Author: Neilsen Kisim
In celebration of the 75th anniversary of the Philippine Red Cross (PRC), volunteers and supporters formed a human Red Cross emblem at Benguet State University on April 15, Saturday which carried the theme “PRC is always first, always ready, and always there in service for humanity.”
The formation of the emblem was witnessed by Governor Dr. Melchor Daguines Diclas who
thanked the PRC Benguet for its vital role especially in ensuring adequate blood supply in the province and urged community support for this premier humanitarian organization.
Dr. Ryan Guinaran, Executive Assistant to the Governor, was invited as the guest speaker who expressed appreciation for the work of PRC emphasizing the importance of the organization’s mission in providing assistance to those in need especially during times of disaster and emergency.
Also in attendance was Board Member Marie Rose Fongwan-Kepes, Chair of Board of Directors of PRC-Benguet.
Following the emblem formation was a mass blood donation activity held at the BSU covered court. The PRC has been actively promoting blood donation as a way to save lives especially during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The organization has been at the forefront of providing humanitarian services to Filipinos earning them recognitions for their contributions to disaster response, blood services, and other health and welfare programs.
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Benguet CARES 2023
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.
The Philippines has once again proven its mettle in the world of combat sports with its athletes bringing home medals from the 1st Kun Bokator SEA Championship held in Phnom Penh, Cambodia.
Among the medalists is an iBenguet who showed her boldness and emerged victorious.
Islay Erika Bomogao, competing in the Combat Female 45kg category, won a bronze medal for her impressive performance in the international sports competition.
Governor Dr. Melchor Daguines Diclas congratulates Bomogao in her achievement saying the athlete’s success mirrors the talent and skills of the people of Benguet, as it also serves as inspiration to the Benguet youth to pursue their dreams and excel in their chosen fields as well.
The municipality of Kabayan officially kicked off the 14th Eco-Tourism and Bindiyan Festival on April 4, 2023 at the Municipal Ground in Poblacion.
The event which aims to advance Kabayan as a renowned tourist destination was graced by Governor Dr. Melchor Daguines Diclas as the guest speaker.
Kabayan Mayor Engr. Florante Bantales, Jr. welcomed all the participants and guests to the event and expressed his gratitude to Gov. Diclas for the P6M development of the Rural Health Unit. He also looked forward to more support for the health facility in the future.
In his message, Gov. Diclas congratulated the town and highlighted the importance of tourism development in the province. He expressed his commitment to the development of the health sector as well as his support to farmers through farm-to-market roads as he works closely with Congressman Eric Go Yap. He also recognized the help of the Almighty and underlined the importance of unity among the people and officials for the development of the town.
The kick-off program was preceded by an ecumenical mass led by the Association of Religious Ministers of Kabayan, followed by a ground-breaking ceremony for the soon-to-rise Municipal Building of Kabayan.
Meanwhile, Municipal Tourism Fernan Bangonan presented all the activities for the month-long celebration of the festival which include a Holy Climb at Mt. Pulag on April 6-7, Launching of the Yellow Trail on April 15, Opening of the Street Market on April 17, Kabayan Battle of the Bands on April 20, Mr. and Ms. Kabayan 2023 on April 25, and the Bindiyan Grand Cañao on April 27.
In his closing remarks, Vice Mayor Mike Badival thanked Gov. Diclas for gracing the event and all the municipal officials and employees who made the event a success.
The 14th Eco-Tourism and Bindiyan Festival is poised to showcase the rich culture of Kabayan and their pride in terms of tourism.
Governor Dr. Melchor Daguines Diclas extended support for Ms. Joemay-an Leo, Benguet’s representative to Ms. Universe Philippines 2023, thanking the beauty queen for taking the opportunity to raise awareness and promote the Benguet culture and identity on a national stage of pageantry.
The MUP 2023 coronation night is set this May.
Ms. Leo is Ms. Tuba 2014, Ms. Benguet 2014 First Runner-Up, and Ms. Cordillera 2016.
Police Cadet Normin Asing Luis, a resident of Kapangan, Benguet, will be receiving the NAPOLCOM Kampilan Award during the Philippine National Police Academy MASIDTALAK Class of 2023 graduation this March.
“Just like the others he is just an ordinary person living a simple dream. A dream that someday he can bring home a victory that his parents can be proud of,” reads his introduction on Philippine National Police Academy – Justice, Integrity, Service’s social media post.
PCdt Luis is the son of Bert Luis and Erinie Luis who are both farmers in Kapangan.
“This success of mine is a simple gesture of honouring the hardship of my parents,” PCdt Luis stated in the same socmed post.
He holds a degree in Bachelor of Science in Criminology and also a passer of Criminologist Licensure Examination.
The Police Cadet recalled holding the roughness of his parents’ hands and the moments when his parents endured the scouring heat of the sun while he was under the shade of their school.
His parents would remind him that they could not give “a piece of land or money,” but the “greatest legacy they can only give is an education earned with the hardship of being a farmer.”
Congratulations, Police Cadet Normin Asing Luis, from the Provincial Government of Benguet headed by Governor Dr. Melchor Daguines Diclas. May your leadership inspire many more young people ahead.
Governor Dr. Melchor Daguines Diclas addresses over 300 participants in the 2023 Benguet Women’s Congress held Monday at the Ben Palispis Hall, Provincial Capitol in celebration of the National Women’s Month.
After highlighting the significant role of women and their contributions to the achievements of the province and the nation, Governor Diclas underscored the importance of strengthening VAWC prevention programs, thus, the strong LGU-PNP partnership. The Governor said they are working closely with the Benguet PPO headed by Provincial Director PCol Damian Olsim for the promotion and protection of women’s rights as well as of their children’s.
The PNP has also been active conducting seminars and IECs on VAWC and other relevant topics.
Meanwhile, Vice Governor Ericson Lawagey Felipe also attended the women’s congress expressing support of the endeavors of the women’s organizations in the province.
