BARANGAY CRUZ

MISSION/VISION/GOALS

Vision

“We envision Barangay Cruz that is progressive and self-reliant, peaceful, having healthy constituent living in a better and environmental-friendly community, and eco-cultural destination in the Cordillera for the better economic purposes and peace-loving, God-fearing citizens, united and harmonious relation between and among the residents with effective, participative, well-informed and an orderly government.”

Mission

“To provide adequate delivery of Basic Social Development services, sustain development of infrastructure, conduct capability building programs for the Barangay Officials and introduce livelihood project for the barangay residents, sourcing out of funds, enhance partnership with different agencies, encourage community’s active participation and enable our constituent to live in peaceful and orderly community with reform governance and dedication to the public service.”

Goal

“To improve the quality of life of its residents economically, socially, morally, physically, and religiously through the maintenance of peace and order and increase Private Sector Participation within the community in coordination to link aging and networking with the different agencies for the ultimate development of the barangay for a progressive socio-economic living condition of the community.”

BARANGAY CRUZ

HISTORICAL BACKGROUND

Cruz is the smallest barangay of the municipality of La Trinidad but its significant role and strategic area provides neighboring municipalities the major corridor and a convergence area among vegetable traders.

Its name Cruz comes from the word “Kurus”.  “Kurus” is an Ibaloi term of the custom of hanging the horns of sacrificed animals within the surroundings of the home of the performer of the caṅao.  The “Kurus” was strategically hanged along the road crossing to inform the passersby that a feast is going on.  And so it came to be that the barangay was so named “Kurus”.  As years passed, it was pronounced as Cruz.

During the Spanish era, the valley of La Trinidad has no exact drainage outlet for excess waters from the Balili River.  This caused flooding in the valley area.  Forced labor was utilized by the Spanish rulers to open the Balili River at Cruz.  A trial was also constructed from Baguio to Tublay passing through Cruz.  During this time, Cruz was still part of Alapang.  Upon the arrival of the Americans, road construction widened the trails made by the Spaniards.  During the World War II and Japanese artillery was located in the barangay which was bombed by air force command in May 1945.

In June 23, 1971, Barangay Cruz was created by virtue of Res. No. 493 dated June 23, 1971 of the Provincial Board at the Province of Benguet.  Mr. Montes Canuto served as barangay captain from 1971 to 1980.  In 1980 to 1988, Mr. Pedro S. Mayo served as leader.  From 1988 to 1994, Robert S. Ng was barangay captain.  From 1995 to 1998, Charles T. Canuto serves as Punong barangay of Cruz.