Early history
During the Spanish occupation in 1846, the Spaniards established a comandancia in the nearby town of La Trinidad, and organized Benguet into 31 rancherias, one of which was Kafagway, a wide grassy area where the presentBurnham Park is situated. Most of the lands in Kafagway were owned by the Ibaloi chieftain Mateo Cariño. The Spanish presidencia, which was located at Bagyiw at the vicinity of Guisad Valley was later moved to Cariño's house where the current City Hall stands. Bagyiw, a local term for "moss" once abundant in the area was converted by the Spaniards into Baguio, which served as the name of the rancheria.[3][7]
During the Philippine Revolution in July 1899, Filipino revolutionary forces under Pedro Paterno liberated La Trinidad from the Spaniards and took over the government, proclaiming Benguet as a province of the new Republic of the Philippines. Baguio was converted into a "town", with Mateo Cariño being the presidente (mayor).[3][7]
Shortly after in November 1899, the Philippine–American War ensued. American forces led by Capt. Robert R. Ruddarrived in La Trinidad searching for Pedro Paterno, Mateo Cariño and other rebels, but failing to do so, proceeded to Baguio, setting camp in what is now Camp John Hay.[3]
On November 22, 1900, the Americans established civil government in Benguet with the passage of Act No. 48, converting the rancherias into townships. The Act likewise made Baguio the capital of Benguet, and Sioco Cariño, Mateo Cariño's eldest son was made the president of the township. In September 1909, Baguio became a chartered city through Act No. 1963,[7] but remained the capital of Benguet until August 21, 1916, when the capital was transferred to La Trinidad.[3]
Source: Wikipedia