wland blanket), jars, and
cows in exchanged for wooden pipes, chicken and pigs from the
highland natives. The natives in turn brought their bartered goods
to the hinterlands of Ahin, Tinoc, Hapaw and Hungduan which brought
about the improvement of the living conditions especially in terms
of clothing and dressing.
In the 16th century, an epidemic (bulutong) occurred which reduced
the population. As a result, the people moved further to other
places such as Mankayan, Bakun, Kibungan, Itogon, Ifugao and other
In the 17th century, Buguias was reached by the Spanish Colonizers
(under the Galvez Expedition) and recruited natives to work on
forced labor for the construction of a horsetrail now known as the
“Spanish Trail,” for use to collect taxes for the Spanish rulers.
They also established two (2) tribunal halls for meetings and tax
In 1896, after the defeat of the Spaniards by the Americans
colonizers, the latter issued an Act No. 48 creating
District-Municipalities as well as provinces.
In 1941, the second world war broke out paving the way for the
Japanese occupation in the Philippines until August 1945.
In July 16, 1989, typhoon Goring devastated Buguias destroying
vegetation, farmlands and killing lives.
In July 16, 1990, a killer quake occurred, destroying lives and
properties. Several strong typhoons follow onwards, causing loss of
lives and properties, landslides, floodwaters and isolation of the
town for several months affecting heavily the economic condition of
In the early days, Buguias is a thick-forested area and a hunting
ground for “Makawas” (deer), “bango” (wild pig), “sabag” (wild
chicken) and other wild animals.
Later, hunters got tired of roaming the mountain as the number of
wild animals to be hunted dwindled. They tried to stay in one place
and began to tame wild animals such as dogs, pigs, chicken etc. They
planted “togi,” (sweet potato) for their staple food and planted
native rice for “tapey” (wine) on paddies along creeks, rivers using
traditional and crude method of irrigation.
During the Spanish occupation, Igorot/natives were recruited and
forced to work on a horsetrail coming from Baguio City and
Cervantes, Ilocos Sur bisecting Buguias leading to the province of
Ifugao. The Spanish authorities likewise established tribunals for
tax collection purposes and give some informal education. Though
little, these form part in the improvement of the crude mode of farm
living of the igorots.
The coming of the Americans has the most impact on the economic
development of the natives. With the construction and eventual
opening of a road crisscrossing Benguet and Mountain Province, now
known as the Halsema Highway, named after the American Engineer
Joseph Halsema who started building it in 1920, an opportunity for
trade and commerce was opened thereby affording the igorots the
opportunity to travel and seek for greener pasture. Americans
afforded likewise the first formal education among the early igorot
natives who in turn looked up with high regard to the Americans. The
democratic way of living little by little sipped through the
lifestyle of the local folks which could be claimed as the driving
force behind efforts of igorots to economically improve their lot.
Agriculture, though remained their main source of living.
During the Japanese occupation, the way of farming improved with the
introduction of pechay and other leafy vegetables for planting.
After the second world war, Chinese farmers settled in Loo and
Natubleng on leased paddies consequently converting them into
vegetable plantation. Their coming brought in the new way of modern
farming including root crops particularly the potato.
Today, vegetable plantations abound be it along creeks, slopes or
mountain plateaus. Buguias has emerged as the highland vegetable
capital of the country producing vegetables that finds its way at
the La Trinidad Vegetable Trading Post and marketed to Manila and
other urban centers of the country.
In the early 1930’s, logging concession was established in Sinipsip
and Bad-ayan. Forest resources were also taken for commer