Category: News and Current Affairs

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.

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.

Governor Dr. Melchor Daguines Diclas expressed recognition to Lt. Col Marion Bagtang Cayat, a fellow iBenguet, on receiving the prestigious Philippine Military Academy Cavalier Award for Special Operations conferred during the PMA Alumni Homecoming last Feb. 18 with President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. as Guest of Honor and Speaker.

In his message during the Feb. 20 flag-raising ceremony at the Provincial Capitol, Lt. Col. Cayat recalled his younger days in the province until he entered PMA and graduated in 2002. He said most of his accomplishments were in Mindanao and that the award he received is in recognition for special operations which involved high value targets.

“I was able to manage [these] siguro because Igorot ako, I can survive kahit saan ako dadalhin,” the Cavalier Awardee added.

Governor Diclas thanked Lt. Col. Cayat for his service: “Mainaynayun kami met nga taga Benguet in all your accomplishments.”

He also recognized the late former Benguet Congressman and Governor, Hon. Nestor Bagtang Fongwan, Sr. “who was very successful not only in his career but also with his family.” Lt. Col. Cayat is a nephew of the “Action Man.”

Congratulations, Ms. Joemay-an Leo, on making it to the Top 40 of Miss Universe Philippines 2023. Thank you for taking this opportunity to promote our cultural identity and pride. We are definitely with you in your journey to the crown.

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