We got the chance to glance, to touch, to smell the Mt. Province Region, Baguio specially and Benguet.
Located 3 kilometers north of Baguio City, La Trinidad is home to a mix of ethno-linguistic groups. Its urban area radiates from the valley floor which is surrounded by mountain ridges with a cool climate of 18.55 degrees centigrade.
As the capital town of Benguet, it serves as the trading, educational and institutional center for the province.
Business activities are based on the marketing of agricultural products from the La Trinidad Vegetable Trading Post to market outlets across the country.
Its rustic character remains in the rural areas whose economy focuses on the production of high value commercial vegetables, cutflowers and strawberries, earning its reputation as "The Strawberry Fields and Rose Garden of the Philippines."
Brief History
La Trinidad has its own interesting contributions to the colorful history of the Cordilleras. The very name “Benguet” was once limited to the area of what is now the La Trinidad Valley. Its name La Trinidad is the namesake of her discoverer, Don Q.M. Quirante's beloved and beautiful wife. At a certain time in the late 1800's and early 1900's, La Trinidad was relatively the most developed settlement in the Benguet area. It likewise served as the capital of the administrative territory of Benguet during the Spanish era, the short-lived Philippine Revolutionary government and the early part of the American Rule.
In June 16, 1950, La Trinidad became a regular municipality by virtue of RA #531. The commercialization of the vegetable industry of the Province of Benguet rendered La Trinidad as the center of marketing activities during the mid 80's. This spurred socio-economic growth for the municipality. Today, with signs of near cityhood, La Trinidad continues to have an agriculturally-based economy boasting of its strawberry and flower gardens.
Points of Interest
BENGUET PROVINCIAL CAPITOL - provides a panoramic view of La Trinidad Valley. Also adjacent to the capitol is the Benguet Museum.
MUNICIPAL PARK - located in front of the Municipal Hall is the center of community activities.
LA TRINIDAD VEGETABLE TRADING POST - the center of marketing activities in the province. Highland vegetables are on display for wholesalers and retailers. Soon to rise is a cold storage facility for high value crops.
PERIL BURIAL CAVES - found between Alno and Alapang, sacred skeletal remains are laid in a burial cave
COFFIN CLIFF HANGERS - traditional log coffins inserted between cliff stones by the early customary Ibalois that can be found in Alapang
ROSE FIELDS - the rose capital of the Philippines is found in Bahong. Chrysanthemums and other cutflowers and ornamental plants also abound in the area
TAWANG CHURCH OF STONE - built of limestone in the American Period by the early Anglican parish
KALUGONG VIEW POINT - offers a view of both sides of La Trinidad Valley, a must for mountain trekkers
BELL CHURCH - built by the early Chinese settlers, it offers palm reading and fortune telling
BENGUET STATE UNIVERSITY - the center of educational excellence in Benguet
Sources:
La Trinidad Strawberry Festival Brochure
prepared by Reseach and Evaluation Section
Municipal Planning and Development Office (MPDO) of La Trinidad, Benguet
Municipal Profile of La Trinidad, Benguet
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