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.”