The Provincial Government of Benguet led by Governor Dr. Melchor Daguines Diclas recognized exceptional athletes and coaches from the province during the Cordillera Athletic Recognition for Excellence in Sports (CARES) Awards held at Newtown Plaza Hotel, Navy Base, Baguio City on April 14, 2023.
The event celebrated the contributions of the athletes who have excelled in various sports and have brought pride and honor to the province.
Female Athlete of the Year was awarded to Gina Nevado “Conviction” Iniong-Araos for kickboxing, while Male Athlete of the Year was awarded to Jean Claude “The Dynamite” Kitong Saclag for kickboxing. Jethro Karl Langpuyas Ramos, coach of the triathlon team, was recognized as Coach of the Year, and Edel Ali Pangayan Ngina was named Young Sportsman of the Year for his achievements in Muaythai.
Danrey Calingayan Velo, who has made a name in Taekwondo, was awarded Sportsman of the Year, while Marquez Taciano Sangiao, the executive of Team Lakay, was recognized as Executive of the Year. Denesia Apote Esnara was also named Para Athlete of the Year.
Aside from the Major Awards, Major Citations were also given to notable athletes, coaches, and enthusiasts in various sports. These include kickboxing athletes Zephania Pag-a Ngaya, Emmanuel D. Cantores, Carlos Nehyeban “Limitless” Alvarez, Honorio “The Rock” Antonio Banario, and Karol Estepa Maguide; Vovinam athletes Jenelyn “The Graceful” Dasdas Olsim and Carlo Von Basanio Buminaang; and Wushu athlete Jones Llabres Ligligen Inso. Muaythai athletes Islay Erika Asiong Bomogao, Ariel Lee Biadno Lampacan, Clark Gangpao Fattit, and Zaidi Bugtong Laruan were also recognized, along with Kurash athlete Charmea Kingay Quelino and Sambo athlete Mariane “Trigun” Bantasan Mariano.
The event also recognized outstanding athletes in other sports, such as Football player Jaclyn Demis Sawicki, wrestler Jason Saltin Bauca, and kickboxing athletes Kurt Lubrica and Claudine Decena Veloso. Triathlon athletes Lou Ann Hamada Ramos, Dayshaun Karl Hamada Ramos, Josh Alexander Hamada Ramos, and Eaun Arrow Hamada Ramos were also recognized for their achievements. Orlando Laberinto Smith, Jr. was also recognized on his achievement in bodybuilding.
Three coaches were alsoz recognized on their excellent achievement, namely Jaybe Oydoc Ban-eg, Vovinam and Kickboxing coach; Gege “Gravity” Campila Eustaquio, Vovinam coach; and Ryan Bendalan Batinay, Vovinam coach.
Furthermore, Minor Citations were given to 19 Taekwondo athletes, namely, Kristauf Aurelius Biag Lapniten Bosaing, Kody Omengan Wanson, Manilyn Agpas Mataag, Elcanor Leal Mang-usan Jr., Viggo Esican Dangiwans, Brylle Lumines Cafgongtan, Jasiel Ano Candido, Janice Ano Candido, Jamie Levi Inso Requillo, Josh Daniel Tumpap Tacio, Liam David Tumpap Tacio, Alice Rhema Dengwas Mana-a, Bona Stella Mateo Rivera, Ioness Lataoan Panganiban, Khyla Kreanzzel Bobila Guinto, Shaun Devyn Dao-ey Masaway, Wayne Escaño Eusebio, Xedric James Ay-yokad Faroden, and Xian Craig Escaño Eusebio.
Also receiving Minor Citations are Jiu Jitso athletes Arvin Luma-ang Jose, Gregorio A. Abalos III, Chad Bay-an Mayos, and Jan Rensen Bay-an Mayos; and Mixed Martial Artists Mark Stephen “The Sniper” Nabehet Loman, Jhanlo Mark “The Machine” Salazar Sangiao, and Jeremy “The Juggernaut” Gearlan Pacatiw.
During the program, Governor Diclas and Congressman Eric Go Yap through his representative expressed their congratulations to the athletes as well as their commitment to support programs for sports.
The athletes on the other hand thanked the provincial officials for the recognition they received and for inspiring them to become even better in their respective field of sports through their continued support.
Also present during the awarding are other Benguet Provincial Officials, several town mayors, and Provincial Capitol department heads of offices.
The Benguet CARES is an annual awarding ceremony initiated by the provincial government which started last year. It aims to encourage, motivate, and further develop athletes who have been representing the province of Benguet in their respective fields of sport.
