Saint Louis University

School of Engineering and Architecture

Case Study: Maharlika Livelihood Center

3865 Architectural Structures

BY

2195695
13 February 2023

This case study showcases the historical background and interesting facts of the Maharlika
Livelihood Center.
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TABLE OF CONTENTS

CHAPTER 1 …………………………………………………………..….…..3

1.1 Introduction ………….………………………………………..………………………..3

1.2 Historical Background ……………….………………………...………………..……..3

1.3 Architectural Perspectives and Details ………………………………………..………4

1.3.1 Baguio City Stone Market …………………………..…….…………..………...4

1.3.2 Maharlika Livelihood Center ………………………………………...….……...4

1.3.3 Maharlika Basement ……………...…………………...……..…………..……...5

1.3.4 First to Third Floors …………………….……………………………..………...5

1.3.5 Roof Top ……………………….………………………….……………..…..…...6

1.4 Conclusion ……………………………………………….………….…………………..6

1.5 References ……………………………………………..………………………………..7

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CHAPTER I

1.1 Introduction

Baguio is classified as a highly urbanized city located within the mountainous area of the Cordillera Region.
Due to its cold climate and historical architecture & urban planning left by the Americans, the city is widely
known as the “Summer Capital of the Philippines” which established itself as a top tourist attraction.

Furthermore, this case study focuses on one of the historical buildings in Baguio City and that is the
Maharlika Livelihood Center. It is what we now know as the best shopping complex that sells souvenirs
and native products.

1.2 Historical Background

Maharlika Livelihood Center or Maharlika Livelihood Complex or Maharlika in short is located at

In the year 1972, the site was leased by the Baguio city council to MAR-BAY and Company Incorporated
(a Philippine company) to build and manage the Maharlika Livelihood Center for 25 years. Maharlika
building then opened in 1982 under the auspices of First Lady Imelda Marcos, the human settlement
minister at that time. It is considered the first shopping mall and livelihood hub in the city. Dated 1975, the
lease period was extended by the city council to 50 years with the lease set to expire on April 27, 2025.

Then last 1980, they granted the transfer of MAR-BAY’s rights to the Human Settlements Development
Corporation or HSDC, an agency under the Department of Agriculture (DA) that includes additional
developments in the site built by the MAR-BAY such as the MAR-BAY Baguio Plaza Hotel and MAR-
BAY Shopping Center.

Dated 2009 when President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo issued a directive order to hand over the Maharlika
building to the city council due to the failure of any agriculture-related function. However, by the end of
President Arroyo’s presidency, it remained under HSDC.

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1.3 Architectural Perspectives and Details

1.3.1 Baguio City Stone Market, 1934: The building structure was made out of cut Baguio stones, where
the walls survived the allied bombing raids during World War II and a major fire in 1970. It was demolished
in the mid-1970s.

1.3.2 Maharlika Livelihood Center, now: The building concept was inspired by the Cordillera houses. It
has a basement, 4-floor levels, and a roof deck.

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1.3.3 Maharlika Basement: Food stalls, “ukay-ukayan” or “wagwagan”, dropping areas, tailoring shops,
souvenir shops, and native product shops.

1.3.4. First to Third Floors: Lobby, cellphone repair & necessities shops, pharmacy, bank branch, “ukay-
ukayan” or “wagwagan”, beauty parlor shops, rental shops, wholesales, dropping areas, food stalls,
computer shops, etc.

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1.3.5 Roof Top: Food stalls, “ukay-ukayan” or “wagwagan”, dropping areas, Benguet Electric Cooperative
(BenECo), and open area.

1.4 Conclusion

I find Maharlika Livelihood Center interesting because it is one of the historical buildings found in the city
where it incorporates the Cordilleran accent, specifically Ifugao Architecture. As architecture students, we
were taught to design buildings that emphasize the sense of place. In such a manner that, tourists and visitors
would identify the uniqueness of each province, city, municipality, and the like. In addition, this building
is also the same as the “Baguio City Heritage Hill and Nature Park” or “Diplomat Hotel” that the
government proposed to use as a “Creative Hub” or a space designated for the creative workers to produce
their art.

Furthermore, since there are only limited related studies, I’m not yet satisfied with its history.

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1.5 References

baguiocityguide. (2018, November 22). Baguio Landmarks and their History - Baguio City News,

Information and Lifestyle. Baguio City Guide. Retrieved February 13, 2023, from

https://baguiocityguide.com/baguio-landmarks-and-their-history/

Cabreza, V. (2019, November 26). Martial Law Building Turns into Hub for Folk Arts, Craft.

Inquirer.net. https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1194487/martial-law-building-turns-into-hub-for-folk-

arts-craft

Cabreza, V. (2020, July 7). Baguio lawmakers chastise livelihood center for not heeding rent holiday

ordinance. Inquirer.net. https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1302989/baguio-lawmakers-chastise-

livelihood-center-for-not-heeding-rent-holiday-ordinance

Philippine Information Agency. (2009, January 2). PGMA to DA: Turn over Maharlika Livelihood

Center to Baguio City. Philippine Information Agency.

http://archives.pia.gov.ph/?m=12&sec=reader&fi=p090102.htm&no=02

See, D. A. (2022, February 12). City Awaiting Turnover of Maharlika Building - HERALD EXPRESS |

News in Cordillera and Northern Luzon. Baguio Herald Express Homepage. Retrieved February

13, 2023, from https://baguioheraldexpressonline.com/city-awaiting-turnover-of-maharlika-

building/