ON SEPTEMBER 1, 1909, Baguio, then a municipality of the province of Benguet was declared a Chartered City by virtue of Act No. 1963. The city thereafter became the summer capital of the Philippines and many memorable things happened since then including the formal surrender of Japan Imperial Army General Tomoyuki Yamashita at Camp John Hay that signaled the end of World War II.
Years ago, I wrote something about what it is like to be a Baguio Boy. In 2008, we organized a day-in-a-life or 24 hour pictorial project using cameras because we wanted to capture images of Baguio for posterity purposes. I believe that any documentation of events be it a simple family snapshots, launching of programs or non-newsworthy gatherings can be considered as historic as it freezes a point in time that may be of significance in years to come. That project is actually part of Baguio's 99th Charter Day Celebration that happened ten years ago.
During the September 1 Charter Day program at the University of the Cordilleras, the guest speaker himself narrated what it is like to be from the city of Baguio. What really makes Baguio what it is? BIR Commissioner Ceasar Dulay, the guest of honor and speaker, a confessed Baguio boy said that “the citizens and not the officials are what makes the city narrating how educational institutions established by the Belgian priests, the Bautistas and Salvosas contributed to the education and helped mold leaders and professionals that we see today. Dulay also acknowledged the Barangay officials who received the clean and green awards, the centenarians and the outstanding citizens who were chosen for their dedication and compassion to serve Baguio. The guest speaker ended quoting the phrase at the UC “By the Grace of Divine Providence” which he adds “we will continue to survive.”
Also during the 109th Charter Day program, Congressman Mark Go in his welcome remarks mentioned Baguio as a Creative City. He asked what is next to the creativity of the people of Baguio? He said something like “It is imperative that we all rise up and offer our skills, tickle our creative senses and contribute to the creative economy of the city” Listening behind the 2018 Outstanding Citizens honorees, I believe that I have heeded the call and faced the challenged since Baguio was designated by UNESCO as a Creative City not only because my name is Art and a fine arts graduate but I am a Baguio boy.
The awardees who were properly introduced and cited for their individual distinctions and community services are Teresita Marcelo for culture and arts, Rosalind Rusgal Camat, Jane Cosalan and Esther Kiw-is Litilit, for education, Generosa Boado Carbonell for her dedication as a nurse, Dr. Jose Bugayong, Jr. for medical volunteerism, Jose Ong Tajan for his philanthropic endeavors, Rolando Veneracion Villanueva for business and civic activities, Bonifacio Ilao dela Peña for professional distinction in engineering and Guillermo Battad Cortes for his dedication, honesty and courteous and prompt service as a security guard.
Known to many as Mang Gemo, Cortes is actually the most praised and applauded awardee during the Baguio Day celebration. With the meritorious distinction given to a simple person like Mang Gemo, one need not occupy a key position, attend civic club meetings, play golf and hang around with known personalities to be recognized as an outstanding citizen. The judging committee all vetted for Mang Gemo the moment they heard good remarks about him even without the certificates and commendations he received to show. It is his character that made him outstanding.
Dubbed as the most prestigious recognition conferred to a citizen every charter day celebrations, the city through the Society of Outstanding Citizens of Baguio (SOCOB) searches for deserving residents who represents the various sectors as the highlight of every September 1 Baguio’s Charter Day Celebration.
As among the set criterions, candidates for said award must have contributed to the welfare, development and growth of Baguio City through direct, active or substantive contribution to the city beyond their normal functions and responsibilities. Of course, candidates must be credible, respectable, have a good moral character, and must never convicted of any crime. For the month of September, the Cordillera Administrative Region will also commemorate the historic “Sipat” or peace talks between the Republic of the Philippines and the Cordillera People’s Liberation Army and Cordillera Bodong Administration that was held in Mt. Data, Bauko, and Mountain Province on September 13, 1986. Cordillera leaders will be at the Philippine International Convention Center for a national program that also celebrates the National Peace Consciousness Month. Some of my photographs taken during the peace talks and consultation processes in the late 80s will also be displayed as part of the program. While the nation as a whole opts for a federal state of governance to address regional growth and development, we still hope that we attain regional autonomy first as it guarantees our birth and ancestral rights as well as our indigenous knowledge systems and practices.