capital of the Philippines''.<ref name="SunStar-BahongFlowers">{{cite news|last1=Polonio|first1=Jessa Mardy|title=Flower power in Bahong|url=http://www.sunstar.com.ph/baguio/feature/2016/02/27/flower-power-bahong-459556|access-date=February 29, 2016|work=Sun.Star Baguio|date=February 27, 2016|quote=Aside from strawberries, the municipality of La Trinidad is also known for its flower growing villages where eco-farm tourism is being developed as a {{sic|complimentary|expected=complementary}} destination outside Baguio. The towns of La Trinidad, Atok, Tublay, Kapangan, Kibungan and Buguias have been producing cut flowers sold in several local markets around the country. Barangay Bahong in La Trinidad is dubbed as the famous flower growing community declared as the Rose Capital of the Philippines in 1998 by then Department of Agriculture Secretary William Dar.}}</ref> Apisang (scientific name: ''[[Pittosporum resiniferum]]''), a plant [[endemic]] to the Philippines (as well as Malaysia), is grown in the municipalities of Kapangan and Kibungan as a potential alternative source of fuel and energy, rivaling the [[jatropha]] [[biofuel]] plant.<ref name=PhilStar>{{cite news|last1=Dumlao|first1=Artemio|title=Tree for alternative fuel found in Cordillera|url=http://www.philstar.com/good-news/498255/tree-alternative-fuel-found-cordillera|access-date=September 17, 2014|publisher=[[The Philippine Star]]|date=August 23, 2009}}</ref><ref name=Inquirer>{{cite news|title=Benguet finds oil treasure in 'petroleum nut'|url=http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/regions/view/20090702-213557/Benguet-finds-oil-treasure-in-petroleum-nut|access-date=September 17, 2014|publisher=[[Philippine Daily Inquirer]]|date=July 2, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150116183350/http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/regions/view/20090702-213557/Benguet-finds-oil-treasure-in-petroleum-nut|archive-date=January 16, 2015|url-status=dead}}</ref>

Other agricultural-related activities are [[mung bean|monggo]] processing, [[fruit preserves|fruit preservation]], [[peanut brittle]] manufacturing, [[broom]] making and [[basket weaving]].<ref name=FastFactsPhilProv /><ref name=ChoosePhil>{{cite web|title=The Pasalubong Map: Luzon|url=http://www.choosephilippines.com/specials/lists/1286/pasalubong-map-luzon/|website=Choose Philippines|access-date=September 17, 2014|date=April 14, 2014}}</ref>

Mining is a major industry in Benguet, which is one of the country's leading [[gold]] producers.<ref name=FastFactsPhilProv /> The [[Benguet Corporation]], the first and oldest mining company in the Philippines, has extracted gold, [[copper]] and [[chromite]] in [[Itogon, Benguet|Itogon]] since 1903.<ref name=BengCorp>{{cite web|url=http://benguetcorp.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/BC-Corporate-Profile.pdf|title=Benguet Corporation: Corporate Profile|access-date=November 18, 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Benguet Corp|url=https://www.bloomberg.com/quote/BC:PM|website=Bloomberg|access-date=September 17, 2014}}</ref>

Other mineral deposits are [[silver]], copper, [[pyrite]], and [[limestone]]. [[Silver]] smithing is a large industry in Benguet, and many entrepreneurs sell silver works at lower prices in [[Baguio]] compared to [[Manila]]. In 2006, revenues from mining reached 4 billion pesos from just two (Lepanto Consolidated Mining Corporation and Philex Mines) of many mining firms operating in the province. The province's mining vigor has never translated into better quality of life of the Benguet people, simply because a bulk of the mining firm's taxes are not paid directly to the province.<ref name="Inquirer-Itogon">{{cite news|last1=Cabreza|first1=Vincent|title=Country's first mine town should have been richest in PH|url=http://business.inquirer.net/88414/countrys-first-mine-town-should-have-been-richest-in-ph|access-date=July 23, 2016|publisher=Inquirer Northern Luzon|date=October 20, 2012}}</ref> The two mining corporations, like many others around the country, have principal offices in the City of Makati, a set-up that makes Makati the prime mining tax beneficiary.

The location of Baguio within Benguet draws many tourists from the lowlands. Often, people who go to Baguio also explore the province, especially the strawberry fields in La Trinidad.
{{clear left}}

==Education==
Higher education in the province is centered in the capital town of [[La Trinidad, Benguet|La Trinidad]],<ref name="JosephGoshenLand">{{cite news|title=La Trinidad Now Rivals Baguio as Educational Center|url=http://joseph.goshenlandcapital.com/la-trinidad-now-rivals-baguio-educational-center/|access-date=July 22, 2016|work=Joseph|publisher=Goshen Land|date=June 11, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161008151440/http://joseph.goshenlandcapital.com/la-trinidad-now-rivals-baguio-educational-center/|archive-date=October 8, 2016|url-status=dead}}</ref> which houses the ''Main Campus'' of the only university in Benguet, the [[Benguet State University]] (BSU). The university has two [[satellite campus]]es in two municipalities; the ''Buguias Campus'' at [[Buguias, Benguet|Loo, Buguias]], and the ''Bokod Campus'' at [[Bokod, Benguet|Ambangeg, Bokod]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Colleges, Institutes, & Campuses|url=http://www.bsu.edu.ph/content/academics/colleges-institutes-campuses|website=[[Benguet State University]]|access-date=September 17, 2014}}</ref>

Other educational institutions which include Advocates Academic College, BVS Colleges, Cordillera Career Development College, King's College of the Philippines, [[Philippine College of Ministry]], [[Philippine Nazarene College]], as well as the [[Cordillera Regional Science High School]], the Benguet National High School (with several annexes) and the Benguet [[Special education|SPED]] Center are also situated within La Trinidad.

The independent chartered city of Baguio hosts several higher education institutions, which include most notably the [[University of the Philippines Baguio]], [[Saint Louis University (Philippines)|Saint Louis University]], [[University of the Cordilleras]] (formerly ''Baguio Colleges Foundation''), [[University of Baguio]], Pines City Colleges, [[Baguio Central University]], and Baguio School of Business and Technology, attracting students from across the Philippines.


==Tourism==
In the 1930s, mining companies were started to mine the gold deposits in the area. This brought it jobs and many lowlanders migrated to Benguet, especially in towns surrounding the mines, such as [[Itogon, Benguet|Itogon]].
[[File:Clouds near Mt. Pulag.jpg|thumb|Mount Pulag ''Sea of clouds'']]
The province is a major tourist destination in the country,<ref name=NSCBGov /> with most of its tourist spots centered on culture and nature.<ref name=SunStar3>{{cite news|last1=Aro|first1=Susan|title=Benguet tourism sites mostly culture, nature-based|url=http://www.sunstar.com.ph/baguio/local-news/2014/06/03/benguet-tourism-sites-mostly-culture-nature-based-346210|access-date=October 9, 2014|agency=[[Philippine Information Agency]]|publisher=[[Sun.Star]] Baguio|date=June 3, 2014}}</ref> [[Baguio]]'s location within the province provides a boost to the tourism industry of the province.<ref name=SunStar>{{cite news|last1=Catajan|first1=Maria Elena|title=Benguet tourist arrivals peak|url=http://www.sunstar.com.ph/baguio/local-news/2014/04/07/benguet-tourist-arrivals-peak-337007|access-date=October 9, 2014|publisher=[[Sun.Star]] Baguio|date=April 7, 2014}}</ref> Notable interesting places in the province include [[Mount Pulag]] along [[Kabayan, Benguet|Kabayan]], [[Kennon Road]] in [[Tuba, Benguet|Tuba]], [[Ambuklao Dam]] in [[Bokod, Benguet|Bokod]], [[Binga Dam]] in [[Itogon, Benguet|Itogon]], strawberry and flower farms in La Trinidad, and the Palina and Naguey rice terraces in [[Atok, Benguet|Atok]].


Tuba and [[Tublay, Benguet|Tublay]] hot springs are usually flocked by local tourists from the neighboring provinces. Vegetable terraces can be seen along the [[Halsema Highway]], especially during the growing season. Kabayan is known for its centuries-old [[Kabayan Mummies|mummies]], while [[Buguias, Benguet|Buguias]] is visited for its hot springs and the Apo Anno.
'''World War II.''' During [[World War II]], Igorot guerrillas and the Filipino and American forces fought battles with Japanese soldiers during the final days of the war in 1945.


==See also==
'''Post-war Era.''' On [[June 18]], [[1966]], The huge Mountain Province was split into four provinces with the enactment of [[Republic Acts of the Philippines|Republic Act]] No. 4695. The four provinces were Benguet, Mountain Province, [[Kalinga-Apayao]] and Ifugao. Benguet became one of the provinces of the [[Ilocos Region]].
* ''[[Merrittia|Merrittia benguetensis]]'' {{small|Merr.}}, plant named after the province.<ref>{{cite web |title=''Merrittia benguetensis'' Merr. {{!}} Plants of the World Online {{!}} Kew Science |url=https://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:232303-1 |website=Plants of the World Online |access-date=October 25, 2021 |language=en}}</ref>


==References==
On [[July 15]], [[1987]], the [[Cordillera Administrative Region]] was established and Benguet was made one of its provinces.
{{Reflist|30em}}


==External links==
==External links==
{{GeoGroup}}
* {{Commons category-inline}}
* {{wikivoyage inline|Benguet}}
* {{OSM relation|52304}}


{{Geographic location
*[http://www.benguet.gov.ph The Official Website of the Provincial Government of Benguet]
{{Benguet}}
| Centre = Benguet
| North = [[Ilocos Sur]]
[http://www.karitoon.com your source of Benguet "hometown" news]
| Northeast = [[Mountain Province]]
{{Luzon lateral}}
| East = [[Ifugao]]<br />[[Nueva Vizcaya]]
| South = [[Pangasinan]]
| West = [[La Union]]
}}


{{Benguet|state=expanded}}
{{coord|16|30|N|120|40|E|region:PH_type:adm1st_source:GNS-enwiki|display=title}}
{{Navboxes
| title = Articles related to Benguet
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[[Category:Provinces of the Philippines]]


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[[Category:Benguet| ]]
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[[de:Benguet]]
[[Category:Provinces of the Cordillera Administrative Region]]
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[[Category:States and territories established in 1900]]
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[[Category:1900 establishments in the Philippines]]
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Latest revision as of 04:51, 8 May 2024

Benguet
Province
Province of Benguet
(from top: left to right) Mount Pulag summit in Kabayan, Binga Dam in Itogon, Ambuklao Dam in Bokod, Rice terraces in Buguias, mountain view in Atok and Benguet Provincial Capitol in La Trinidad.
Flag of Benguet
Flag
Official seal of Benguet
Seal
Nickname: 
Salad Bowl of the Philippines[1][2]
Motto(s): 
Unity, Industry, Prosperity
Anthem: Benguet Hymn
Location in the Philippines
Location in the Philippines
OpenStreetMap
Map
Coordinates: 17°N 121°E / 17°N 121°E / 17; 121
CountryPhilippines
RegionCordillera Administrative Region
FoundedNovember 23, 1900
ProvinceJune 16, 1966
CapitalLa Trinidad
Largest cityBaguio
Government
 • GovernorMelchor D. Diclas (PDP–Laban)
 • Vice GovernorJohnny D. Waguis (PDP–Laban)
 • LegislatureBenguet Provincial Board
Area
[3]
 • Total2,769.08 km2 (1,069.15 sq mi)
 • Rank47th out of 81
 (excluding Baguio)
Highest elevation
(Mount Pulag)
2,928 m (9,606 ft)
Population
 (2020 census)[5]
 • Total460,683
 • Estimate 
(2020)
842,542[4]
 • Rank61st out of 81
 • Density170/km2 (430/sq mi)
  • Rank55th out of 81
 (excluding Baguio)
Divisions
 • Independent cities
1
  • Baguio
    (Highly urbanized city)
 • Component cities0
 • Municipalities
13
 • Barangays
 • Districts
Time zoneUTC+8 (PST)
ZIP code
2600–2614
IDD : area code +63 (0)74
ISO 3166 codePH-BEN
Spoken languages
Websitebenguet.gov.ph

Benguet (IPA: [bɛŋˈɡɛt]), officially the Province of Benguet (Ibaloi: Probinsya ne Benguet; Kankanaey: Probinsyan di Benguet; Pangasinan: Luyag/Probinsia na Benguet; Ilocano: Probinsia ti Benguet; Filipino: Lalawigan ng Benguet), is a landlocked province of the Philippines located in the southern tip of the Cordillera Administrative Region in the island of Luzon. Its capital is La Trinidad.

The highland province is known as the Salad Bowl of the Philippines due to its huge production of upland vegetables.[1][2][6]

Situated within the interior of Benguet is the highly urbanized city of Baguio, which is administered independent from the province.

History[edit]

Early history[edit]

The mountainous area now covered by Benguet is generally presumed to have been settled from at least the 14th century by tribes coming from the surrounding lowlands, lured by the abundance of natural resources such as gold, hides, and wax. Two of these groups, the Ibaloi and the Kankanaey, are dominant ethnolinguistic groups of the area. In the pre-conquest period, these tribes enjoyed flourishing trade with lowland groups immediately to their west and south, such as the Pangasinans. Governor Juan "Oraa" Cariño (1913-1918), one of Benguet’s governors, was the first Filipino governor.

The Kankanaey occupied the northern highlands of the province, while the Ibaloy occupied the southern portion, while all Igorots practiced animism and ancestor worship. Rituals were proscribed by the priests, mambunong. The economy of the region was based on rice terraces, root crop swidden farming, livestock raising, hunting, foraging, plus the mining and trading of gold. These Igorot gold mines were located in Suyoc, Tabio, Acupan, and Antamok. Gold panning took place in placer deposits along the Agno River, the Bued River, the Suyoc River, and the Amburayan River. Gold was also mined from lode veins within andesite and diorite. Gold in Mankayan was associated with copper. Gold mining resulted in social stratification, with the upper class consisting of the mine owners, the baknang, followed by the gold workers, or abiteg, and then the bagaen, or slave class. These slaves were made up of war captives, and their children. Gold mines were inheritable kinship property, while original ownership was bestowed on those individuals discovering the gold location, and then developing the property.[7][8]: 183 

Spanish colonial era[edit]

At the beginning of the Spanish Era, colonisers heard of the rich gold mines in the mountains and attempted to colonize the highlands, but failed. In 1572, Spanish conquistador Juan de Salcedo led a small expedition into the southern part of Benguet, but the natives forced it to retreat.[6] The first major expedition into the mountains occurred in 1620, when Spanish explorers went into the La Trinidad Valley, followed by a second expedition in 1623, and a third in 1624. This was the last attempt to occupy the Baguio gold mines by the Spanish until the Galvey expeditions (1829-1839).[7]: 473–475 

In the 1800s, Spanish colonizers made more serious attempts such as expeditions under Col. Guillermo Galvey[9]: 280  and succeeded in establishing a presence in the La Trinidad Valley, named after Galvey's wife.[6]

This area later became a district of the new province of La Montañosa (or La Montaña)[10][11] in 1846. Eight years later, in 1854, Benguet became a separate comandancia politico-militar. Parts of the present province were established as component territories of other comandancias such as Lepanto and Amburayan.[6]

American government era[edit]

When the Americans took control of the Philippines, they established local civil governments in many parts of the country. American civilian government was established in Benguet on November 23, 1900, through Act No. 48, with Canadian journalist H.P. Whitmarsh appointed as the province's first governor.[12]

The 19 historical townships of Benguet under Act No. 48[1][13]
Township Abolished? Notes Township Abolished? Notes
Adaoay Yes Currently part of Kabayan Itogon No
Ambuklao Yes Currently part of Bokod Kabayan No
Ampusongan Yes Currently part of Bakun Kapangan No
Atok No Kibungan No
Baguio Yes Converted into a chartered city in 1909* La Trinidad No
Balakbak Yes Currently part of Kapangan Loo Yes Currently part of Buguias
Bokod No Palina Yes Currently part of Kibungan
Buguias No Sablan No
Daclan Yes Currently part of Bokod Tublay No
Galiano Yes
  • When Baguio was converted into a chartered city in 1909, barrio Tuba was separated from the city and incorporated into the township of Twin Peaks.[14]

Upon the American colonial government enacting Act No. 1876 on August 18, 1908, which created Mountain Province from areas of the old La Montañosa, Benguet (along with Amburayan, Apayao, Bontoc, Ifugao, Kalinga, and Lepanto) became sub-provinces of this new province.[6][15] A year later in 1909, the township of Baguio was abolished upon its conversion into a chartered city. In 1920, portions of the sub-provinces of Amburayan and Lepanto were incorporated into Benguet.[6]

Mining companies started operating in the province in the 1930s. This brought jobs, and many lowlanders migrated to Benguet, especially in towns surrounding the gold mines, such as Itogon, Mankayan and Tuba.[16]

Japanese occupation era[edit]

See also: Battle of Baguio (1945)

During World War II, Igorot guerrillas and the combined Filipino and American forces fought Japanese soldiers during the final days of the war in 1945.[further explanation needed]

Contemporary history[edit]

On June 18, 1966, the huge Mountain Province was split into four provinces with the enactment of Republic Act No. 4695. The four provinces were Benguet, Mountain Province, Kalinga-Apayao and Ifugao.[6][17][18]

On June 22, 1973, as part of the Integrated Organization Plan of President Ferdinand Marcos, Benguet was placed under the jurisdiction of the Ilocos Region.[19]

When the Cordillera Administrative Region was established by President Corazon Aquino through Executive Order 220 on July 15, 1987, Benguet was made one of its provinces.[6][20][21]

Geology[edit]

Dalupirip schist in Itogon, Benguet
Sandstone beds comprising the Zigzag formation as seen along the Bued River, Camp 6, Baguio City

The Baguio Mining District consists of Late Cretaceous ophiolite basement rocks. These are overlain by Eocene back arc tholeiitic Pugo Metavolcanics. These grade into the Dalupirip Schist, which is separated from the Early Oligocene-Early Miocene sedimentary Zigzag Formation by an unconformity. The Zigzag is composed of deep depositional environment interbedded green sandstones, red siltstones, oligomicitc conglomerates, and minor limestone units. The late Early Miocene-early Middle Miocene reefal Kennon Limestone overlays the Zigzag. The Late Oligocene-Early Miocene Agno Batholith intrudes the Pugo and Zigzag. The Middle-Late Miocene Klondyke Formation was deposited during Central Cordillera geologic uplift, consisting of coarse clastics, polymictic conglomerates, sandstones, and vitric (glassy) tuffs, with minor shales and siltstones. Gold mineralization occurred with dioritic and gabbroic intrusions, and basaltic to andesitic lavas, including the Monglo adakite. The Pliocene Baguio Formation consists of conglomerates interbedded with lava flows and pyroclastics. Pleistocene gold-copper mineralization occurred with calc-alkaline and dioritic and dacitic adakitic intrusions. This mineralization characterizes the Philex Mine.[22]

The main gold base metal mineralization zone is approximately 8 km wide, trends north south for tens of kilometers, and is centrally located at 16° 20' to 16° 26' N latitude and 120° 37' 30" to 120° 43' 30" E longitude. The western boundary of this zone is defined by a volcanic belt, just west of Baguio, while the eastern boundary is defined by an intrusive belt, just east of the Itogon and Antamok mines. The Agno quartz diorite batholith is further east near Binga Dam. Key mines, starting from the south, include the Philex (Cu), Acupan (Au), Itogon (Au), Black Mt. (Cu), Benguet Exploration (Cu), Atok (Au), Antamok (Cu and Au), and Baguio Gold (Au), where Baguio Gold and Antamok are east of Baguio. Continuing northwards, key mines include the King Solomon (Cu), St. Nino (Cu), Boneng (Cu), Lobo (Cu), Gambang (Cu and Au), and Lepanto (Cu and Au). By 1979, underground mining had reached Level 1850 in the Antamok Mine.[23][24][8]

Geography[edit]

Highland landscape at Bokod

Benguet covers an area of 2,769.08 square kilometres (1,069.15 sq mi) occupying the southwestern tip of the Cordillera Administrative Region. If Baguio is included for geographical purposes, the total area of Benguet is 2,826.59 square kilometres (1,091.35 sq mi).[25]

The province is bordered on the northeast by Mountain Province and Ifugao, on the southeast by Nueva Vizcaya, on the south by Pangasinan, on the west by La Union, and on the northwest by Ilocos Sur.

Situated within the Cordillera mountains, Benguet is dominantly mountainous. Mount Pulag, the highest in Luzon is located within Kabayan. The mountains form the headwaters of several rivers, the major ones which include the Agno, Amburayan, Bued, Bakun, Balili and the Asin. Some of these run through river valleys or gorges.

Several natural lakes, small in size, are found within the hinterlands. The largest are the "Four Lakes" in Kabayan; Lake Bulalacao, Lake Detepngepos, Lake Incolos and Lake Tabeyo.[26]

The province is the location of several conservation areas, the largest of which are the Upper Agno River Basin Resource Reserve, Mount Pulag National Park, Mount Data National Park and Lower Agno Watershed Forest Reserve.

Climate[edit]

Foggy forest in Benguet

Most of Benguet falls under the subtropical highland climate (Köppen Cwb) zone, experiencing annual average highs of 25.3 °C (77.5 °F) in April and lows of 13.3 °C (55.9 °F) in January.[27]

The province suffers from crop damage resulting from seasonal frost during the cold months of December to March, especially in high-altitude towns such as Atok, Buguias, Mankayan and Kibungan.[28][29] In February 2007, Benguet suffered crop damage due to temperatures reaching as low as 7 °C (45 °F).[30]

Climate data for Benguet
Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Year
Mean daily maximum °C (°F) 23.1
(73.6) 		23.9
(75.0) 		24.7
(76.5) 		25.3
(77.5) 		24.6
(76.3) 		24.1
(75.4) 		22.9
(73.2) 		22.5
(72.5) 		23
(73) 		23.6
(74.5) 		23.8
(74.8) 		23.3
(73.9) 		23.7
(74.7)
Mean daily minimum °C (°F) 13.3
(55.9) 		13.9
(57.0) 		14.8
(58.6) 		16.2
(61.2) 		16.7
(62.1) 		16.6
(61.9) 		16.4
(61.5) 		16.6
(61.9) 		16.3
(61.3) 		16
(61) 		15.5
(59.9) 		14.2
(57.6) 		15.5
(60.0)
Average precipitation mm (inches) 150.8
(5.94) 		101.8
(4.01) 		82.3
(3.24) 		44.9
(1.77) 		132.5
(5.22) 		146
(5.7) 		196.9
(7.75) 		181.6
(7.15) 		168.5
(6.63) 		199.2
(7.84) 		191.2
(7.53) 		233.7
(9.20) 		1,829.4
(71.98)
Average rainy days 2 3 6 9 19 21 26 26 23 14 9 5 163
Source 1: Storm247 (for average temperature and rainy days)[27]
Source 2: WorldWeatherOnline (for average precipitation)[31]

Administrative divisions[edit]

Benguet comprises 13 municipalities, all encompassed by double legislative districts.[25]

The highly urbanized city of Baguio, although administratively independent from Benguet, is situated in the interior of the province, surrounded by the municipalities of La Trinidad, Itogon, Sablan and Tuba. The city used to be part of the province but became independent when the city's charter was enacted in 1909.

Political map of Benguet
Barangay Map of Benguet Province

Barangays[edit]

The 13 municipalities of the province comprise a total of 140 barangays, with Pico in La Trinidad as the most populous in 2010, and Anchokey in Kabayan as the least.[33]

Further information: List of barangays in Benguet

Demographics[edit]

Population census of Benguet
YearPop.±% p.a.
1903 21,697—    
1918 43,601+4.76%
1939 122,204+5.03%
1948 110,081−1.15%
1960 183,657+4.36%
1970 179,012−0.26%
1975 204,616+2.72%
1980 235,742+2.87%
1990 302,715+2.53%
1995 313,833+0.68%
2000 330,129+1.09%
2007 372,533+1.68%
2010 403,944+2.99%
2015 446,224+1.91%
2020 460,683+0.63%
(excluding Baguio)
Source: Philippine Statistics Authority[32][33][34]

The population of Benguet in the 2020 census was 460,683 people,[5] making it the most populous province in the region. It had a density of 170 inhabitants per square kilometre or 440 inhabitants per square mile. If the highly urbanized city of Baguio is included for geographical purposes, the population is 791,590, with a density of 280/km2 (725/sq mi).

In the May 2000 census, Benguet had a total population of 330,129. This figure is up by 16,296 from 313,833 persons recorded in the 1995 census, giving an annual growth rate of 1.09% during the 5-year period compared to the national average of 2.43%. The province registered 63,123 households, an increase of 4,588 households over the 1990 figure. This gave an average household size of 5.20 persons, slightly higher than the national average of 4.99.

Ethnicity as of 2000[35]
KankanaeyIbaloiIlocanoKalanguyaTagalog''Others'': 27,396 (8.3%)''Other foreign ethnicity'': 239 (0.1%)''Not Reported'': 575 (0.2%)
  •   Kankanaey: 141,434 (42.9%)
  •   Ibaloi: 95,968 (29.1%)
  •   Ilocano: 43,984 (13.3%)
  •   Kalanguya: 12,147 (3.7%)
  •   Tagalog: 7,773 (2.4%)
  •   Others: 27,396 (8.3%)
  •   Other foreign ethnicity: 239 (0.1%)
  •   Not Reported: 575 (0.2%)

Ethnicity[edit]

Further information: Kankanaey people, Ibaloi people, Kalanguya people, Igorot people, and Ilocano people

The people of Benguet comprise three main ethnolinguistic groups. Kankanaeys dominate the northwestern municipalities, Ibalois are concentrated on the southeast, and Kalanguyas are mostly found in the east.[6][36][37] Migrants from lowland provinces have fused with the local populace to form a melting pot in some[vague] areas.[18][37][38]

According to the 2000 Philippine census, Kankanaeys comprised 42.96% (141,434) of the entire provincial household population of 329,216 at the time, while 29.15% (95,968) were identified as Ibalois, and 3.69% (12,147) were Ikalahan/Kalanguya. Major resident lowland ethnic groups included Ilocanos at 13.36% (43,984) and Tagalogs at 2.36% (7,773). Ilokano population particularly doctors, teachers, businessmen and public servants arrived during the American period for the improvement of the health condition and for the education of the people. The pioneer Ilocanos helped establish La Trinidad as a commercial and political center.This resulted in an improved healthcare, education and economic life of the people' lives. It also established a closer ties between the Ilocanos and the Cordillerans. [35]

Languages[edit]

Benguet residents generally speak their own languages in addition to Ilocano, Tagalog, and English, which are used for trade and commerce. The Ibaloi tribe speak Ibaloi, which is similar to Pangasinan, while the Kankanaey have their own eponymous language, which is related to the Bontoc language.

The SIL Ethnologue database classifies the languages under the South-Central Cordilleran branch. Nabaloy (named in the database as Ibaloi) is part of the Southern Cordilleran branch which also includes Pangasinense. The Kankanaey language is under the Central Cordilleran branch, which also includes Bontoc and Ifugao.[39]

Religion[edit]

Immaculate Conception Parish Church in Sablan

Roman Catholicism is the predominant religion with 59% adherence,[40] Other groups such as Members Church of God International (MCG),[41] Protestants, especially Anglicans, Methodists, Baptists, and Evangelicals, form about 33% of the population,[42][43] while the Iglesia ni Cristo forms about 7%.[44] There is also small community of Muslims (0.472% of the province population).

Religious breakdown in Benguet[43]

  Roman Catholicism (59%)
  Protestantism (33%)
  Iglesia ni Cristo (2%)
  Other (6%)

Economy[edit]

Poverty Incidence of Benguet

1
2
3
4
5
6
7
2006
5.77
2009
6.10
2012
3.69
2015
3.62
2018
5.96
2021
3.90

Source: Philippine Statistics Authority[45][46][47][48][49][50][51][52]

Benguet is a major producer of highland vegetables in the country.

Agriculture, mining, and tourism are the major industries in Benguet. Its cool climate and high altitude has made it an ideal place for producing highland vegetables. Benguet is often called the Salad Bowl of the Philippines.[2][6][37] The La Trinidad Vegetable Trading Post in the capital town of La Trinidad serves as the hub of vegetable trading in the province, attracting farmers, merchants and traders from the local community and the Philippines' different provinces.[53] Major crops produced which include potatoes, Baguio beans, peas, strawberries, cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, lettuce, sayote and carrots are shipped throughout the country.[6][54][55][56]

Horticulture and floriculture are practiced in the province.[57] The province supplies flowers to the different municipalities, including Baguio, as well as to Metro Manila, including other parts of Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao.[58][59][60] Roses are produced, particularly in Barangay Bahong in La Trinidad, earning the barangay the title Rose Capital of the Philippines.[61] Apisang (scientific name: Pittosporum resiniferum), a plant endemic to the Philippines (as well as Malaysia), is grown in the municipalities of Kapangan and Kibungan as a potential alternative source of fuel and energy, rivaling the jatropha biofuel plant.[62][63]

Other agricultural-related activities are monggo processing, fruit preservation, peanut brittle manufacturing, broom making and basket weaving.[6][64]

Mining is a major industry in Benguet, which is one of the country's leading gold producers.[6] The Benguet Corporation, the first and oldest mining company in the Philippines, has extracted gold, copper and chromite in Itogon since 1903.[65][66]

Other mineral deposits are silver, copper, pyrite, and limestone. Silver smithing is a large industry in Benguet, and many entrepreneurs sell silver works at lower prices in Baguio compared to Manila. In 2006, revenues from mining reached 4 billion pesos from just two (Lepanto Consolidated Mining Corporation and Philex Mines) of many mining firms operating in the province. The province's mining vigor has never translated into better quality of life of the Benguet people, simply because a bulk of the mining firm's taxes are not paid directly to the province.[67] The two mining corporations, like many others around the country, have principal offices in the City of Makati, a set-up that makes Makati the prime mining tax beneficiary.

The location of Baguio within Benguet draws many tourists from the lowlands. Often, people who go to Baguio also explore the province, especially the strawberry fields in La Trinidad.

Education[edit]

Higher education in the province is centered in the capital town of La Trinidad,[68] which houses the Main Campus of the only university in Benguet, the Benguet State University (BSU). The university has two satellite campuses in two municipalities; the Buguias Campus at Loo, Buguias, and the Bokod Campus at Ambangeg, Bokod.[69]

Other educational institutions which include Advocates Academic College, BVS Colleges, Cordillera Career Development College, King's College of the Philippines, Philippine College of Ministry, Philippine Nazarene College, as well as the Cordillera Regional Science High School, the Benguet National High School (with several annexes) and the Benguet SPED Center are also situated within La Trinidad.

The independent chartered city of Baguio hosts several higher education institutions, which include most notably the University of the Philippines Baguio, Saint Louis University, University of the Cordilleras (formerly Baguio Colleges Foundation), University of Baguio, Pines City Colleges, Baguio Central University, and Baguio School of Business and Technology, attracting students from across the Philippines.

Tourism[edit]

Mount Pulag Sea of clouds

The province is a major tourist destination in the country,[1] with most of its tourist spots centered on culture and nature.[70] Baguio's location within the province provides a boost to the tourism industry of the province.[71] Notable interesting places in the province include Mount Pulag along Kabayan, Kennon Road in Tuba, Ambuklao Dam in Bokod, Binga Dam in Itogon, strawberry and flower farms in La Trinidad, and the Palina and Naguey rice terraces in Atok.

Tuba and Tublay hot springs are usually flocked by local tourists from the neighboring provinces. Vegetable terraces can be seen along the Halsema Highway, especially during the growing season. Kabayan is known for its centuries-old mummies, while Buguias is visited for its hot springs and the Apo Anno.

See also[edit]

References[edit]

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External links[edit]

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