Welcome to the Salad Bowl of the Philippines! Benguet is located at the southern part of the Cordillera mountain range. It is bounded on the north by Ilocos Sur and Mt. Province, on the east by Ifugao and Nueva Vizcaya, on the south by Pangasinan, and on the west by La Union. Terrain is mountainous. Temperature is cool and refreshing all year round. Rainy season starts from May until November and sometimes up to December. It is accessible by land from all sides but the best way is either through the Marcos Highway or through the Naguilian Road both coming from La Union. It is also accessible by air in good weather through Loakan Airport in Baguio City. The interior can be reached through the Halsema Highway from which provincial roads emanates leading to the different towns

Benguet Provincial Capitol

Two tribal groups dominate the population of Benguet: the Ibalois and the Kankanaeys, both are popularly known as Igorots. In Baguio City, however, a mix of different cultural groups from all over the country and even from abroad can be found.

The rich natural resources, good governance by the local government, and the industry of its population all combined to make Benguet one of the most economically progressive provinces in the country. Poverty incidence stood at 11.1% in 2006 - the lowest in the Cordillera Region and the 5th lowest in the country.

Benguet is a major supplier of temperate vegetables, strawberry, and cutflowers. Other farm products are as follows (figure in thousand metric tons in 2007, rank among 79 provinces)

Animal inventory of Benguet in 2007 are as follows (figure in thousands, rank among 79 provinces)

Benguet has a long history of mining activites which is a major source of employment for many people. It has reserves of gold, copper, silver, and zinc. Manufacturing is concentrated in Baguio City. Two of the oldest dams in the country, Ambuklao and Binga dams, are located here. There were 79 banks operating in Benguetas of 2007. Deposits totalled 28.5 billion pesos.

Food processing, metalworks, wood furniture and jewelry making are some of the business activities that can be be further developed. Opportunities in information technology particularly business process outsourcing (BPO) is a sunrise industry. Mushroom culture and canning is an interesting area to go into.

1. Mt. Pulog - highest peak in Luzon, famous for mountaineers due to its lush vegetation.
2. La Trinidad Valley - noted for its flower and strawberry plantations
3. Kabayan mummified corpses

Panoramic view of Benguet mines in Itogon town

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