As we welcome 2024, may we be reminded of God’s word in Jeremiah 29:11, “For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.”

This gives us hope that His plans for our Province, our communities are filled with hope, welfare, and a promising future.

In the spirit of ‘binnadang,’ let us continue to strengthen our camaraderie as we build our relationship and togetherness even tighter. Truly, unity breeds strength, warmth, and support. May we carry this culture forward as we face various challenges and victories in the coming years.

Our character of humility as iBenguet is one of the foundations of our identity. It is our hope that we continue to treasure and perpetuate this value to invigorate understanding, empathy, and cooperation among us as we pursue more progress and development in our community.

Also among the values that define our cultural identity are respect and hard work. May these principles guide us as we step into the new year. We may face different challenges along the way, but always remember to draw strength from our shared values of trust, understanding, and treating one another with dignity and respect.

Let all these values which were safeguarded and passed down to us by our forefathers be reflected among us as we tread the path toward a better and HEALTHIER Benguet.

May 2024 give everyone more success, more happiness, and good health. Happy New Year!

MELCHOR D. DICLAS, MD

Benguet Governor