Buguias

Buguias, officially the Municipality of Buguias, (Ilocano: Ili ti Buguias; Tagalog: Bayan ng Buguias), is a 3rd class municipality in the province of Benguet, Philippines. According to the 2020 census, it has a population of 44,877 people.[3] The municipality is home to the mummy of Apo Anno, one of the most revered and important folk hero in Benguet prior to Spanish arrival.

Buguias
Municipality of Buguias
Houses near rice terraces in Buguias
Houses near rice terraces in Buguias
Flag of Buguias
Official seal of Buguias
Nickname: 
The Vegetable Panorama of the Philippines
Map of Benguet with Buguias highlighted
Map of Benguet with Buguias highlighted
OpenStreetMap
Buguias is located in Philippines
Buguias
Buguias
Location within the Philippines
Coordinates: 16°48′12″N 120°49′16″E
CountryPhilippines
RegionCordillera Administrative Region
ProvinceBenguet
District Lone district
FoundedFebruary 9, 1942
Barangays14 (see Barangays)
Government
[1]
  TypeSangguniang Bayan
  MayorRuben L. Tinda-an
  Vice MayorDione E. Baucas
  RepresentativeNestor B. Fongwan
  Electorate24,686 voters (2022)
Area
  Total175.88 km2 (67.91 sq mi)
Elevation
1,684 m (5,525 ft)
Highest elevation
2,342 m (7,684 ft)
Lowest elevation
1,129 m (3,704 ft)
Population
 (2020 census)[3]
  Total44,877
  Density260/km2 (660/sq mi)
  Households
11,937
Economy
  Income class3rd municipal income class
  Poverty incidence
9.44
% (2018)[4]
  Revenue165.3 million (2020)
  Assets362.5 million (2020)
  Expenditure105.8 million (2020)
  Liabilities64.07 million (2020)
Service provider
  ElectricityBenguet Electric Cooperative (BENECO)
Time zoneUTC+8 (PST)
ZIP code
2607
PSGC
IDD:area code+63(0)74
Native languagesKankanaey
Ibaloi
Ilocano
Tagalog
Websitewww.buguias.gov.ph

Etymology

According to folklore, Buguias got its name from the word bugas (or begas) which means "rice".[5][6]

Another version of its origin would be an Igorot settlement during the pre-Spanish time called Bogey-yas, which was modernized and spelled as Buguias by Spanish authorities.[7]

History

Pre-colonial era

Nabalicong village in Barangay Natubleng was the center of the area's cultural and political domains prior to Spanish colonization. In the 12th century,[8] a folk hero, known as Apo Anno, lived with the people of the area and was a spiritual leader, hunter, and demigod. The people believed Apo Anno was a son of a Benguet goddess. His body was filled with tattoos, symbolizing his high status in the community. During his protectorate of the domain, prosperity spurred. He died before the arrival of the Spaniards, and thus, was given mummification and death rites in the traditional way.[9]

Spanish period

The arrival of Spanish colonizers in Buguias were primarily due to the construction of Spanish trails leading to the mountain region. Buguias and Loo were two separate rancherias during the Spanish Regime.[6]

American period

During the American rule, Buguias was established as one of the 19 townships of the province of Benguet, upon the issuance of Act No. 48 by the Philippine Commission on November 22, 1900.[7][10][11]

On November 23, 1900, the township of Loo was abolished and integrated into the township of Buguias with the issuance of Act No. 49.[5][12] On August 13, 1908, Benguet was established as a sub-province of the newly created Mountain Province with the enactment of Act No. 1876. As a result, six townships of Benguet were abolished, but Buguias remained a constituent town of Benguet sub-province.[11]

In 1918, the mummy of Apo Anno was stolen by foreign treasure hunters. An earthquake and pestilence followed afterwards, prompting the people to campaign for the return of Apo Anno to his resting place.

Post-war era

On June 25, 1963, President Diosdado Macapagal issued Executive Order No. 42 converting eight (8) of the thirteen (13) towns (designated as municipal districts) of Benguet sub-province into regular municipalities. Buguias was among them.[13]

On June 18, 1966, the sub-province of Benguet was separated from the old Mountain Province and was converted into a regular province. Buguias remained to be a component municipality of the newly established province.[11][14]

Contemporary era

In 1984, a Filipino antique collector bought an auctioned mummy, only to discover it was the mummy of Apo Anno. He donated it to the National Museum of the Philippines afterwards for better care of the national treasure. The people of Buguias made diplomatic channels with the National Museum until it was agreed that the National Museum would return the mummy of Apo Anno to its resting place in barangay Nabalicong after Benguet officials agreed to install iron grills in the burial cave and provide funds for its upkeep. Later that year, Apo Anno was returned to its burial cave, through elaborate death rituals last performed in the 16th century and a hero's homecoming conducted by the people of Buguias.[9]

There have been scholars campaigning for the declaration of Apo Anno's mummy and resting place as a collective National Treasure or Important Cultural Property of the Philippines.

Geography

Buguias is located at 16°48′12″N 120°49′16″E, at the northeastern section of Benguet. It is bounded by Mankayan on the north-west, Bakun on the mid-west, Kibungan on the south-west, Kabayan on the south, Tinoc on the east, Hungduan on the north-east, and Bauko on the north.

According to the Philippine Statistics Authority, the municipality has a land area of 175.88 square kilometres (67.91 sq mi)[15] constituting 6.35% of the 2,769.08-square-kilometre- (1,069.15 sq mi) total area of Benguet.

Buguias is 83 kilometres (52 mi) from Baguio, 78 kilometres (48 mi) from La Trinidad, and 333 kilometres (207 mi) from Manila.

Barangays

Buguias is politically subdivided into 14 barangays.[16] Each barangay consists of puroks and some have sitios.

PSGC Barangay Population ±% p.a.
2020[3] 2010[17]
141105001 Abatan 7.5% 3,375 2,780 1.96%
141105002 Amgaleyguey 7.8% 3,480 3,538 −0.17%
141105003 Amlimay 4.9% 2,206 2,197 0.04%
141105004 Baculongan Norte 6.2% 2,778 2,157 2.56%
141105006 Bangao 10.5% 4,730 4,269 1.03%
141105007 Buyacaoan 7.4% 3,326 3,160 0.51%
141105008 Calamagan 1.8% 816 739 1.00%
141105009 Catlubong 7.0% 3,125 2,758 1.26%
141105010 Loo 11.7% 5,262 4,388 1.83%
141105012 Natubleng 5.9% 2,670 2,513 0.61%
141105013 Poblacion (Central) 7.8% 3,507 3,472 0.10%
141105014 Baculongan Sur 7.9% 3,556 3,169 1.16%
141105015 Lengaoan 4.6% 2,049 1,488 3.25%
141105016 Sebang 6.1% 2,747 2,643 0.39%
Total 44,877 39,271 1.34%

Climate

Climate data for Buguias, Benguet
Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Year
Average high °C (°F) 19
(66)
20
(68)
22
(72)
23
(73)
23
(73)
22
(72)
21
(70)
21
(70)
21
(70)
21
(70)
21
(70)
19
(66)
21
(70)
Average low °C (°F) 12
(54)
12
(54)
14
(57)
15
(59)
17
(63)
17
(63)
17
(63)
17
(63)
16
(61)
15
(59)
14
(57)
13
(55)
15
(59)
Average precipitation mm (inches) 38
(1.5)
57
(2.2)
77
(3.0)
141
(5.6)
390
(15.4)
355
(14.0)
426
(16.8)
441
(17.4)
426
(16.8)
259
(10.2)
97
(3.8)
57
(2.2)
2,764
(108.9)
Average rainy days 10.4 12.1 15.4 20.4 26.7 27.1 28.7 28.0 26.4 19.9 14.1 12.3 241.5
Source: Meteoblue[18]

Demographics

Population census of Buguias
YearPop.±% p.a.
1903 10    
1918 2,611+44.92%
1939 5,691+3.78%
1948 5,894+0.39%
1960 8,658+3.26%
1970 12,402+3.65%
1975 15,142+4.08%
1980 17,509+2.95%
1990 25,236+3.72%
1995 28,034+1.99%
2000 33,177+3.68%
2007 34,507+0.54%
2010 39,271+4.82%
2015 43,627+2.02%
2020 44,877+0.56%
Source: Philippine Statistics Authority[19][17][20][21]

In the 2020 census, Buguias had a population of 44,877.[3] The population density was 260 inhabitants per square kilometre (670/sq mi).

Economy

Buguias is primarily an agricultural town. It is one of the leading producers of highland vegetables, especially carrots,[29] in the province of Benguet.[7][30]

Most of the vegetables produced in the town are sold at the La Trinidad Vegetable Trading Post or are marketed to other parts of the country.[31]

Government

Local government

Buguias, belonging to the lone congressional district of the province of Benguet, is governed by a mayor designated as its local chief executive and by a municipal council as its legislative body in accordance with the Local Government Code. The mayor, vice mayor, and the councilors are elected directly by the people through an election which is being held every three years.

Elected officials

Members of the Municipal Council
(2019–2022)[32]
Position Name
Congressman Nestor B. Fongwan[lower-alpha 1]

Eric G. Yap (since January 20, 2020)[34]

Mayor Ruben L. Tinda-an
Vice-Mayor Dione E. Baucas
Councilors Ronald C. Kimakim
Manuel G. Yans
Esto O. Asayco
Ireneo C. Calwag
Donato O. Bacquian
Delino D. Dampilag Sr.
Francis P. Wilson
Federico G. Aquisio

Education

Public schools

As of 2014, Buguias has 43 public elementary schools and 6 public secondary schools.[35][36][37]

Historical markers and shrine

Veteran Memorial Marker

The Veteran Memorial Marker marks the liberation of Abatan and Buguias on July 27, 1945, that was fought between the Japanese Imperial Army and the combined Filipino and American ground troops. Through municipal council resolution No. 19, July 27, 1945, was declared as the Liberation Day and local holiday in the municipality. Festivals during this date include parades, programs and wreath-laying.

World War II 66th Infantry Shrine

The World War II 66th Infantry Shrine monument, located in Lengaoan along Halsema Highway, symbolizes the bravery of the combined Filipino and American soldiers who stood their ground defending the area and firing their cannons against the Japanese forces.

Burial Site of Apo Anno

The 12th century burial site, which was later used again for Apo Anno's reburial in 1999,[9] is one of the most important cultural sites in Benguet. The burial site is home to the mummy of one of Benguet's folk heroes whose remains are still preserved in present time.

Notes

  1. Died on December 18, 2019.[33]

References

  1. Municipality of Buguias | (DILG)
  2. "2015 Census of Population, Report No. 3 – Population, Land Area, and Population Density" (PDF). Philippine Statistics Authority. Quezon City, Philippines. August 2016. ISSN 0117-1453. Archived (PDF) from the original on May 25, 2021. Retrieved July 16, 2021.
  3. Census of Population (2020). "Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR)". Total Population by Province, City, Municipality and Barangay. Philippine Statistics Authority. Retrieved 8 July 2021.
  4. "PSA Releases the 2018 Municipal and City Level Poverty Estimates". Philippine Statistics Authority. 15 December 2021. Retrieved 22 January 2022.
  5. "History". LGU of Buguias, Benguet. Archived from the original on 2 November 2014. Retrieved 2 November 2014.
  6. "Municipality of Buguias: History of Buguias". Province of Benguet (official website). Retrieved 2 November 2014.
  7. "Municipality of Buguias, Benguet". Department of the Interior and Local Government - Cordillera Administrative Region. 29 April 2013. Archived from the original on 6 October 2014. Retrieved 2 November 2014.
  8. "Cultural". Archived from the original on 2018-01-03. Retrieved 2018-01-02.
  9. PHILIPPINES: MUMMY RETURNED TO NABALICONG VILLAGE. YouTube. Archived from the original on 2021-12-11.
  10. "Facts & Figures: Benguet Province". Philippine Statistics Authority - National Statistical Coordination Board - Cordillera Administrative Region. Archived from the original on 28 February 2016. Retrieved 9 October 2014.
  11. "History: Benguet Province". Province of Benguet (official website). Archived from the original on 19 October 2014. Retrieved 9 October 2014.
  12. "Buguias: Indigenous Knowledge Systems and Practices". Province of Benguet (official website). Retrieved 2 November 2014.
  13. "Executive Order No. 42, s. 1963: Declaring Certain Municipal Districts in the Philippines as Municipalities". Official Gazette of the Republic of the Philippines. Retrieved 25 October 2014.
  14. "Republic Act No. 4695: An Act Creating the Provinces of Benguet, Mountain Province, Ifugao and Kalinga-Apayao". Chan Robles Virtual Law Library. 18 June 1966. Archived from the original on 4 March 2016. Retrieved 12 December 2016.
  15. "Province: Benguet". PSGC Interactive. Quezon City, Philippines: Philippine Statistics Authority. Retrieved 12 November 2016.
  16. "Municipal: Buguias". PSGC Interactive. Quezon City, Philippines: Philippine Statistics Authority. Retrieved 8 January 2016.
  17. Census of Population and Housing (2010). "Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR)" (PDF). Total Population by Province, City, Municipality and Barangay. National Statistics Office. Retrieved 29 June 2016.
  18. "Buguias: Average Temperatures and Rainfall". Meteoblue. Retrieved 21 March 2020.
  19. Census of Population (2015). "Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR)". Total Population by Province, City, Municipality and Barangay. Philippine Statistics Authority. Retrieved 20 June 2016.
  20. Censuses of Population (1903–2007). "Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR)". Table 1. Population Enumerated in Various Censuses by Province/Highly Urbanized City: 1903 to 2007. National Statistics Office.
  21. "Province of Benguet". Municipality Population Data. Local Water Utilities Administration Research Division. Retrieved 17 December 2016.
  22. "Poverty incidence (PI):". Philippine Statistics Authority. Retrieved December 28, 2020.
  23. "Estimation of Local Poverty in the Philippines" (PDF). Philippine Statistics Authority. 29 November 2005.
  24. "2003 City and Municipal Level Poverty Estimates" (PDF). Philippine Statistics Authority. 23 March 2009.
  25. "City and Municipal Level Poverty Estimates; 2006 and 2009" (PDF). Philippine Statistics Authority. 3 August 2012.
  26. "2012 Municipal and City Level Poverty Estimates" (PDF). Philippine Statistics Authority. 31 May 2016.
  27. "Municipal and City Level Small Area Poverty Estimates; 2009, 2012 and 2015". Philippine Statistics Authority. 10 July 2019.
  28. "PSA Releases the 2018 Municipal and City Level Poverty Estimates". Philippine Statistics Authority. 15 December 2021. Retrieved 22 January 2022.
  29. Catajan, Maria Elena (9 October 2010). "Buguias highlights carrots in town fiesta". SunStar Baguio. Retrieved 2 November 2014.
  30. Arida, Imelda A.; Embuscado, Erwin S. (15 June 2005). "Buguias farmers benefit from the agricultural tramline". Department of Agriculture - Philippine Center for Postharvest Development Mechanization. Retrieved 2 November 2014.
  31. Aro, Susan (2 April 2013). "Resorts in Buguias are emerging destinations". SunStar Baguio. Retrieved 2 November 2014.
  32. "2019 National and Local Elections" (PDF). Commission on Elections. Archived (PDF) from the original on 2020-10-06. Retrieved March 12, 2022.
  33. Cimatu, Frank (December 19, 2019). "Benguet Representative Nestor Fongwan dies at 68". Rappler.com. Retrieved January 30, 2020.
  34. "House names party-list solon as Benguet caretaker". Philippine News Agency. January 22, 2020. Retrieved March 12, 2022.
  35. "Masterlist of Public Elementary Schools for the School year 2012- 2013". Department of Education (Philippines), July 15, 2013. Archived from the original (XLSX) on 2016-03-04. Retrieved 28 December 2014.
  36. "Masterlist of Secondary Schools (School Year 2013- 2014)". Department of Education (Philippines), July 4, 2013. Archived from the original (XLSX) on 1 July 2014. Retrieved 20 September 2014.
  37. "Masterlist of Public Schools SY 2013-2014". Department of Education (Philippines), 22 October 2014. Archived from the original (XLSX) on 2016-04-21. Retrieved 28 December 2014.
  38. "Public Elementary Schools, Buguias, Benguet". PhilippineCompanies.com. Retrieved 22 September 2014.
  39. "Public Secondary Schools, Buguias, Benguet". PhilippineCompanies.com. Retrieved 22 September 2014.
This article is issued from Wikipedia. The text is licensed under Creative Commons - Attribution - Sharealike. Additional terms may apply for the media files.