The Mansion: Baguio’s Historic Presidential Residence
Located on the eastern side of Baguio City along C.P. Romulo Drive, The Mansion is not just one of the city’s most iconic landmarks but also the official summer residence of the President of the Philippines. Older than the city itself, this grand structure was originally built in 1908 during the American Occupation to serve as the summer home for the U.S. Governor-Generals. The architecture of The Mansion was designed by the renowned American urban planner and architect Daniel Burnham, who was also responsible for designing the city layout of Baguio and Manila. The actual construction, however, was supervised by Governor General William Cameron Forbes and Architect William E. Parsons. Governor Forbes, who had a deep admiration for Baguio, named the residence "Mansion House" after his family’s summer home in New England. A Place of Historic Significance The Mansion was nearly destroyed during World War II in 1945, during the battle for the liberation of the Philippines. Presid...