THE Municipality of La Trinidad is set to hold its 69th Foundation Day on June 14, 2019 with the theme "Recognizing our roots, building our future."
The annual event is a celebration of the town's founding as a regular municipality by virtue of Republic Act 531 on June 16, 1950. One of the more important events in the said celebration is the "Golden Kayabang Awards," which aims to recognize the most outstanding members of the La Trinidad community ("Kayabang" refers to the traditional carrying basket of the Benguet people which symbolizes their industry and strength).
Although the Municipality of La Trinidad, through its past administrations, has awarded various citations and recognitions to outstanding citizens in the last decades, it was in the year 2014, under Mayor Edna C. Tabanda, which marks the first time for the town to award the Golden Kayabang Awards & Special Awards to its community members. This was institutionalized in the following year by Municipal Ordinance 35 of 2015 or the "La Trinidad Foundation Day Ordinance of 2015," which was principally authored by Councilor Roderick C. Awingan, Mayor Romeo K. Salda (then vice mayor), and Councilor Henry M. Kipas.
At present, the town has awarded about 32 Golden Kayabang Awards and over 60 special and other awards. The municipality has awarded the same to as many as 15 (2014 awards) and as less as only one (2018 awards). Last year, the Golden Kayabang awardee was Mr. James Paw of Pico, La Trinidad, Benguet, who authored the book: "Cordillera Valley of La Trinidad" which clarified the origin of the name "La Trinidad."
For nominations or recommendations, the public is called to get forms at the La Trinidad Mayor's Office or Tourism Office. Nominees for Golden Kayabang Awards may be Individuals or Groups who are bonafide residents of La Trinidad, or for organizations, locally-based in the Municipality.
Nominees shall have achievements or accomplishments that are exemplary and have made significant impact on the community. As an additional requirement, nominees should have received recognitions/citations/awards from other awarding bodies/ entities aside from the local government of La Trinidad. For more details, please visit the La Trinidad Foundation Day Secretariat at the La Trinidad Tourism Office, or call 442-6422.
***
Last week was indeed a busy week for the La Trinidad Tourism workers because of the 4th celebration of the town's tourism week. I wish to take this opportunity to express my gratitude to my colleagues and friends who helped and supported us in the successful staging of the tourism week 2019 activities! Iyaman! Salamat! Matagotago tako am-in!