Bakilid

Perched on a hillside in Mandaue City, Cebu, Bakilid isn’t just a name. It’s a description. Bakilid literally translates to “steep,” perfectly capturing the terrain that defines this vibrant barangay. Let’s explore Bakilid and uncover its unique story. Bakilid’s history isn’t found in grand monuments or ancient ruins. It’s woven into the everyday lives of its people. In the late Spanish era, Bakilid was home to prominent figures like Carlos Mendoza Bongo, a Huwes de Paz (Justice of the Peace), and later, Mayor Pedro Basubas. The community spirit continued to flourish. In 1928, a group led by Castor Pascual and Estanislao Ruelan established the Bakilid chapel, cementing a sense of place. Another group, spearheaded by Lieutenant Ramon Villamor and Apolonta Centza, formed a basketball team, proudly bearing the name Bakilid. The seeds of community had been sown. Bakilid’s transformation began in the 1950s. The old Philippine Railway, which passed through the area, was converted into a national highway. This development opened doors for businesses and industries. In 1951, Norberto A. Quisumbing Sr. and future congressman Tereso M. Dumon established the first factory in Bakilid. Later, lawyer Norberto B. Quisumbing Jr. founded the Norkis Trading Company Incorporated, an assembly plant for Yamaha motorcycles. Bakilid’s steep slopes, once a defining characteristic, became a backdrop for economic progress. The spirit of initiative didn’t end there. In the 1970s, Corazon B. Ruelan led a movement to separate Bakilid from Maguikay and Tipolo, establishing it as an independent barangay. She became Bakilid’s first Barangay Captain. Her legacy, like the steep hillside itself, remains a testament to the resilience and determination of Bakilid’s people. Today, Bakilid is a bustling barangay with a population of over 4,000. While much has changed, the name Bakilid still echoes its origins, reminding us of the steep terrain and the enduring spirit of its community.