BENGUET (PIA) -- Camp Utopia is the third highest peak in Kapangan,Benguet. Situated in Liteng, Sagubo, it boasts of breathtaking landscapes for hiking and camping. But there is more than meets the eye!

Camp Utopia played a pivotal role during World War II. It served as a distribution center for supplies, particularly weapons. It was the camp of the 66th Infantry, United States Armed Forces in the Philippines-Northern Luzon composed of American and Filipino soldiers, and Igorot guerrillas. It was a stronghold that was never captured by Japanese forces because of its strategic location, and the support of the civilians.

“Camp Utopia is the general headquarters so idjay ti ayan ti ospital ta nu ada ti masugsugatan, i-apan da idjay Camp Utopia. Awan ti makaapan dita nga plane ta adda ti portion dita Camp Utopia nga nu mapan ti plane i-suck na. Ang Camp Utopia, parang haven na hindi man lang pinasok ng mga Hapon,” said Leonardo Upio, vice chair of Veterans Federation of the Philippines-Sons and Daughters Association, Inc.

[Camp Utopia was the general headquarters then, the hospital was there. If someone got injured, they brought them there. A plane cannot go in the area since it is very risky . Camp Utopia served as a haven that was not captured by the Japanese.)

He said that mist envelopes the area when viewed from afar due to its lofty elevation, making it a secure sanctuary, a training ground, and a hideout for soldiers.

“The communications of the Filipino and the Americans here in the Philippines directly to General Mac Arthur was here. Without this strategic place, and without the communications, we were not able to get the messages from Mc Arthur in Australia. So, significance- wise, this place played a very big role in the liberation of not just Kapangan, but also Baguio, and the Philippines,” narrated  Weisser Coilan, a veteran’s grandson. 

Kapangan Mayor Manny Fermin once shared that the “grand march”, the municipality’s community dance, originated  when soldiers and guerillas at Camp Utopia were informed of the surrender of Japanese Imperial Army General Tomoyuki Yamashita, and they  started dancing with the community.  

In spite of its significant role in history, Camp Utopia remains largely unrecognized especially among the youth.

The local government of Kapangan has started spearheading initiatives to promote this historic place through tourism as it offers majestic views of mountains and waterfalls, trails and campsites. 

In December 2023, the local government unit led by Mayor Manny Fermin brought its annual Christmas ed Kapangan(Christmas in Kapangan) event at Camp Utopia for the residents to see for themselves the beauty of the place, and appreciate its role in history. 

Recently, it organized visits to the site as part of its Liberation Day celebration.

“Daytoy dijay pinaka-first nga LGU special edition nga ti inmay ditoy ket empleyados, young and old, ken dagitoy support agencies or kuna tayo nga academe nga dadduma, tapnu met the history will continue. History will be going out to the young people, not only the locals but perhaps the national nga um-umay ditoy as  turista,” Fermin said. 

[It was the first LGU special edition participated by employees, young and old, support agencies, the academe, among others, so that history will continue.]

Kapangan municipal information officer Jones Aban said this is one way of promoting the area, as they see and experience the place, they can promote it to attract more visitors to the area.

These initiatives also provide an opportunity for the residents of Sagubo to develop their community and livelihoods.

“Dakkel ti maitulong na iti community, one is employment. Adu pay dagiyay maitulong na iti product, makalako da ti native products da ken makatulong ti progreso iti ili,” Sagubo punong barangay Arthur Pudin expressed. 

[It is of great help to the community, one is employment. It will also help in the promotion of native products, and in the development of the town.] (JDP/DEG-PIA CAR withMarvilyn Lokines, BSU intern)