To the people of Benguet on occasion of the 114th anniversary of the province and Adivay Festival

Message from

Hon. RONALD M. COSALAN

Congressional Representative

Lone District of Benguet

From a province peopled by ethnolinguistic tribes like Ibaloys and Kankanaeys, much has transpired since the early 19th century, after the Spanish government organized the mountain region into six “commandancias politico militar” –Benguet in 1846, Lepanto in 1852, Bontoc in 1859, Amburayan in 1889, and Kayapa and Cabugaoan in 1891.

To know where we are going, we have to know our past. Historical accounts have it the commandancia of Benguet was divided into 41 rancherias, with La Trinidad as capital. This was named in honor of Don Galvey's wife, Trinidad.

The first "Kapitan" of Benguet was Pulito of Kafagway, now Baguio City, then rancheria of about 20 houses.

In the same year 1846, Benguet became a district of the newly organized province of La Union. In 1854, the district became a separate commandancia politico military.

Based from accounts “In 1899, the Katipunan came to Benguet and united the Igorots into establishing Benguet under the Government of the Republic of the Philippines. However, this was short lived since the American colonizers took over in early 1900’s.

“In Nov. 22, 1900 during the American Period, the local civil government was established through Act No. 48 in 19 townships of Benguet, a historical article says.

“Under the same act, the Provincial Government of Benguet was officially set. The next day Nov. 23, 1900, by authority of US President at that time through Act No. 49, the US Philippine Commission established a civil government for Benguet. All officers resided in township of Baguio, making it capital of Benguet. Mr. H.P. Whitmarsh, a Canadian journalist, was appointed as the Civil Governor of Benguet province; while Mr. SiocoCariño was chosen as president for the township of Baguio.

“In June 29, 1901, a proviso was inserted in Act No. 155 stating that a popular representative for Benguet be elected on July 4 of the same year.In September 14, 1905, Act No. 49 was repealed through Act No. 1396 or the “Special Government Act” that organized Benguet as a province.In May 15, 1907, Act No. 1646 provided the election of delegates to the constitutional convention to be held on July 13, 1907.

“In August 13, 1908, Act No. 1876 was passed and the next days after in August 18, 1908, Benguet became a sub-province of Mountain Province. In the long run, the 19 towns of Benguet were reduced to 13 municipalities through executive orders issued by the Governor General of the Philippines. The township of Tuba was then created when the township of Baguio became a chartered city in 1909.

In February 4, 1920, Act No. 2877 amended the boundary of Benguet, resulting in the abolition of the sub-provinces of Amburayan. The Lepanto portion of Amburayan then became a part of La Union, while another part of Lepanto was placed under Ilocos Sur.In the 1930’s, mining companies began their massive gold-mining operations in the province.”

In World War II, Benguet was also a site of battles fought by Igorot guerillas and American soldiers that opened the western flank of Japanese forces in 1945.

In June 18, 1966, Benguet became one of four provinces in Mountain Province through RA No. 4695.

On March 27, 1976, the first board meeting was held at La Trinidad, the former sub-provincial capitol of Benguet. In the next months, November 12, 1967, members of the first elective provincial board were voted.

In July 22, 1968, Board Resolution No. 894 formally adopted a coat-of-arms for the province of Benguet. In the next year, January 7, 1969, Board Resolution No. 16 approved the “everlasting” as the official flower of Benguet.

The following year again, in May 25, 1970, Resolution No. 394 implemented “Benguet Highlands”, “Province of Benguet (my own)”, and “All Hail, Benguet Beloved” as official songs of the province.

At present, Benguet is still dubbed as “Salad Bowl of the Philippines” due to its huge production of highland vegetables and vegetables that are practically ingredients of any vegetable salad.

In February 25 to March 6, 2005, the first Adivay Festival was organized to enhance Benguet as a viable tourism destination. The festival is now held in conjunction with the yearly celebration of the Benguet foundation day every November 23. “Adivay” is an Ibaloi term for coming together of people to celebrate.

As Benguet celebrates its 114^th anniversary, its theme “On ASEAN integration: Benguet faces its challenges and grasps the opportunities” is but apt. Rest assured that we will continue to do our part in Congress to address issues related to this aside from other matters that relate to our people.

Yours Truly and Godspeed!