History of the Half-Tunnel (Halsema Highway) in Bonglo, Atok, Benguet

This is what the half-tunnel in Bonglo, Atok, Benguet looked like many years ago before the road was paved and before the construction of concrete parapets as a safety measure.

This section of the Halsema Highway is a popular stopover for motorists and travellers. It was carved out of solid rock. Construction of the Halsema Highway started in 1922 under then Baguio City mayor Eusebius Halsema. It's now the most important highway in the Cordillera region.

However, the half-tunnel was carved out only in the 1960s when Typhoon Trining washed out this section of the road. Two mining companies whose operations were heavily affected by the closed road decided to collaborate to help reopen the road. 

The whole story about the carving of the half-tunnel and reopening of Halsema Highway is best described by Rufino Bomasang who left a comment when we previously posted about the half-tunnel. 

Here's his comment in full:

"This portion of the Halsema Road was completely washed out by Typhoon Trining in the late 1960s (actually in October 1967). I know this for a fact because I was then Project Superintendent of the Boneng Copper Project in Atok, Benguet under Itogon-Suyoc Mines, Inc (ISMI) and we were monitoring what was happening because the road was closed for weeks and Suyoc Mine and Lepanto mine, both in Mankayan, Benguet were isolated. The two mining companies then agreed to cooperate to reopen Halsema Road with Lepanto clearing all the slides from Mankayan all the way to the washed out portion in Atok, while ISMI would drive a half tunnel through the washed out portion. Thus,  Eng’r. Godofredo Acosta of ISMI (who was formerly my Assistant at Boneng but reassigned to Itogon) was assigned as Project Engineer and under him was a crew of mostly Igorot miners from Itogon headed by Mr. Omero, Mine Foreman of ISMI. According to Eng’r Acosta, the driving of the half tunnel was completed by his crew from ISMI without the involvement of Lepanto, whose crew was concentrating on clearing the slides all the way to Mankayan."

Vintage Photo of a Family in La Trinidad, Benguet

A photo of an Igorot man and his family taken in the town of La Trinidad, Benguet sometime between 1904 and 1920. Digitized by Princeton University, the photo had a description saying the man was a member of the local police force.

Around this time, the town was under the control of the American government. Local men were often enlisted as members of the police force.

Also take note of the Western coat the man was wearing. These coats were coveted back in the day. It's often seen as a community status symbol.

Photographer: Steven Charles Martin 

Image source: Graphic Arts Collection, Firestone Library, Princeton University.

#latrinidad #benguet #benguethistory

Igorots and Dogs

Taken between 1898 and 1912, this photo shows three Igorot men and one Igorot woman pausing at a trail to stand for the camera. The original caption for the photo stated: "Benguet Igorot carriers on trail. Dogs to be taken home and eaten."

One of the men was carrying a dagi or shagi, a traditional backpack. The woman was also carrying a backpack of some sort. Could also be a dagi or a kayabang.

Also notice that two of the men were wearing what looked like flat caps. This is a kind of hat that was very popular in the West during this period. It implies that the Igorots in the picture have had contact with foreigners before the photo was taken.

One theory is that the group just came from the lowlands to trade. And that's where they purchased the dogs. Even before the arrival of the Spaniards and the Americans in the Cordillera region, Igorots have been trading goods with their lowland neighbors for generations.

Image source: Peabody Museum of Archaeology and Ethnology (Harvard University)

All Hiking Activities In Mt. Ulap Suspended Until Further Notice

The officials of barangay Ampucao in Itogon, Benguet have decided to suspend all hiking and tourism activities in Mt. Ulap and its various eco trails. The temporary suspension is a preventative measure against the current corona virus threat.

The barangay announced the closing of the mountain today (Tuesday). Organizers and hikers who are scheduled to climb the mountain in the coming weeks are advised to follow the directive. There's no definite date on when the mountain will be reopened. Given the increasing number of corona virus cases in the country, it will probably be a while before the barangay allows hikers to enter the area.

It can be recalled that Mt. Ulap was closed a couple of weeks ago, also because of the corona virus threat. It was reopened in the last week of February. The local officials decided to close it again today for the safety of the residents. A lot of the hikers climbing Mt. Ulap often come from the NCR. As of this writing, more than a dozen cases of the corona virus have been recorded in the NCR.

African Swine Fever Virus Has Reached Benguet; Ban On Entry Of Live Pigs Ordered By Governor

Earlier this week, it was announced that the African Swine Fever (ASF) virus has reached the province of Benguet. This was confirmed by Dr. Miriam Tiongan, the Benguet Provincial Veterinarian. The disease was detected in pig farms located in the towns of La Trinidad and Tuba. Samples from the farms were collected for testing and analysis by the Animal Disease Diagnostic Reference Laboratory of the Bureau of Animal Industry.

The laboratory confirmed that the samples were indeed infected by the virus. Authorities are still in the process of investigating how the virus entered the province.

The samples were taken from pig farms in Camp 1, Tuba and Beckel, La Trinidad. More than one hundred pigs in Tuba were culled after confirmation that these were indeed compromised by the virus.

Photo by Gilles Sabrie

To prevent the further spread of the ASF in the province, Governor Melchor Diclas issued an order that temporarily bans the entry of live pigs into the province. The lockdown will be in effect until such time that a "declaration is made by the Bureau of Animal Industry - Department of Agriculture of the assurance of the safety of the swine industry". The order was issued on February 5, 2020.

Benguet Congressman Nestor Fongwan Has Passed Away. He Was 68 Years Old.

Nestor Bagtang Fongwan Sr., a long-time fixture in Benguet politics has passed away on Wednesday night (December 18). He was 68 years old. Cause of death hasn't been divulged but there are reports saying it was due to an illness. He is survived by his wife Priscilla and their five children: Marie Rose, Nestor Jr., Marilyn, Maria Theresa, and Marson. His remains will be brought home to Puguis, La Trinidad. A wake that is open for the public is also reportedly scheduled to be held at the Provincial Capitol.

Prior to dipping his feet on the local political scene, Fongwan worked at the Benguet Provincial Auditor's Office. In 1988, he ran and won as a councilor in La Trinidad. He went on to serve as vice-mayor, mayor, governor, then congressman. He was known among his friends, colleagues, and supporters as the "Action Man", a moniker that stuck with him through the years.

At the time of his passing, Fongwan was serving as vice-chair in three committees in Congress: Agrarian Reform, Natural Resources, and Indigenous Cultural Communities and Indigenous Peoples. He was the principal author in twenty-one (21) House measures and co-author in thirteen (13) House measures.

Here's what the "Rules of the House of Representatives" say about the process of filling up a vacancy in Congress that was opened due to a member's untimely death:

"In case a Member dies, resigns, is permanently incapacitated or lawfully barred from performing the duties of a Member, or is lawfully removed from office, vacancies may be filled as follows: (a) for vacancies in the representation of legislative districts, special elections may be called to fill the vacancies; and (b) for vacancies in the representation of party-lists, party-list representatives may be chosen to fill the vacancies in the manner provided by law. A Member elected or designated to fill a vacancy shall serve only for the duration of the unexpired term."

Benguet's Adivay Festival 2019 Schedule/Calendar Of Events

It's that time of the year again. The province of Benguet has lined up more than seventy events for this year's edition of the Adivay Festival. The month-long activities are in celebration of the province's founding anniversary. This year's theme is "Healthier Benguet". The schedule of events were presented to the press during a "kapihan" last month.

The main events which include the Civic/Float Parade and the Grand Canao will be held on November 23. The province of Benguet was founded on November 23, 1900. Check out the complete calendar of events below.

Photo by Daniel Ted C. Feliciano

Date	Time	Activity	Venue
October 24	9:00 am	Kapihan	Governor Ben Palispis Auditorium, Capitol
October 24	12:00 pm	Press Conference for Mr. and Ms. Benguet	Governor Ben Palispis Auditorium, Capitol
October 29	8:00 am	Volleyball Invitational Tournament Opening	Buyagan Elementary School
November 4	9:00 am	Medical, Dental, and Surgical Mission	Atok District Hospital, Atok
November 5	9:00 am	Medical, Dental, and Surgical Mission	Atok District Hospital, Atok
November 6	7:30 am	Ecumenical Service	Governor Ben Palispis Auditorium, Capitol
November 6	10:00 am	Kick-Off Program	Capitol Frontage
November 6	10:00 am	Pre-Pageant for Mr. and Ms. Benguet	Capitol Frontage
November 7	7:00 am	Amazing Race (Officials)	Capitol Grounds
November 8	9:00 am	Mass Wedding	San Jose Parish Church, La Trinidad
November 9	8:00 am	Sepak Takraw	Capitol Covered Court
November 9	4:00 pm	Body Building and Men’s Physique Competition	BSC Multi-Purpose Gym, Wangal, La Trinidad
November 10	8:00 am	Sepak Takraw	Capitol Covered Court
November 10	1:30 pm	Opening of Trade Fair	Trade Fair Area, Wangal, La Trinidad
November 10	6:00 pm	Acoustic Night	Trade Fair Stage, Wangal
November 11	8:00 am	Benguet’s MSMEs Best and CMCI Awarding Ceremony	Governor Ben Palispis Auditorium, Capitol
November 12	8:00 am	Job Fair	Governor Ben Palispis Auditorium, Capitol
November 13	8:00 am	Job Fair	Governor Ben Palispis Auditorium, Capitol
November 14	9:00 am	Environmental Awards	Governor Ben Palispis Auditorium, Capitol
November 14	9:00 am	Mass Wedding	St. Francis Xavier Parish Church, Kabayan
November 15	6:00 am	2nd Adivay Golf Tournament	CJH and Baguio Country Club
November 15	8:00 am	Senior Citizen Adivay Show	BSC Multi-Purpose Gym, Wangal
November 15	2:00 pm	Pre-Pageant for Mr. and Ms. Benguet	Governor Ben Palispis Auditorium, Capitol
November 16	6:00 am	2nd Adivay Golf Tournament	CJH and Baguio Country Club
November 16	7:00 am	Parade Benguet Rodeo and Dongba ni Kavajo	BSU to BSC Grounds, Wangal
November 16	8:00 am	Muay Thai Invitationals	Capitol Covered Court
November 16	9:30 am	Opening of Benguet Rodeo and Dongba ni Kavajo	BSU to BSC Grounds, Wangal
November 16	1:00 pm	Benguet Cultural Dance Performances	BSC Multi-Purpose Gym, Wangal
November 16	4:00 pm	High School Musical Battle of the Bands	Trade Fair Stage, Wangal
November 17	8:00 am	Muay Thai Invitationals	Capitol Covered Court
November 17	8:00 am	Shin Shin Karatedo Adivay Championship	To be announced
November 17	8:00 am	Kapeterya	Trade Fair Area
November 17	8:00 am	Mountain Bike Fun Race	BSC Grounds
November 17	5:30 pm	Closing of Benguet Rodeo and Dongba ni Kavajo	BSC Grounds
November 18	1:00 pm	Mascot Competition	Benguet Cold Chain Area, Wangal
November 18	2:00 pm	Agri-Tourism Fair Opening Program	Benguet Cold Chain Area, Wangal
November 19	8:00 am	Farmer’s Day	Benguet Cold Chain Area, Wangal
November 19	8:00 am	Medical and Dental Services	BSC Covered Court, Wangal
November 19	8:00 am	Free Rabies Vaccination	BSC Covered Court, Wangal
November 19	8:00 am	Sports Fest	BSC Multi-Purpose Gym, Wangal
November 20	8:00 am	Provincial Skills Competition	BSC Multi-Purpose Gym, Wangal
November 20	8:00 am	Minor Surgical Health Fair	BeGH Gym, La Trinidad
November 20	9:00 am	Elegant Floral Designs Contest	Benguet Cold Chain Area, Wangal
November 20	1:00 pm	Balik Probinsiya	Trade Fair Stage
November 20	1:00 pm	Still Life Canvas Painting Contest	Benguet Cold Chain Area, Wangal
November 21	8:00 am	Rice Road Show	Benguet Cold Chain Area, Wangal
November 21	8:00 am	IP Games	Trade Fair Stage, Wangal
November 21	8:00 am	Minor Surgical Health Fair	BSC Covered Court, Wangal
November 21	8:30 am	Nutri-Snack	Benguet Cold Chain Area, Wangal
November 21	6:00 pm	Final Pageant for Mr. and Ms. Benguet	BSC Multi-Purpose Gym, Wangal
November 22	8:00 am	Oral Health Program	BTS Gym, Wangal
November 22	8:00 am	Smart Day	Trade Fair Stage
November 22	8:00 am	Free Rabies Vaccination	BSC Covered Court, Wangal
November 22	8:00 am	Eye Check-Up Screening Day	BTS Gym, Wangal
November 22	9:00 am	Fruit and Vegetable Preparation Contest	Benguet Cold Chain Area, Wangal
November 22	2:00 pm	Natural Juice Preparation	Benguet Cold Chain Area, Wangal
November 22	3:00 pm	Rice-Corn Blend Orientation and Taste-Testing	Benguet Cold Chain Area, Wangal
November 22	4:00 pm	Benguet Awards	Governor Ben Palispis Auditorium, Capitol
November 23	7:00 am	Civic and Float Parade	Capitol Grounds to BSC Grounds, Wangal
November 23	8:00 am	Canao	BSC Grounds, Wangal
November 23	8:00 am	Invitational Arnis Tournament	Capitol Covered Court
November 23	8:00 am	Football Kasibulan	BSU Football Pitch
November 23	8:00 am	Milsim Airsoft Invitational	Peripin, Bato, Puguis, La Trinidad
November 23	9:00 am	Pinaka-best Fruit and Vegetable	Benguet Cold Chain Area
November 23	6:00 pm	Battle of the bands	BSC Multi-Purpose Gym, Wangal
November 24	8:00 am	Cordillera Variety Show	BSC Multi-Purpose Gym, Wangal
November 24	8:00 am	Invitational Arnis Tournament	Capitol Covered Court
November 24	8:00 am	Football Kasibulan	BSU Football Pitch
November 24	1:00 pm	Closing of Agri-Tourism Fair	Benguet Cold Chain Area, Wangal
November 24	3:00 pm	Closing of Trade Fair	Trade Fair Area
November 24	2:00 pm	Thanksgiving Day	Governor Ben Palispis Auditorium
November 24	6:00 pm	Variety Show	BSC Multi-Purpose Gym, Wangal
November 25	8:00 am	Bilateral Tubal Ligation	Kapangan District Hospital
November 26	8:00 am	Bilateral Tubal Ligation	Kapangan District Hospital
November 29	8:00 am	Environmental Forum	5 Road Networks
November 29	8:00 am	Miner’s Day	BSC Grounds, Wangal
November 29	8:00 am	Fun Shoot	Camp Dangwa, La Trinidad
November 29	3:00 pm	Employees’ Night	Governor Ben Palispis Auditorium, Capitol
November 30	8:00 am	Fun Shoot	Camp Dangwa, La Trinidad
November 30	8:00 am	Taekwondo Invitationals	BSC Multi-Purpose Gym, Wangal
November 30	8:00 am	4x4 Off-Road Challenge	Puguis, La Trinidad
December 1	8:00 am	Fun Shoot	Camp Dangwa, La Trinidad
December 14		Mixed Martial Arts	BSC Multi-Purpose Gym, Wangal