Benguet Day now celebrated in November

LA TRINIDAD, Benguet, Philippines — After the signing of Republic Act (RA) 12099 last month, Benguet Day will now officially be held every 23rd of November, instead of the previous June 18.

Benguet Rep. Eric Go Yap explained that Nov. 23 is a momentous day as the first civil government in the province was established on that day in 1900 through Act 48 with H.P. Whitmarsh as civil governor.

“We’re elated with the enactment of this into law. Finally, there is a law that recognizes Nov. 23 as the date of our birth,” Yap said. 

RA 12099, signed by President Marcos last Dec. 13, repealed RA 7672, which declared June 18 as a special non-working holiday in Benguet.

“June 18 will still hold a significant place in our history and I will speak with Governor (Melchor) Diclas to plan an activity every year to recognize the date as part of our history,” Yap said.

Meanwhile, Malacañang also declared Jan. 24 a special non-working day in Carigara, Leyte to allow residents to celebrate the town’s 454th founding anniversary.

Carigara will mark its 454th founding anniversary on Jan. 25. However, since it is a Saturday, the event was moved one day ahead through Proclamation 767 signed by Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin last Friday.

“It is but fitting and proper that the people of Carigara be given full opportunity to participate in the occasion and enjoy the celebration,” the proclamation reads.