{{Short description|Province in Cordillera, Philippines}} {{Use mdy dates|date=December 2022}} {{Use Philippine English|date=December 2022}} {{Infobox settlement | name = Benguet | settlement_type = {{PH wikidata|settlement_type}} | image_skyline = {{Photomontage | photo1a = Mt. Pulag - 9.jpg{{!}} | photo2a = Binga Dam.jpg{{!}} | photo2b = FvfBokodBenguet0483 12.JPG | photo3a = Sitio La Presa.jpg | photo3b = Atok, Benguet 9-8-2013.jpg | photo4a = Benguet Capitol (La Trinidad, Benguet)(2018-11-26).jpg | photo4b = Baguio city proper overlooking, Burnham Park (Baguio city; 12-04-2022).jpg | size = 250 | spacing = 2 | position = center | color = transparent | border = 0 }} | image_caption = (from top: left to right) Mount Pulag in Benguet, Binga Dam in Itogon, Plantations in Bokod, Mount Kabuyao in La Presa, mountain view in Atok, Benguet Provincial Capitol in La Trinidad and Baguio City. | image_flag = Flag of Benguet.svg | 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{{force singular}} | image_map = {{PH wikidata|image_map}} | map_caption = Location in the Philippines | coordinates = {{PH wikidata|coordinates}} | subdivision_type = Country | subdivision_name = {{PH wikidata|country}} | subdivision_type1 = Region | subdivision_name1 = {{PH wikidata|region}} | established_title = Founded | established_date = November 23, 1900 | established_title1 = Province | established_date1 = June 16, 1966 | seat_type = Capital | seat = {{PH wikidata|seat}} | leader_title = Governor | leader_name = Melchor D. Diclas (Lakas) | leader_title1 = Vice Governor | leader_name1 = Marie Rose Fongwan-Kepes (Lakas) | leader_title3 = 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 82 | 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 82 | 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 82 | population_note = (excluding Baguio) | population_demonym = {{hlist|i-Benguet|Bengueteño}} | demographics_type1 = Divisions | demographics1_title1 = Independent cities | demographics1_info1 = {{Collapsible list | titlestyle = font-weight:normal;text-align:left;background-color:WhiteSmoke; | title = 1 | Baguio* }} | demographics1_title2 = Component cities | demographics1_info2 = 0 | demographics1_title3 = Municipalities | demographics1_info3 = {{Collapsible list | titlestyle = font-weight:normal;text-align:left;background-color:WhiteSmoke; | title = 13 | {{PH wikidata|municipalities}} }} | demographics1_title4 = Barangays | demographics1_info4 = {{unbulleted list | 140 | {{Small|including independent cities:}} 269 }} | demographics1_title5 = Districts | demographics1_info5 = {{bulleted list | Legislative districts of Benguet | {{Small|including independent cities:}} Legislative district of Baguio}} | timezone = PST | utc_offset = +8 | postal_code_type = 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 | Filipino | Ilocano | Ibaloi | Pangasinan | Kankanaey | Kalanguya | Karao |English }} | website = {{PH wikidata|website}} | anthem = Benguet Hymn | native_name = | seat1 = Baguio* | seat1_type = Largest city | mapframe = yes | mapframe-zoom = 8 | footnotes = {{center| * ''Baguio is a highly-urbanized city, politically independent from Benguet.'' }} }}
'''Benguet''' ({{IPAc-en|b|ɛ|ŋ|ˈ|ɡ|ɛ|t}}), officially the '''Province of Benguet''' ({{langx|ibl|Probinsya ne Benguet}}'';'' {{langx|kne|Probinsyan di Benguet}}; {{langx|pag|Luyag/Probinsia na Benguet}}; {{langx|ilo|Probinsia ti Benguet}}; {{langx|fil|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.<ref name=NSCBGov /><ref name=ItsMoreFun /><ref name=FastFactsPhilProv />
Situated within the interior of Benguet is the highly urbanized city of Baguio, which is administered independent from the province and also its largest city and regional center of Cordillera Administrative Region.
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== Etymology == Hispanicized rendering of '''''benget''''', Kankanaey word for "edge." This was the original name of the settlement at the edge of a swamp formed by the Balili River flooding the flat valley floor.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Sacla |first=Wasing D. |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Um9xAAAAMAAJ |title=Treasury of Beliefs and Home Rituals of Benguet |year=1987 |location=Province of Benguet}}</ref>
==History== ===Early history=== 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.<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 |archive-date=December 10, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221210020846/http://www.philippinestudies.net/files/journals/1/articles/1662/public/1662-1761-1-PB.pdf |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref name=Scott/>{{rp|183}}
===Spanish colonial era=== 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.<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 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 />
This area later became a district of the new province of ''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 />
===American colonial era=== 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.<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=DILG-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;" |+The 19 historical townships 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}} | style="font-weight:bold;" | Itogon | {{no}} | |- | style="font-weight:bold;" | Ambuklao | {{yes}} | {{small|Currently part of Bokod}} | style="font-weight:bold;" | Kabayan | {{no}} | |- | style="font-weight:bold;" | Ampusongan | {{yes}} | {{small|Currently part of Bakun}} | style="font-weight:bold;" | Kapangan | {{no}} | |- | style="font-weight:bold;" | Atok | {{no}} | | style="font-weight:bold;" | Kibungan | {{no}} | |- | style="font-weight:bold;" | Baguio | {{yes}} | {{small|Converted into a chartered city in 1909*}} | style="font-weight:bold;" | La Trinidad | {{no}} | |- | style="font-weight:bold;" | Balakbak | {{yes}} | {{small|Currently part of Kapangan}} | style="font-weight:bold;" | Loo | {{yes}} | {{small|Currently part of Buguias}} |- | style="font-weight:bold;" | Bokod | {{no}} | | style="font-weight:bold;" | Palina | {{yes}} | {{small|Currently part of Kibungan}} |- | style="font-weight:bold;" | Buguias | {{no}} | | style="font-weight:bold;" | Sablan | {{no}} | |- | style="font-weight:bold;" | Daclan | {{yes}} | {{small|Currently part of Bokod}} | style="font-weight:bold;" | 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 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 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, 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 />
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.<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>
===Japanese occupation=== {{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.{{explain|date=April 2016}}
As part of the Japanese defence of the Philippines, General Tomoyuki Yamashita situated his military headquarters in Baguio, from where he organised the Japanese resistance on Lúzon from December 1944 to April 1945, before he relocated to the town of Bambang.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Duffy |first=James |title=Return to Victory |date=March 2021 |publisher= Grand Central |isbn=9780306921919 |pages=191}}</ref>
=== Contemporary history === 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.<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>
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.<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]] thumb|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.<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 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.<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== [[File:FvfBokod0214 02.JPG|thumb|right|Highland landscape at Bokod]]
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}}
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.<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>
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=== thumb|Foggy forest in Benguet
Most of Benguet falls under the subtropical highland climate (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>
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> {{Weather box | metric first = yes | single line = yes | location = Benguet | Jan high C = 23.1 | 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 municipalities, all encompassed by double legislative districts.{{PSGC detail|nscb}}
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.
thumb|upright=1.1|{{center|'''Political map of Benguet'''}}
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 | {{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 | {{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 | {{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 | {{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 | {{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 | {{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 | {{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 | {{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 | 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 | {{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 | {{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 | {{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 | {{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;" | 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 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 urbanized city (''geographically within but independent from the 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'' frameless|upright=0.1 icon marks the city/town center.}} {{efn-lr|name=Total|Total figures exclude the ''highly urbanized city'' of Baguio.}} }} |} {{col-break}} {{col-end}}
===Barangays=== 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.{{PH census|2010|CAR}} {{Further|List of barangays in Benguet}}
==Demographics== {{Philippine Census | 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}} | 2024 = {{PH census population|2024}} | 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 2024 census was 473,190 people,{{PH census|current|CAR}} making it the most populous province in the region. It had a density of {{convert|{{sigfig|473,190/2,769.08|2}}|PD/km2|disp=or}}. <!--Need update on this part. 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}}.-->
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=== {{Further|Kankanaey people|Ibaloi people|Kalanguya people|Igorot people|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.<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|archive-date=December 2, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161202083646/http://islandsproperties.com/places/benguet.htm|url-status=dead}}</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>
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:right;" |+ Top 5 Ethnicities in Benguet (2020 Census) ! Rank !! scope="col" style="text-align:left;" | Ethnicity !! Population !! Percentage |- | 1 || style="text-align:left;" | Kankanaey || 213,779 || 46.53% |- | 2 || style="text-align:left;" | Ibaloy || 130,134 || 28.32% |- | 3 || style="text-align:left;" | Ilocano || 29,960 || 6.52% |- | 4 || style="text-align:left;" | Kalanguya || 21,534 || 4.69% |- | 5 || style="text-align:left;" | Tagalog || 9,212 || 2.00% |- ! !! style="text-align:left;" | Total Household Population !! 459,468 !! |}
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. <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=== 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.<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]] Roman Catholicism is the predominant religion with 59% adherence,<ref>{{Cite web | url=https://www.rappler.com/features/newsbreak/iq/81162-map-catholicism-philippines/index.html | title=MAP: Catholicism in the Philippines| date=January 18, 2015}}</ref> Other groups such as 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 |access-date=May 8, 2024 |work=MCGI Cares}}</ref> 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= Provincial Summary - Benguet 2008 |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 = 4 | color3 = Green }}
==Economy== {{stack|float=left|{{PH poverty incidence}}}} 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 potatoes, Baguio beans, peas, strawberries, cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, lettuce, sayote and carrots 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.|archive-date=March 6, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160306003903/http://www.sunstar.com.ph/baguio/local-news/2015/12/24/benguet-ships-11-tons-vegetables-christmas-448680|url-status=dead}}</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|archive-date=February 16, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140216150052/http://www.sunstar.com.ph/baguio/local-news/2013/01/17/benguet-flowers-ready-panagbenga-263313|url-status=dead}}</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|archive-date=February 16, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140216150052/http://www.sunstar.com.ph/baguio/local-news/2013/01/17/benguet-flowers-ready-panagbenga-263313|url-status=dead}}</ref> Roses 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.|archive-date=February 29, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160229022034/http://www.sunstar.com.ph/baguio/feature/2016/02/27/flower-power-bahong-459556|url-status=dead}}</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 monggo processing, 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/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140421121420/http://www.choosephilippines.com/specials/lists/1286/pasalubong-map-luzon/|url-status=usurped|archive-date=April 21, 2014|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 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|archive-date=May 17, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170517001040/http://benguetcorp.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/BC-Corporate-Profile.pdf|url-status=dead}}</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,<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 campuses in two municipalities; the ''Buguias Campus'' at Loo, Buguias, and the ''Bokod Campus'' at 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|archive-date=August 20, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140820042705/http://www.bsu.edu.ph/content/academics/colleges-institutes-campuses|url-status=dead}}</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 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== [[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|archive-date=October 15, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141015093422/http://www.sunstar.com.ph/baguio/local-news/2014/06/03/benguet-tourism-sites-mostly-culture-nature-based-346210|url-status=dead}}</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|archive-date=October 15, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141015093434/http://www.sunstar.com.ph/baguio/local-news/2014/04/07/benguet-tourist-arrivals-peak-337007|url-status=dead}}</ref> 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.
==Notable people== ===Within the province's jurisdiction=== * Deodato Arellano – a Filipino patriot and one of the founders of the Katipunan (La Trinidad)<ref name="Inquirer-DeodatoArellano">{{cite news |last1=Cabreza |first1=Vincent |title=How relevant is the Philippine flag today? |url=https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/424669/how-relevant-is-the-philippine-flag-today |access-date=April 10, 2019 |newspaper=Philippine Daily Inquirer|date=June 13, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190410053657/https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/424669/how-relevant-is-the-philippine-flag-today |archive-date=April 10, 2019 |language=en}}</ref>
===Outside the province jurisdiction (highly-urbanized city of Baguio)=== {{main|List of people from Baguio}}
==See also== * ''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== {{Reflist|30em}}
==External links== {{GeoGroup}} * {{Commons category-inline}} * {{wikivoyage inline|Benguet}} * {{OSM relation|52304}}
{{Geographic location | Centre = Benguet | North = Ilocos Sur | Northeast = Mountain Province | East = Ifugao<br />Nueva Vizcaya | South = Pangasinan | West = La Union }}
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Category:Benguet Category:Provinces of the Philippines Category:Provinces of the Cordillera Administrative Region Category:States and territories established in 1900 Category:1900 establishments in the Philippines Category:Former sub-provinces of the Philippines