Benguet Museum

04/08/2026

23/07/2026

The "sokdad" or "soklad" is a long wooden tool with a broad, flat end and a narrow handle, traditionally used to lift cooked chunks of boiled meat from a large cooking pot called silyasi or talyasi. The meat is transferred onto the apay, or grass laid on the ground, where it is chopped into smaller pieces called watwat for distribution.

Watwat refers to boiled meat, usually pork, traditionally prepared and distributed during community gatherings, rituals, celebrations, and other important occasions. It is commonly served in portions to guests and community members as part of the traditional practice of sharing meat during gatherings.

17/07/2026

Benguet Museum's exhibit in celebration of the Philippine Independence Day

The Old Mountain Province Insignia represents the shared history and heritage of the peoples who once comprised the old Mountain Province. More than a symbol, it serves as a reminder of a province shaped by strong indigenous traditions, self-governance, and resistance to colonial rule.

In 1903, the American colonial government created the old Mountain Province by uniting Benguet, Bontoc, Ifugao, Kalinga, Apayao, Amburayan, and Lepanto into a single administrative unit. In 1966, Republic Act No. 4695 divided it into Benguet, Mountain Province, Ifugao, and Kalinga-Apayao. Today, the insignia stands as a symbol of this rich historical legacy and the enduring identity of its peoples.

In 1899, Benguet was established as a province under the First Philippine Republic, with Juan Oraa “Ahino” Cariño appointed as Governor and President of the Board. The seat of the provincial government was in Tuel, Tublay. This marked the formal recognition of Benguet's local leadership and its participation in the newly established Philippine Republic. The establishment of the provincial government reflected the aspirations of the Ibaloi and other indigenous peoples for self-rule and representation.

Among the most notable demonstrations of this resistance was the Battle of Tonglo in February 1759, when the people of Benguet successfully defended their territory against Spanish forces.

This event occurred more than a century before the “Cry of Balintawak,” also known as the “Cry of Pugad Lawin,” in 1896, highlighting the early determination of Benguet people to protect their freedom and way of life.

-
Please visit the Benguet Museum (beside the Benguet Provincial Capitol), La Trinidad

09/06/2026

What is tallak?

18/05/2026

BRIDGING CULTURES. As part of their short mobility program under the Erasmus+ KA171 Programme, Mr. Santiago Rodríguez Muriel, a psychologist and educator from Huelva, Spain, and Mr. Luiz Rodrigues, a language professional, teacher, and researcher from Huelva, Spain, visited the Benguet Museum to gain deeper insights into the rich history and culture of Benguet.

The visit featured an engaging presentation by Mr. Kenneth W. Kelcho, Tourism Officer I of the Benguet Museum, who shared valuable knowledge on the province’s heritage, traditions, and cultural identity, further enriching the delegates’ learning experience and cultural immersion in Benguet.

📷 BSU- International Relations Office

30/04/2026

WATCH: What’s in the Benguet Museum?

20/04/2026

My Culture, My Identity | “𝐓𝐢𝐧𝐨-𝐭𝐨”

13/04/2026