Eusebius Julius Halsema was an American engineer who served as the mayor of Baguio City, Philippines from 1920 to 1937. He is best known for his role in the construction of Halsema Highway, a major road that links Baguio City with the rest of the Cordillera Administrative Region.
Halsema was born in New Bremen, Ohio, in 1882. He studied civil engineering at the Ohio State University and graduated in 1907. After graduation, he worked as a civil engineer in the United States for several years before moving to the Philippines in 1914.
In the Philippines, Halsema worked for the Bureau of Public Works. He was responsible for the construction of several roads and bridges in the country, including the Mountain Trail (now known as Halsema Highway). The Halsema Highway was built between 1922 and 1930, and it was named after Halsema in recognition of his contributions to its construction.
The Halsema Highway was a major achievement for Halsema. It was the first major road to link Baguio City with the rest of the Cordillera Administrative Region. The road made it easier for people and goods to travel between Baguio and the surrounding areas, and it helped to boost the economy of the region.
In addition to his work on the Halsema Highway, Halsema also made other contributions to the development of Baguio City. He helped to improve the city's infrastructure, and he also worked to promote tourism in the city. Halsema was a popular mayor, and he was known for his dedication to public service.
Halsema died in Baguio City in 1945, while the city was under the control of the Imperial Japanese Army. He is remembered as a visionary leader who helped to shape the development of Baguio City and the Cordillera Administrative Region.
Here are some additional facts about Eusebius Halsema:
- He was married to a woman named Mary, and they had two children.
- He was a member of the American Society of Civil Engineers.
- He was awarded the Philippine Legion of Honor for his contributions to the development of the Philippines.
- He is buried in the Baguio Cemetery.
The Halsema Highway is a lasting legacy of Eusebius Halsema. It is a vital transportation artery for the Cordillera Administrative Region, and it has helped to promote economic development and tourism in the region. Halsema was a visionary leader who helped to shape the development of Baguio City and the Cordillera Administrative Region, and his contributions are still being felt today.
