A Council of Five, July 6, 2008

Did you know that up to 1959, the Baguio City Council was composed of only five members consisting of the mayor, vice mayor, one councilor appointed by the President and two elected councilors? At that time, the mayor was also the presiding officer of the Council.
By virtue of the Local Autonomy Law effective in 1960, all five members of the city council were elected for the first time. Former Councilor Luis Lardizabal became the first elected mayor defeating Councilor Benito H. Lopez. Vice Mayor Norberto De Guzman became the first vice mayor to become the presiding officer of the City Council.
The composition of the City Council was also increased to six members, all elected. In 1991, with the passage of RA 7160 or the Local Government Code, the number of members of the City Council was increased to 12 based on Baguio’s being a highly urbanized city. In addition, the chairman of the Baguio Association of Barangay Councils and the chair of the Federation of Barangay Youth Councils became the members of the City Council, increasing the total number of local legislators to 14.
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TRIVIA: In 1904, W. Cameron Forbes as one of the Philippine Commissioners, invited Daniel H. Burnham and Pierce Anderson, Chicago landscape artists, to come to Baguio and build a dream city. These men, it should be recalled to their credit, accepted the commission involving fourteen thousand acres and asked nothing for their services. Of their work Forbes gives the greatest of praise: "It was most fortunate that the Philippine government should have the privilege of the great vision of Mr. Burnham in facing this problem and the plan that he made has since been adhered to faithfully." Forbes is also credited for helping establish the Baguio Country Club, using his own time, effort, and personal money to tide it through the early years.
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It is exactly 419 days before the 100th Charter Day Anniversary of Baguio City on September 1, 2009.
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The Baguio Centennial Commission is calling on all aspiring artists, hobbyists, Fine Arts or Architecture students, presently enrolled in the college level in any Baguio school, to contribute something worthwhile and memorable for Baguio’s Centennial celebrations. The CenteCom is sponsoring a Centennial Marker Design Contest on Saturday, July 16, 2008, 8:30 to 12:00 noon at the Baguio Convention Center lobby. Cash prizes, certificates and instant recognition await the winners.
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The winning Centennial marker designs shall be placed in at least 15 different sites all over Baguio City to underline their historic significance or contributions to the life of our city in the past 100 years. Thus, the design contest must come up with a distinctive design that shall communicate both the historical significance of a site, building, or park, while generating a sense of caring and pride.
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Participants, using their own art materials (except for illustration boards that shall be provided by the CenteCom) should be able to render their artworks in full colored, three-dimensional or perspective drawings. Their works shall then be judged by a panel of judges based on a set of criteria that includes theme, visual impact, design and originality. The CenteCom shall participate in the final selection process and help determine the winning design.
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Participants may pre-register until July 15 at the Baguio Centennial Commission Office, Baguio Convention Center; or call up (074) 446-2009 for more details.
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The CenteCom this week received a much-needed financial boost from the Fernando Rosa Bautista Foundation Inc. which donated an initial P100,000.00 for the projects of the Commission. On hand to receive the donation from FRB Foundation Vice President Geminina B. Datu and Treasurer Eleanor Rosa B. Razon was CenteCom marketing point person Mike Pearson.
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The CenteCom is intent in celebrating the 63rd anniversary of the surrender of Japanese General Tomoyuki Yamashita this September. Yamashita, called the Tiger of Malaya during World War II, surrendered to American and Filipino Forces in Kiangan, Ifugao, but his surrender was formalized atop two ping-pong tables at the US Ambassador’s residence at Camp John Hay on September 3, 1945. This officially ended the hostilities in the Philippines committed by the Japanese Imperial Army under the command of the General Yamashita. Plans are being finalized in the CenteCom committee on programs and special events under Commissioner Gerry Evangelista, including coordination work with the US Embassy and local government officials for a simple but meaningful observance.
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The CenteCom wishes to convey its heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of the late Regional Environment Director Oscar M. Hamada who joined our Creator last Wednesday due to a lingering illness. He faithfully served our region as environment official, after which he was assigned to the Bicol region where he eventually retired. His burial is scheduled in Manila this Wednesday. --Email the CenteCom Updates at adambaguio@yahoo.com

Baguio Is His Monument, June 28, 2008

It is exactly 427 days before the 100th Charter Day Anniversary of Baguio City on September 1, 2009.
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TRIVIA: In March 1947, the City Council of Baguio held necrological services for the late Mayor Eusebius J. Halsema, on the occasion of the transfer of his mortal remains to the Baguio Cemetery from the site of the Notre Dame Hospital, where he was killed during the bombing of Baguio City, ironically, by the American Liberation forces on March 17, 1945. The Council then wished to erect an impressive monument for the late Baguio Mayor, who might rightfully be called the "Father of Baguio," because much of what Baguio is today can be traced to the tireless and almost lifetime labors of Engineer Halsema. But the Halsema family expressly requested that no money be spent for such a monument.
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Halsema is the longest-serving Baguio mayor, to date. Halsema was born December 12, 1882, in the small Ohio community of New Bremen. His parents were Dutch Catholics who had come to America to avoid economic and religious difficulties in their native land. His father was a watchmaker and jeweler. With five children to support on a small income, he could supply no luxuries. Young Halsema took many odd jobs to help, including winding the church clock and marching in torchlight political parades. When Halsema graduated from high school at the turn of the century he chose the Philippines as the subject of his address, for no conscious reason except that the country was very much in the news at that time, having just been taken over by the United States.
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He went to college one year and worked the next in the town bank as assistant cashier, earning enough money to scrimp through the next year of engineering training. Some summers he worked as a surveyor on railroad- and road-construction projects in the Rocky Mountain states. In 1907 he received the precious degree making him a civil engineer. With a college friend he went to Los Angeles and set up shop as a real-estate dealer. But the 1907 depression was on and no one wanted to buy lots in Los Angeles. The pair lived on doughnuts and coffee and hope. But hope grew dim. One day they saw an advertisement in an engineering journal stating that positions were available in the Bureau of Public Works of the Philippines for engineers who could qualify by examination. Both took it: only Halsema passed.
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The Baguio Centennial Commission held its 46th regular meeting at the Baguio Country Club last Wednesday. Among the topics discussed was the holding of a second fund-raising dinner coinciding with the 99th Charter Day anniversary this coming September 1. Bishop Carlito Cenzon also discussed the possibility of holding a pre-centennial golf tournament at the Baguio Country Club and Camp John Hay as a means of raising funds for the grand celebrations next year. He enthused that the mayor is very willing to support the fundraisers, and even volunteered to help look for major sponsors.
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In a related development, marketing committee point-person Mike Pearson obtained the Bishop’s nod on a planned Centennial bingo-social activity this year provided it is on a one-time basis and that prizes at stake would be in kind: like appliances, electronic gadgets, kitchenware, and similar items. Meanwhile, the committee on research and publications under point-person Gerry A. Evangelista, Sr., is finalizing the Commission’s inputs for the Centennial calendar which will be sold to the general public as a fund-raising activity for next year.
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Meanwhile, the designs committee, temporarily being handled by Doc Ronnie Paraan in the absence of Arch. Jodie Alabanza, is calling on all interested aspiring artists, photographers, and hobbyists from all walks of life to contribute designs for the Centennial stamp project being undertaken in partnership with the Philippine Postal Corporation. Deadline for submission of designs shall be on Friday, July 4, 2008 at the CenteCom office at the Baguio Convention Center.
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The Commission has also approved the appropriation of cash prizes for the Centennial marker design contest slated on July 16. The contest is open to all college students of Baguio who are given until July 15, 2008 to pre-register. Participants shall be provided with illustration boards, but should bring along their own art materials to render a memorial marker design in full colored perspective drawing.
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Environment point person Dr. Julie Cabato reported that efforts are being undertaken to coordinate with the Benguet Electric Cooperative in their planned digital inventory of sewer systems in the city as it shall provide valuable information in planning beyond 2009. She also told the Commission about continuing efforts to clean up Baguio barangays, the most recent of which was barangay Happy Glen, where key portions of the road were recently cemented courtesy of the Department of Public Works and Highways. In the pipeline are clean-up efforts from Quezon Hill to Naguilian Road. Bishop Cenzon and Chairman Bautista also added inputs about a planned rehabilitation of the city orchidarium, an upcoming monthly exhibit in the area, and the inclusion of coffee plants and coffee shops as additional tourist attractions.
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Sports point-person Dr. Charles Cheng elaborated on the upcoming Chinese Moon Festival in August, consisting of a week-long spread of celebrations of the Filipino-Chinese community. He said the occasion is meant as some sort of thanksgiving and a showcase of Filipino-Chinese cooperation and goodwill. A lecture series is slated at the University of the Philippines Baguio, alongside photo and art exhibits and a book launching about Chinese legends. Chairman Bautista added that the Hotel and Restaurant Association of Baguio agreed to serve their own Chinese menu in time for the festival.
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Regarding Centennial awards, the body deliberated on the organization of a group that shall set guidelines for the selection of “Baguio’s Centennial Citizens” or 100 people who have contributed the most to the development of Baguio City. Atty. Edilberto Tenefrancia, point-person for the committees on education and culture and arts, suggested that the awards be given posthumously or to living recipients, provided the awardees qualify with standards to be set by the Commission or the designated committee. Mechanics for the awards, including the nomination process are still under deliberation.

Baguio Centennial Updates, June 22, 2008

It is exactly 434 days before the 100th Charter Day Anniversary of Baguio City on September 1, 2009.
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TRIVIA: Did you know that in Baguio’s early years, the vice mayor, members of the city council, and members of the advisory council served without compensation? On October 4, 1909, appointed as members of the advisory council in the municipal service of Baguio were Mateo Carantes, Sioco Carino, Cuidno, Molintas, and Piraso, all original settlers of the township. The other appointed members of the city council were Conrad P. Hatheway, Capt. Milash R. Hilgard, H. Phelps Whitmarsh, and acting councilors John H. Rethinger, Lt. Eugene Reybold, and John Wagner. The justice of the peace was William M. Brower, while the city attorney was Asterio Favis.
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The original list of Baguio City memorial sites was trimmed down to 15 by the committee headed by Dr. Ronnie Paraan this week. Criteria followed by the committee in qualifying the sites were its 100-year old existence and its historical significance. These sites are being eyed for memorial markers that the Commission intends to put up before the grand celebration next year.
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In this connection, the committee is calling on all college students to join in a centennial marker design contest that aims to gather inputs for the historical occasion. The activity is open to all college students from any course and presently enrolled in Baguio schools. The contest is slated on July 16th, 2008 at the Baguio Convention Center lobby, and pre-registration shall be open until July 15th. The Commission shall provide illustration boards, while participants may use any colored medium for their artworks. Artworks shall be based on an area of 18 by 24 inches, in full color, and in three-dimensional or perspective illustrations. Criteria include the theme, visual impact, design, and originality. Cash and the prestige of winning await the winners of the Centennial marker design contest, while all entries automatically become property of the Commission.
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Doc Ronnie Paraan’s committee has also finalized designs for the official Centennial commemorative plates, along with proposed house plates and business plates. The proposals are up for discussions in the Commission this week.
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Also to be presented is the prototype of the Centennial calendar project under the publications committee of Mr. Gerry A. Evangelista Sr. It is hoped that the calendars will be ready for distribution in a fund-raising dinner coinciding with this year’s 99th Charter Day celebrations in September.
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CenteCom Chairman Dr. Virgilio C. Bautista, in a meeting with Commissioners Mike Pearson and Gerry A. Evangelista Sr. this week discussed the possibility of holding at least one major Centennial activity per month, gradually building up to the grand celebration on September 1, 2009. The proposal is up for discussion in this week’s regular CenteCom meeting.
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Businessman Mos Cating is bound to give a much-needed boost to the Centennial celebration efforts as he leaves for the United States this week. He has pledged to lobby US-based Baguio residents in California to support the Centennial programs and activities, even as he is set to meet with Baguio City High alumni meeting in Seattle, Washington for a similar purpose.
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Baguio Centennial Updates, June 15, 2008

It is exactly 441 days before the 100th Charter Day Anniversary of Baguio City on September 1, 2009.
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The Baguio Centennial Commission, headed by Chairman Dr. Virgilio C. Bautista held its 45th regular meeting last June 11, 2008 at the Baguio Country Club. Also in attendance was Mr. Victor Agcaoili, person-in-charge of the rehabilitation of the Children’s Park. He presented the proposed development plans for the park, which plays a vital role in the life of Baguio residents and their families, and the city as a whole.
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The marketing and tourism projects committee under Mike Pearson updated the Commission on various thrusts being undertaken to augment the body’s financial position and meet the budgetary requirements of all plans and programs for the Centennial observance next year. The Commission is beating a self-imposed June 30, 2008 deadline to finalize its calendar of activities and programs for next year’s celebrations.
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Education and culture and arts committee point-person Atty. Edilberto Tenefrancia presented a draft letter to President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo outlining the Commission’s position on reported development plans affecting the Baguio Convention Center area. The contents of the letter-appeal was summarized by Bishop Carlito Cenzon, Commission point- person for parks, when he said during the meeting that the tree park across the University of the Philippines Baguio campus is the only remaining greenbelt smack at the center of the City, and should thus be preserved.
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Dr. Ronald Paraan of the committee on Centennial markers announced a call for entries in a Centennial Stamp Design activity scheduled on July 4, 2008. The stamp designs may be made on short bond paper, using any medium, and would be judged jointly by the Commission and the Philippine Postal Corporation. The Postal Corporation shall take charge of the production and distribution of the stamps. In relation to this, entries may already be submitted for the design of Centennial markers which are to be built on different historic sites around the city. Deadline for marker designs will be on July 16, 2008. For more information on these activities, participants may contact the Baguio Centennial Office at the Baguio Convention Center.
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Dr. Charles Cheng updated the Commission on the planned Centenary awards and recognition, while Dr. Julie Cabato elaborated on the ecology committee’s activities. In this connection, the Commission agreed to source out a portion of funds from the commitments of Texas Instruments (Philippines) to purchase cleaning and planting tools and implements.
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As to research and publications under Commissioner Geronimo Evangelista, the Commission is set to view a prototype of the planned Centennial calendar in its next meeting. Also under him in the special events committee, a group of Commissioners met with Hotel and Restaurant Association President, Atty. Moses Cating this week to discuss a pre-centennial golf tournament and other projects spanning the whole Centennial year.
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TRIVIA: When the Japanese army arrived in Baguio as part of their World War II conquest, they were welcomed by no less than the city’s Chief of Police, Captain Joseph J. Keith, the highest local government official here at that time. Lest the act be misconstrued as an act of surrender even before any hostilities could take place, Captain Keith’s gesture was typical of a well-respected diplomat as he cautioned the Japanese that violence or bloodshed was not necessary inasmuch as Baguio was an open city.

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Baguio Centennial Updates, June 5, 2008

BAGUIO CITY (June 06, 2008)—As of this writing, it is now exactly 450 days before the historic 100th year anniversary of Baguio as a Chartered City on September 1, 2009.
The Baguio Centennial Commission is at the thick of preparations, coordination, and planning for this once-in-a-lifetime occasion.
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The Baguio Centennial Commission has created 19 different commissions, manned by the 10 CenteCom Commissioners, who take charge of the conceptualization, planning, implementation, and coordination of various programs that will lead to the Big Day on September 1, 2009. Presently, project studies and various proposals are being collated and finalized for an official and final listing of Centennial activities leading to the grand celebration.
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Despite the scarcity of funds, the Commission draws its strength and motivation from the spirit of community that has driven Baguio City to achieve lofty heights in the past. The Commissioners have steadfastly kept the faith despite the purely voluntary nature of their assignments. After all, the satisfaction of being able to contribute something worthwhile to the City that we love, is compensation enough.
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Among items being finalized in the various committee levels are: a Centennial coffee-table book; a historical comic book; calendars; historic markers; Centennial memorabilia like commemorative car plates, stickers, stamps, and the like; the construction of memorials, and rehabilitation or conversion of present heritage sites; various sports activities and special events, shows, exhibits, and festivals. And the list continues to grow longer as more inputs come in. Indeed, the task of celebrating our city’s 100th birthday requires a lot of preparation and planning, and would need active community involvement and support.
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One of the newest highlights being considered by the committee on special events is the holding of a Centennial Woodstock concert at the Baguio Athletic Bowl by September next year. A few bands and performers abroad have already signified their intentions of coming home to Baguio and performing their favorite numbers free of charge. Not to be outdone, our local bands and performers have taken up the challenge and are willing to augment the repertoire of the balikbayan musicians. As it is, the prospect presents an exciting new dimension to the Centennial celebrations.

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Worthy of note also is the CenteCom’s appointment of an in-house researcher-cum-administrative assistant in the person of media and corporate communications practitioner Adam Borja. He is tasked with coordinating all historical research works, especially those coming from various academic institutions and volunteer organizations, and in collating all useful materials like books, manuscripts, photos, video and audio tapes, yearbooks, electronic files and other resource materials from donors and other sources. All materials gathered shall temporarily be kept in a mini-archive at the CenteComm office at the Baguio Convention Center. He may be reached through email: adambaguio@yahoo.com.
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The CenteCom wishes to extend its heartfelt thanks to the publishers for allowing us to post updates, announcements, and other information in this column. This space is indispensable in disseminating information to the general public and would lead to a wider understanding of our city’s past while ensuring a successful commemoration on September 1, 2009. In next issue, we shall be publishing committee and CenteCom updates along with historical trivia about Baguio City’s first 100 years. Watch out for it!
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