Spanish Era

Before their occupation in the Philippines. The area was primarily surrounded by the Ibalois and the Kankanaeys people.

The Spanish colonizers conducted a series of expeditions to Baguio.
A quite number of times failed by the Spanish to conquer the vast land of native tribes.

The first attempt was during 1572, led by Juan Salcedo and again in 1694 by Don Q. M. Quirante.

In the nearby town, La Trinidad, the Spaniards established a military garrison. And in 1846 was the success of establishing the headquarters of the commander of such a district.

The lands were mostly own by Ibalois tribesmen. The Spaniards called the place “Bagiw”, a local term for “moss” and was later converted into “Baguio”.

The people of this region called Igorrotes by the Spanish colonizers, now known as the Igorots.

One of the biggest contributions was the introduction of coffee. Benguet is known for locally grown coffee and arabica variety.

The ‘presidential’ (civil government) was first established in the Guisad Valley area, now in Baguio City. It was later moved to the present site in Baguio City Hall.

Later, the province of Benguet was set up. Afterward, the Spaniards sold the Philippines to the United States of America for $20,000.