THE Onjon ni Ivadoy Inc., the largest organization of Ibaloys in Benguet province, will conduct a seminar-workshop Wednesday, June 7, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Baguio City Hall’s multi-purpose hall.
Onjon president Eroll Tagle said the whole-day activity will tackle the specific duties and guidelines for its officers and members. It aims to preserve the Ibaloy culture, especially among the younger generation, by instilling in them the importance of taking pride in their unique way of life.
The Ibaloys are the original inhabitants of Baguio formerly known as “Kafagway” where its patriarch, Mateo Carino, was named by the Philippine Centennial Commission as a Centennial National Hero in 1998. His bust is at the Luneta Park in Metro Manila with other centennial heroes.
Lawyer-businessman Moises Cating and Jimmy Fong of the University of the Philippines–Baguio will be the resource speakers.
Earlier this month, Benguet Governor Cresencio Pacalso inducted the Onjon’s new set of officers at the Ibaloy Heritage Garden, Burnham Park with Tagle as president and Francisco Golingab as vice president. Other officers include Ana Marie Diwas, secretary; Betty Satur, treasurer; Vicky Macay, auditor; Joselito Shontogan and Michael Alos and press relations officers.
Business managers are Sonny Bahod, Pilando Menzi, Norberto Antonio while board of directors are Erlinda Toquero, Freda Zarate, Sandy Calado, Leopoldo Lamsis and Felix Siplat.
Basilio Binay-an chairs the board of advisers with Tedler Depaynos, Julie Cabato, Moises Cating, Victor Cosalan, Jose Molintas, Peter Fianza, Nestor Fongwan, Isabelo Cosalan Jr., Manuel Cuilan, Modesto Andong, and Jackson Chiday.