Pio Velasco is an engineer from the Philippines. He works as a contractor for the Department of Public Works and Highways, or DPWH. In 2021, he opened the Igorot Stone Kingdom to share Cordilleran culture with the world. The park covers about 6,000 square meters along Longlong Road in Pinsao Proper Village. It features stone walls, bridges, and terraces that reflect indigenous skills in building with rocks.
This article looks at Pio Velasco’s life. It starts from his early days in Mountain Province and covers his work in construction. It also touches on his latest actions in the news. Readers will learn how one man’s vision helps preserve Philippine heritage. The story shows the blend of old customs and modern ideas in Baguio tourism. By the end, you will see why Pio Velasco matters in cultural preservation and local economy.
The Igorot Stone Kingdom began during tough times. In 2020, amid the COVID19 community quarantine, Pio started building it. He wanted to give jobs to his workers who had no other work. He also aimed to pay respect to his mother, a strong woman from the Cordillera region. This act turned a simple land into a spot that teaches about Igorot folklore and craftsmanship. Today, it stands as a key landmark in Baguio, next to places like TamAwan Village.
Pio’s story inspires many. It shows how personal roots can lead to big projects that help communities. As a DPWH contractor, he uses his skills in riprap walls and stonework to create safe and beautiful structures. The park not only attracts tourists but also boosts understanding of indigenous Philippine tribes. In a world where traditions fade, Pio Velasco reminds us to hold on to our cultural roots.
Pio Velasco Early Life and Background
Pio Velasco grew up in Mountain Province, a place full of rivers and rocks. He was born there in 1959. From a young age, he played near stones and heard stories from his family about Igorot ways. These tales shaped his love for building with natural materials.
His mother, Rita Rosing Gal Velasco, played a big role in his life. She came from Igorot roots and taught him about strength and patience. Pio often talks about her as a strong Cordilleran woman who faced hard times with grace. This influence led him to dedicate the Igorot Stone Kingdom to her memory.
As a child, Pio dreamed of castles made from stones. In 1965, at age six, he first thought of creating such a place. He lived by a river, so rocks were always around him. This setting sparked his interest in stone architecture. He learned about Cordilleran folklore, like myths of gods and nature signs. These stories stayed with him.
Pio’s family valued indigenous heritage. They shared knowledge of traditional stone laying, a skill passed down in Igorot communities. This method uses rocks without much cement, relying on balance and fit. Pio saw how his people built rice terraces and homes that last for generations. Such sights built his respect for Cordilleran engineering traditions.
In his youth, Pio faced the mix of old and new worlds. Mountain Province sits in the Cordillera Administrative Region, home to many indigenous groups. He saw how modernization changed lives but also risked losing customs. This awareness pushed him to preserve culture later in life.
A key moment came on March 1, 2020. Pio reported seeing a white carabao, a sacred sign in Igorot beliefs. He took it as a call to build his dream park. This event tied his early fantasies to action. It shows how personal signs can guide big choices.
Pio’s background also includes owning land in Baguio for over 20 years. He bought property along Longlong Road, which later became the site for the kingdom. This long term planning reflects his patient nature, learned from his mother.
Overall, Pio’s early life built a foundation of cultural pride and creative vision. His Igorot upbringing, family lessons, and natural surroundings prepared him for a path in engineering and heritage work. These elements come together in the Igorot Stone Kingdom, a living tribute to his roots.
Pio Velasco Career
Pio Velasco works as a civil engineer in the Philippines. He focuses on construction projects, especially those involving stone and infrastructure. As a contractor for the Department of Public Works and Highways, or DPWH, he handles tasks like building roads and walls.
His company, PG Velasco Construction, operates from Baguio City. It takes on government contracts for public works. Pio’s skills in riprap walls help prevent erosion in hilly areas like the Cordillera region. These walls use stacked stones to hold soil in place.
Pio’s work supports local development. He builds structures that last in tough weather. His background in Mountain Province gives him knowledge of local materials and methods. This makes his projects fit well with the environment.
In 2020, during the pandemic, Pio used his team to start the Igorot Stone Kingdom. His workers needed jobs, so he paid them to build the park. This move showed his care for employees. It also blended his career with cultural goals.
As owner of Igorot Stone Kingdom Inc., Pio runs the park as a business. It opened in May 2021 and now draws tourists. He oversees operations, including safety checks. In February 2024, city officials asked about permits and safety. Pio assured them of expert reviews.
Pio’s career links to charity too. He set up the Igorot Stone Kingdom Charity Foundation, a nonprofit group. It helps preserve Cordilleran heritage. Through his work, Pio creates jobs and boosts tourism in Baguio.
His role as a DPWH contractor involves big projects. For example, he works on flood control and road improvements. These efforts help communities stay safe from natural risks.
Pio’s son, Paulo, joins him in some interviews. This shows family involvement in the business. Daughter Pia also helps with tours.
In short, Pio’s career mixes engineering with cultural preservation. His work as a contractor builds not just structures but also community pride. The Igorot Stone Kingdom stands as proof of his professional skills and personal passion.
Pio Velasco Recent News
On February 11, 2026, Pio Velasco made headlines. Through his company, Igorot Stone Kingdom Inc., he bought a RollsRoyce Cullinan at a public auction. The Bureau of Customs held the event in Manila. The car once belonged to contractors Sarah and Curlee Discaya.
The bid price reached P29,026,000. This beat the floor price of P29,025,132.58. Two earlier auctions in November and December 2025 failed to sell it. The car’s floor price dropped from P45.314 million to P36.28 million before.
Pio explained the purchase. He said the car holds historical value. It became a symbol of corruption in flood control projects. “This car is historical because it opened the floodgates and the interest of the nation to this rampant corruption,” he told reporters.
He added that buying it saved the car from destruction. If unsold after two auctions, it might face condemnation. Pio wants to preserve history for the Igorot people.
Plans for the car remain open. Pio might display it at the Igorot Stone Kingdom in Baguio. This would let visitors see a piece of recent Philippine events.
The auction drew other bidders, like TV host Willie Revillame. But Pio’s company won. This was their first time in a government auction. Pio said high prices might keep them from future ones.
The Discaya couple faced probes over anomalous projects. Their car, a 2023 model, gained fame when Sarah mentioned a free umbrella. Now, it moves to a new chapter under Pio’s care.
This event links Pio’s cultural work to national issues. It shows his interest in saving items with stories. As of February 11, 2026, the purchase highlights his role in public life beyond the park.
Conclusion
Pio Velasco’s life tells a story of roots, work, and vision. From his days in Mountain Province to building the Igorot Stone Kingdom, he shows how one person can keep culture alive. His park teaches about Cordilleran ways and draws people to Baguio.
As an engineer and contractor, Pio uses skills to help communities. His recent buy of the RollsRoyce Cullinan adds a new layer to his public image. It ties him to efforts in preserving history.
Pio’s legacy grows. He inspires others to value indigenous heritage. The kingdom stands as a bridge between past and present. It creates jobs and shares stories.
Visit the Igorot Stone Kingdom to see his work. Support places that honor Philippine traditions. Pio Velasco reminds us that dreams can become real with effort and heart.
FAQs
Who is Pio Velasco?
Pio Velasco is an engineer and founder of the Igorot Stone Kingdom in Baguio City. He built it in 2021 to honor Igorot culture. He works as a DPWH contractor and focuses on stone construction.
What inspired Pio Velasco to build the Igorot Stone Kingdom?
A childhood dream from 1965 inspired him. In 2020, a white carabao sign pushed him to start. He made it as a tribute to his mother and Igorot heritage.
Where did Pio Velasco grow up?
He grew up in Mountain Province. His family taught him about Cordilleran traditions and stone skills.
What is Pio Velasco’s profession?
Pio is a civil engineer and DPWH contractor. He runs PG Velasco Construction in Baguio. His work includes infrastructure like riprap walls.
Why did Pio Velasco buy the RollsRoyce Cullinan?
On February 11, 2026, he bought it for P29,026,000 to preserve history. He sees it as a symbol of corruption in flood projects.
What is the Igorot Stone Kingdom?
It is a cultural theme park in Baguio. Built in 2021, it features stone structures based on Igorot folklore.
Is the Igorot Stone Kingdom safe?
Pio assured safety after expert checks. In February 2024, city council discussed permits. Visitors should follow rules on hilly paths.
What are the entrance fees for Igorot Stone Kingdom?
Adults pay P100. Kids, seniors, and PWD pay P80. Toddlers under three enter free. It opens from 6 AM to 6 PM daily.