This study analyzes the dynamics of the socio-ecological system of Baguio City, the summer capital of the
Philippines, in order to derive meaningful information for use in planning its sustainable development.
Remote sensing data and geographic information systems techniques, in conjunction with spatial metrics
and socio-economic information, were used to facilitate the analysis. The spatial and socio-economic
components of Baguio’s rapid urbanization over the past 21 years (1988–2009) were the major factors
that contributed to dramatic changes in the setting’s natural landscape, as indicated by an almost threefold
increase in its built-up area, at the expense of other land-use/land-cover classes. Its rapid growth
has seen the city’s population exceed its designed ceiling of 25,000 people by a factor of at least twelve.
Such landscape changes and population growth have resulted in a substantial decrease in the overall
annual ecosystem service value (ESV) of Baguio of approximately 60%. The human-to-ESV ratio in the
city has also decreased over this same period, from 1:31 (US$/year) in 1988 to just 1:7 in 2009. Although
Baguio has enjoyed economic, political and social prominence for more than a century, its rapid population
growth and urban expansion are now exerting pressure on its natural landscape, jeopardizing the
environmental sustainability of this highly valued hill station. This study offers important insights to all,
but especially those in fast-urbanizing regions, as Baguio’s case offers learning experience valuable for
achieving more successful landscape and urban planning.