Established by the Americans as a hill station and envisioned to be a health and recreation center in the early 1900's, Baguio City is an important part of the nation's heritage.

Before its incorporation as a chartered city on Sept. 1, 1909, Baguio was made the official Summer Capital of the Philippines in 1903 making it the official seat of government during the summer months.

After the attack on Pearl Harbor on Dec. 7, 1941 (Dec. 8, Philippine Time), Baguio was, along with Manila, was the first to be attacked by the Japanese, paving the way for the Japanese conquest of the Philippines. Four years later, Baguio was also the site of the last stand of the Japanese Imperial Army against United States Army in the Battle for the Liberation of Baguio City and is also the site formal surrender of Gen. Tomoyuki Yamashita.

Baguio is home to numerous heritage sites that are now being threatened by over-development and rampant land-grabbing.

In recent years, the City of Baguio has been undergoing rapid urbanization that is contrary to the original vision of the city's pioneers - a health and recreation center in harmony with its natural environment. If we allow the city to continue on this path, we will soon lose an important part of our national heritage.

In view of all of the above, we are calling on the Baguio City Council to review, revive and conduct public hearings on the proposed Baguio Heritage Ordinance of 2005.