WITH THE theme “La Trinidad towards greater heights”, Benguet’s capital town commended several individuals and institutions for their contribution to the growth of the municipality during its 68th founding anniversary on June 14.
Former Golden Kayabang Awardee Dr. Ryan Camado Guinaran, who was the guest of honor and speaker called on the legislative body of La Trinidad to craft an ordinance for the publication of history books of the strawberry town.
The Benguet native asked for the formation of an organization comprised of former awardees to remain intact to contribute in their own individual capacity in assisting the municipality.
This year’s recipient of the Golden Kayabang is James Paw author of the book, “The Cordillera Valley of La Trinidad. In time and place: Early History (1572-1896)” for his outstanding and significant contribution to the research of La Trinidad’s Heritage and History.
Paw said most of the barangays in the municipality existed for more than 140 years while the valley’s economic center point of the 10 districts of Benguet was established in 1846.
“Indeed this place and the larger municipality, has yet to be fully appreciated. I would like to thank the pioneers of writing the history, without them it would be difficult task to reconstruct the valley’s history. Now with the Ibaloi dictionary it is high time to revisit the publication of the book and its revised publication be out,” added Paw.
Other awardees includes Denia Tarnate representing the Philippines on the Special and Inclusive Education Scholarship Grant in Jerusalem, Israel; Domingo Awal Betnac as an advocate on good agricultural practices and Aljireh Lan Laoyan Fuchigam, who was selected as the most valuable player during the Pinas National Invitational Football Championship Men’s Open Category in Pampanga.
Joining the special awards is Bardilleranz for being one of the grand finalists in the Pilipinas Got Talent competition and the Cordillera Binnadangan connection for the organization’s dedication in charity supporting scholars and raising funds.
Included also is the Benguet State University and King’s College of the Philippines as one of the top performing schools in the country, and the Bineng Domestic Water System Association with itrs consistent adherence as business-model.
Lastly, Rex John Bawang was also awarded after bagging the Best Paper Award during the Purjaya International Conference on Sports Sciences, Fitness and Health in Malaysia. (With a report from Kaizzer Khimberlee Ponce, UP Baguio Intern)