Long proposed and supported by the NEDA-Regional Development Council-Cordillera,[2] it was previously defined between 2007 and 2017 as one of twelve metropolitan areas in the Philippines.

[5] It was officially established after a signing of a memorandum of agreement by the mayors of the component local government units.

[7] The original BLIST concept was visualized by the key stakeholders in August 1990 after the 1990 Luzon earthquake devastated Baguio.

The concept was not supported by the component Benguet municipalities of La Trinidad, Itogon, Sablan, and Tuba such that it was prepared with little consultation, and was primarily developed for the sole convenience of Baguio.

[1] Most of the metropolitan area, like Baguio, is located some 1,500 meters above sea level, nestled within the Cordillera Central mountain range in northern Luzon.

[11] Unlike Metro Manila, BLISTT, before the signing of the MOA, didn't have a government that directly administered the area.

[1] All Metro Baguio's Radio and Television stations, Cable and Satellite TV providers and broadcast transmitters and Local Newspapers.

Kennon Road starts from Rosario in La Union province, and winds through a narrow, steep valley.

Although perilous and being prone to landslides during rainy season, it is the fastest route to Baguio from the lowlands, and offers a scenic view.

The municipality of Tublay, situated at the north of La Trinidad, is likewise traversed by the Halsema Highway.