Tuba, officially the Municipality of Tuba, (Ilocano: Ili ti Tuba; Tagalog: Bayan ng Tuba), is a 1st class municipality in the province of Benguet, Philippines. According to the 2020 census, it has a population of 48,312 people.[5]

Tuba
Municipality of Tuba
Poblacion
Poblacion
Flag of Tuba
Official seal of Tuba
Nickname: 
Gateway to Baguio[1][2]
Map of Benguet with Tuba highlighted
Map of Benguet with Tuba highlighted
OpenStreetMap
Map
Tuba is located in Philippines
Tuba
Tuba
Location within the Philippines
Coordinates: 16°23′34″N 120°33′37″E / 16.3928°N 120.5603°E / 16.3928; 120.5603
CountryPhilippines
RegionCordillera Administrative Region
ProvinceBenguet
District Lone district
Founded1911
Barangays13 (see Barangays)
Government
[3]
 • TypeSangguniang Bayan
 • MayorClarita P. Sal-ongan
 • Vice MayorMaria L. Carantes
 • RepresentativeNestor B. Fongwan
 • Electorate27,140 voters (2022)
Area
 • Total
295.97 km2 (114.27 sq mi)
Elevation
1,244 m (4,081 ft)
Highest elevation
2,030 m (6,660 ft)
Lowest elevation
404 m (1,325 ft)
Population
 (2020 census)[5]
 • Total
48,312
 • Density160/km2 (420/sq mi)
 • Households
12,004
Economy
 • Income class1st municipal income class
 • Poverty incidence
13.85
% (2021)[6]
 • Revenue₱ 245.4 million (2020)
 • Assets₱ 656.3 million (2020)
 • Expenditure₱ 184.1 million (2020)
 • Liabilities₱ 65.16 million (2020)
Service provider
 • ElectricityBenguet Electric Cooperative (BENECO)
Time zoneUTC+8 (PST)
ZIP code
2603
PSGC
IDD:area code+63 (0)74
Native languagesKankanaey
Ibaloi
Ilocano
Tagalog
Websitewww.tuba.gov.ph

Tuba is known as the "Gateway to Baguio", as the Asin–Nangalisan–San Pascual Road, Ben Palispis Highway or Marcos Highway, Kennon Road and Naguilian Road, four access highways of the adjacent city of Baguio, traverse the municipality.[1][2]

History

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Tuba was originally a barrio[7] of the township of Baguio in the early 1900s under the American Occupation of the Philippines.[8] It was separated from Baguio upon the latter's conversion into a chartered city on September 1, 1909,[9] and became part of the township of Twin Peaks in Benguet.[7]

Twin Peaks was abolished as a township on December 11, 1911, with the issuance of Executive Order No. 77 by American Governor General William Cameron Forbes, creating the township of Tuba.[7][8]

On June 25, 1963, President Diosdado Macapagal issued Executive Order No. 42 and by operation of Section 2 of Republic Act No. 1515, the municipal District of Tuba was converted into a regular municipality.[10]

Geography

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Camp 6 along Kennon Road

Tuba is at the south-western tip of both Benguet and the Central Cordillera Mountain Range. South of the municipality lies the province of Pangasinan and to the west lies the Ilocos rolling hills of the province of La Union. It is bordered on the north by Sablan and La Trinidad; east by Baguio and Itogon; and south by Sison and San Manuel.

Tuba is 7 kilometres (4.3 mi) from Baguio, 12 kilometres (7.5 mi) from the provincial capital La Trinidad, and 280 kilometres (170 mi) from Manila.

According to the Philippine Statistics Authority, the municipality has a land area of 295.97 square kilometres (114.27 sq mi)[11] constituting 10.69% of the 2,769.08-square-kilometre- (1,069.15 sq mi) total area of Benguet.

The municipality's urban area comprises the barangays of Poblacion and Camp 3, having a composite land area of 83.85 square kilometres (32.37 sq mi), or 19.31% of the total land area.

Topography

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Tuba's topography is generally characterized by irregular rugged terrain and steep slopes with several mountain peaks rising from the table land itself. Mount Santo Tomas, the highest peak in the municipality[12] soars to 2,252 metres (7,388 ft) above sea level.[13][unreliable source]

Four major rivers/streams and 49 tributary/minor rivers and creeks intersect the landform and serve as the drains of the municipality.

Barangays

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Tuba is politically subdivided into 13 barangays.[14] Each barangay consists of puroks and some have sitios.


PSGC Barangay Population ±% p.a.
2020[5] 2010[15]
141113001 Ansagan 4.8% 2,307 2,083 1.03%
141113003 Camp 3 16.3% 7,890 10,413 −2.74%
141113004 Camp 4 14.1% 6,836 5,973 1.36%
141113002 Camp One 3.4% 1,619 1,742 −0.73%
141113006 Nangalisan 5.8% 2,803 2,428 1.45%
141113007 Poblacion 17.7% 8,558 5,958 3.69%
141113008 San Pascual 2.5% 1,201 1,080 1.07%
141113009 Tabaan Norte 2.7% 1,292 1,133 1.32%
141113010 Tabaan Sur 2.8% 1,375 1,264 0.85%
141113011 Tadiangan 17.3% 8,358 5,685 3.93%
141113012 Taloy Norte 3.1% 1,490 1,307 1.32%
141113013 Taloy Sur 7.3% 3,522 2,681 2.77%
141113014 Twin Peaks 2.2% 1,061 1,127 −0.60%
Total 48,312 48,312   0.00%

Climate

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Climate data for Tuba, Benguet
Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Year
Mean daily maximum °C (°F) 23
(73)
24
(75)
26
(79)
27
(81)
25
(77)
24
(75)
23
(73)
22
(72)
23
(73)
24
(75)
24
(75)
24
(75)
24
(75)
Mean daily minimum °C (°F) 13
(55)
14
(57)
15
(59)
17
(63)
18
(64)
18
(64)
18
(64)
18
(64)
17
(63)
16
(61)
15
(59)
14
(57)
16
(61)
Average precipitation mm (inches) 15
(0.6)
16
(0.6)
24
(0.9)
33
(1.3)
102
(4.0)
121
(4.8)
177
(7.0)
165
(6.5)
144
(5.7)
170
(6.7)
56
(2.2)
23
(0.9)
1,046
(41.2)
Average rainy days 6.3 6.6 9.5 12.8 20.6 23.5 25.4 23.4 23.2 21.4 14.0 8.2 194.9
Source: Meteoblue[16]

Tuba has 2 pronounced seasons - wet and dry. The dry season starts in November and lasts until April while the wet season lasts from May to October.

Demographics

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Population census of Tuba
YearPop.±% p.a.
1918 2,764—    
1939 5,936+3.71%
1948 4,888−2.14%
1960 9,307+5.51%
1970 17,939+6.77%
1975 25,304+7.14%
1980 30,449+3.77%
1990 39,635+2.67%
1995 39,589−0.02%
2000 38,366−0.67%
2007 40,008+0.58%
2010 42,874+2.55%
2015 47,648+2.03%
2020 48,312+0.27%
Source: Philippine Statistics Authority[17][15][18][19]

In the 2020 census, Tuba had a population of 48,312.[5] The population density was 160 inhabitants per square kilometre (410/sq mi).

Economy

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Poverty incidence of Tuba

2.5
5
7.5
10
12.5
15
2006
6.40
2009
14.18
2012
4.58
2015
6.81
2018
6.99
2021
13.85

Source: Philippine Statistics Authority[20][21][22][23][24][25][26][27]

 
Twin peaks of Mount Cabuyao (right, foreground) and the higher Mount Santo Tomas (left, background)

Mining is a major part of the economy of Tuba.[28] The town's mining industry began upon the discovery of gold in the province of Benguet during the early 1930s.[29] Since 1958, Philex Mining Corporation, the largest gold and copper producer in the Philippines, has been operating the first underground block cave mine in the Far East at Padcal in Barangay Camp 3.[30][31]

Tailings from the copper and gold mines have wreaked havoc on the local environment: the Bued River, which runs through Tuba, is heavily silted and requires frequent dredging.[32][33]

A few abandoned mining sites such as those of Benguet Exploration Mine and Black Mountain, Inc. have been left unattended for years, which pose a threat to the local population and the environment.[34]

The presence of waterfalls, hot springs and natural caves in the municipality boosts tourism.[2][35] Mount Cabuyao and Mount Santo Tomas, the highest mountain in the town, are frequently visited by mountaineers.[36]

DMCI Homes Leisure Residences is building a P6 billion "Moncello Crest", a new condo hotel mountain resort project with initial 522 units in its 'Blanca' offered, in Tuba in Benguet.[37][38]

Government

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Local government

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Tuba, belonging to the lone congressional district of the province of Benguet, is governed by a mayor designated as its local chief executive and by a municipal council as its legislative body in accordance with the Local Government Code. The mayor, vice mayor, and the councilors are elected directly by the people through an election which is being held every three years.

Elected officials

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Members of the Municipal Council
(2019–2022)[39]
Position Name
Congressman Nestor B. Fongwan[a]

Eric G. Yap (since January 20, 2020)[41]

Mayor Clarita P. Sal-ongan
Vice-Mayor Maria L. Carantes
Councilors Nestor L. Baban
Reachelle C. Takinan
Eugene M. Gabino
Garey G. Behis
Gloria Y. Paus
Arnulfo D. Milo
Roger M. Kitma
Rebecca Y. Apil

Transportation

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Marcos Highway at Poblacion
Kennon Road at Camp 3

The four major highways that connect the lowlands to Baguio pass through the municipality.[42]

Highway Barangays traversed
(downhill from Baguio)
Kennon Road
  • Camp 4
  • Camp 3
  • Camp One
  • Twin Peaks
Aspiras-Palispis Highway
  • Poblacion
  • Taloy Norte
  • Taloy Sur
Naguilian Road
  • Tadiangan
  • Nangalisan
Asin–Nangalisan–San Pascual Road
  • Nangalisan
  • San Pascual

Education

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Public schools

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As of 2014, Tuba has 32 public elementary schools and 6 public secondary schools.[43][44][45]

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Notes

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  1. ^ Died on December 18, 2019.[40]

References

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  1. ^ a b Galacgac, Aure (14 November 2011). "Gateway to Baguio marks centennial". SunStar Baguio. Archived from the original on 6 October 2014. Retrieved 3 October 2014.
  2. ^ a b c Laking, Jimmy (10 August 2014). "Tuba to clear 2-story structure blocking Bridal Veil Falls' view". Baguio Midland Courier. Archived from the original on 7 August 2016. Retrieved 3 October 2014.
  3. ^ Municipality of Tuba | (DILG)
  4. ^ "2015 Census of Population, Report No. 3 – Population, Land Area, and Population Density" (PDF). Philippine Statistics Authority. Quezon City, Philippines. August 2016. ISSN 0117-1453. Archived (PDF) from the original on May 25, 2021. Retrieved July 16, 2021.
  5. ^ a b c d Census of Population (2020). "Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR)". Total Population by Province, City, Municipality and Barangay. Philippine Statistics Authority. Retrieved 8 July 2021.
  6. ^ "PSA Releases the 2021 City and Municipal Level Poverty Estimates". Philippine Statistics Authority. 2 April 2024. Retrieved 28 April 2024.
  7. ^ a b c "LGU-Pugo-History". Provincial Government of La Union (official website). Archived from the original on 6 March 2016. Retrieved 3 October 2014. (Note: Pugo was part of the municipal district of Benguet Province until February 4, 1920)
  8. ^ a b "The Municipality of Tuba". Municipality of Tuba, Benguet (official website). Archived from the original on 15 October 2016. Retrieved 3 October 2014.
  9. ^ "Facts & Figures: Benguet Province". Philippine Statistics Authority (National Statistical Coordination Board - Cordillera Administrative Region). Archived from the original on 28 February 2016. Retrieved 3 October 2014.
  10. ^ "Executive Order No. 42, s. 1963: Declaring Certain Municipal Districts in the Philippines as Municipalities". Official Gazette of the Republic of the Philippines. 25 June 1963. Retrieved 25 October 2014.
  11. ^ "Province: Benguet". PSGC Interactive. Quezon City, Philippines: Philippine Statistics Authority. Retrieved 12 November 2016.
  12. ^ "Barangay Poblacion profile". Municipality of Tuba website. Archived from the original on 15 October 2016. Retrieved 16 September 2014.
  13. ^ "Mt. Cabuyao (2,025 +) / Mt. Santo Tomas (2,256 +)". Pinoymountaineer.com. 19 April 2008. Archived from the original on 15 May 2016. Retrieved 16 September 2014.
  14. ^ "Municipal: Tuba, Benguet". PSGC Interactive. Quezon City, Philippines: Philippine Statistics Authority. Retrieved 8 January 2016.
  15. ^ a b Census of Population and Housing (2010). "Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR)" (PDF). Total Population by Province, City, Municipality and Barangay. National Statistics Office. Retrieved 29 June 2016.
  16. ^ "Tuba: Average Temperatures and Rainfall". Meteoblue. Retrieved 21 March 2020.
  17. ^ Census of Population (2015). "Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR)". Total Population by Province, City, Municipality and Barangay. Philippine Statistics Authority. Retrieved 20 June 2016.
  18. ^ Censuses of Population (1903–2007). "Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR)". Table 1. Population Enumerated in Various Censuses by Province/Highly Urbanized City: 1903 to 2007. National Statistics Office.
  19. ^ "Province of Benguet". Municipality Population Data. Local Water Utilities Administration Research Division. Retrieved 17 December 2016.
  20. ^ "Poverty incidence (PI):". Philippine Statistics Authority. Retrieved December 28, 2020.
  21. ^ "Estimation of Local Poverty in the Philippines" (PDF). Philippine Statistics Authority. 29 November 2005.
  22. ^ "2003 City and Municipal Level Poverty Estimates" (PDF). Philippine Statistics Authority. 23 March 2009.
  23. ^ "City and Municipal Level Poverty Estimates; 2006 and 2009" (PDF). Philippine Statistics Authority. 3 August 2012.
  24. ^ "2012 Municipal and City Level Poverty Estimates" (PDF). Philippine Statistics Authority. 31 May 2016.
  25. ^ "Municipal and City Level Small Area Poverty Estimates; 2009, 2012 and 2015". Philippine Statistics Authority. 10 July 2019.
  26. ^ "PSA Releases the 2018 Municipal and City Level Poverty Estimates". Philippine Statistics Authority. 15 December 2021. Retrieved 22 January 2022.
  27. ^ "PSA Releases the 2021 City and Municipal Level Poverty Estimates". Philippine Statistics Authority. 2 April 2024. Retrieved 28 April 2024.
  28. ^ "Mining Seen to Boost Local Economy". Mechanics Hub. 19 January 2010. Archived from the original on 6 October 2014. Retrieved 4 October 2014.
  29. ^ "Municipality of Tuba, Benguet". Department of the Interior and Local Government - Cordillera Administrative Region. Archived from the original on 11 December 2015. Retrieved 4 October 2014.
  30. ^ "Philex Mining Corp". Chamber of Mines of the Philippines. Archived from the original on 4 March 2016. Retrieved 16 September 2014.
  31. ^ "Pacdal Mines". Philex Mining Corporation. Archived from the original on 4 March 2016. Retrieved 16 September 2014.
  32. ^ Aro, Susan (22 May 2014). "EMB-DENR pushes for designation of Bued River as water quality management area". Philippine Information Agency. Archived from the original on 6 October 2014. Retrieved 3 October 2014.
  33. ^ McManus, Liana T.; Chua, Thia-Eng, eds. (1990). The Coastal Environmental Profile of Lingayen Gulf, Philippines. Manila, Philippines: International Center for Living Aquatic Resources Management on behalf of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations/United States Coastal Resources Management Project. p. 69. ISBN 9711022494.
  34. ^ Beleo, Salvacion (10 January 2012). "Abandoned mining sites endanger people and environment - solon". House of Representatives of the Philippines (official website). Archived from the original on 4 March 2016. Retrieved 4 October 2014.
  35. ^ "Benguet: Tourist Attractions". VisitMyPhilippines. Archived from the original on 16 October 2016. Retrieved 4 October 2014.
  36. ^ Llanes, Jonathan (24 April 2013). "A Mt. Santo Tomas sojourn". SunStar Baguio. Archived from the original on 6 October 2014. Retrieved 4 October 2014.
  37. ^ Cabuag, VG (June 6, 2024). "DMCI Homes allots ₱6B for Benguet 'condotel' project". BusinessMirror. Retrieved June 7, 2024.
  38. ^ Adonis, Meg (June 6, 2024). "DMCI Homes builds P6-B 'Moncello Crest' condotel in Benguet". Philippine Daily Inquirer. Retrieved June 7, 2024.
  39. ^ "2019 National and Local Elections" (PDF). Commission on Elections. Retrieved March 12, 2022.
  40. ^ Cimatu, Frank (December 19, 2019). "Benguet Representative Nestor Fongwan dies at 68". Rappler.com. Retrieved January 30, 2020.
  41. ^ "House names party-list solon as Benguet caretaker". Philippine News Agency. January 22, 2020. Retrieved March 12, 2022.
  42. ^ "Tuba, Benguet". Mapcentral. Retrieved 3 October 2014.
  43. ^ "Masterlist of Public Elementary Schools for the School year 2012- 2013" (XLSX). Department of Education (Philippines), July 15, 2013. Retrieved 28 December 2014.
  44. ^ a b "Masterlist of Secondary Schools (School Year 2013- 2014)". Department of Education (Philippines), July 4, 2013. Archived from the original (XLSX) on 1 July 2014. Retrieved 20 November 2014.
  45. ^ a b "Masterlist of Public Schools SY 2013-2014" (XLSX). Department of Education (Philippines), 22 October 2014. Retrieved 28 December 2014.
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