September 1 is a special non-working holiday in Baguio City under Republic Act No. 6710, commemorating its founding in 1909 with cultural and civic events.
Every year, September 1 is celebrated as Baguio Charter Day, marking the founding of the Summer Capital of the Philippines. Under Republic Act No. 6710, approved on February 10, 1989, this date was declared a special non-working holiday in Baguio City.
The City of Baguio was officially established on September 1, 1909, through the enactment of the Baguio Charter, which formally recognized it as a chartered city. This milestone separated Baguio from being just a hill station into becoming an independent city with its own local government structure.
For decades, the city has commemorated this day with parades, cultural presentations, and civic activities that highlight the history, heritage, and achievements of Baguio as the country’s premier mountain resort.
Republic Act No. 6710, signed into law on February 10, 1989, institutionalized the celebration of Baguio’s founding. The law declares September 1 of every year as “Baguio Charter Day,” a special non-working holiday in the City of Baguio, ensuring that residents have the opportunity to take part in commemorative events.
The law underscores the importance of remembering Baguio’s journey as a city and honoring its contributions to tourism, culture, and governance in the Philippines.
The theme for the 116th Charter Anniversary is “One Baguio: Diverse Roots, Shared Dreams.” A series of activities have been lined up before, during, and after Baguio Day to highlight the city’s heritage, culture, and community spirit.
The official calendar of activities was released by the City Government of Baguio through its Public Information Office.
| Date | Event | Venue | Organizer |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aug 17 & 24 | BagYouth EXPOSure 2025 | Session Road | Sangguniang Kabataan Baguio |
| Aug 25 | Linggo ng Kabataan | – | – |
| Aug 26 | Lakbay Likha (Creative Industry Roadshow) | Newtown Plaza Hotel | DICT Cordillera Administrative Region |
| Aug 29–31 | Baguio Ever After: Bridal Fair | Cordillera Convention Hall, Baguio Country Club | Baguio Country Club |
| Aug 31 | Baguio City Half Marathon | Burnham Park, Lake Drive | Time Trial Events |
| Date | Event | Venue | Organizer |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aug 31–Sept 1 | Baguio Country Fair: A Melting Pot of Cultures | Session Road | Baguio Tourism / Porta Vaga |
| Sept 1 | 116th Foundation Anniversary Program & Parade (8:00 AM – 10:00 AM) | Baguio Convention & Cultural Center | Baguio Tourism |
| Sept 1 | IBP Baguio-Benguet Charter Day Half Marathon | Baguio City Hall | IBP Baguio-Benguet Chapter |
| Sept 1 | Baguio Day Fireworks Display (7:00 PM) | SM City Baguio | SM City Baguio |
| Sept 1 | Revitalize – Sustainable Fashion Show (4:00 PM) | Lafayette Luxury Suites | Revitalize 2025 |
| Sept 1 | Miss Baguio Preliminary Show (6:00 PM) | Baguio Convention & Cultural Center | Miss Baguio |
| Date | Event | Venue | Organizer |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sept 2 | Dauntless Talk Show (10:00 AM) | Baguio Museum | Baguio Museum Inc. |
| Sept 3 | Victory Day (8:30 AM) | Veterans Park | Baguio Tourism |
| Sept 6 | Miss Baguio Coronation Night (6:00 PM) | Baguio Convention & Cultural Center | Miss Baguio |
| Sept 6 | Tam-awan Gallery Exhibit (4:00 PM) | Tam-awan Village | Jb & Niko Inko |
| Sept 6, 13 & 20 | Family Film Viewing (1:00 PM – 3:00 PM) | Baguio City Public Library | Baguio City Public Library |
| Sept 10 | General Assembly: CBCC Summit (8:00 AM) | Baguio Convention & Cultural Center | Baguio Creative City Council |
| Sept 13 | Baguio Chess Association Tournament (9:00 AM) | Sports Office, Athletic Bowl | Baguio Chess Association |
| Sept 13 | RAD Baguio ROCK AGAINST DRUGS | Baguio Convention & Cultural Center | RAD Baguio |
| Sept 14 | Baguio Tourism Week: Amazing Race | City Wide | Baguio Tourism |
| Sept 21 & 28 | Mid-Autumn Festival Little Chinatown | Session Road | Assoc. of Baguio Chinese Filipino Youth Inc. |
| Sept 21 | Run Baguio – 6 Hours Endurance (8:00 AM – 5:00 PM) | Baguio Convention & Cultural Center | Slow Foot Runner Events |
| Sept 22 | Baguio Tourism Council General Assembly | Baguio Convention & Cultural Center | Baguio Tourism Council |
| Sept 27 | World Café of Opportunities Job Fair (8:00 AM – 5:00 PM) | Baguio Convention & Cultural Center | Ruivin John |
| Sept 27 | Grandparents as a Storyteller Contest (1:00 PM – 5:00 PM) | Baguio City Public Library | Baguio City Public Library |
| Sept 27 | Family Fair Day (1:00 PM – 5:00 PM) | Maclinan Supermarket | CSDWO Baguio City |
| Sept 28 | Baguio Foundation Day Marathon | Baguio Convention & Cultural Center Grounds | Baguio City Foundation Day Marathon |
| Sept (TBA) | Character City Week | TBA | City Human Resource Management Office |
Baguio City’s role as the Summer Capital of the Philippines and a cultural hub makes its Charter Day more than just a local holiday. It symbolizes the city’s continued importance as a center for governance, education, tourism, and innovation in Northern Luzon.
As Baguio celebrates another Charter Day, it serves as a reminder of how far the city has come and the shared responsibility of its people to preserve its heritage while working toward a sustainable future.
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