LA TRINIDAD, Benguet (PIA) — President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. signed into law Republic Act 12099 declaring November 23 of every year as a special non-working holiday in the province of Benguet to be known as “Benguet Day” in commemoration of its foundation day.
Benguet Cong. Eric Go Yap said that the declaration of every Nov. 23rd as a special non-working holiday in Benguet in celebration of its founding anniversary will surely provide the appropriate opportunity for the province to revisit its past and re-connect with its roots.
“We’re elated with the enactment of this into law. Finally, kinikilala na ng batas ng Pilipinas ang November 23 bilang holiday sa Benguet in commemoration of our birth. Alam naman ng lahat na talagang November 23 natin sine-celebrate ang Benguet Day. By filing this bill, I would like to give proper recognition sa pinagmulan ng ating probinsya,” said Yap.
Yap has filed House Bill 3963, which seeks to declare Nov. 23 as “Benguet Day,” a special non-working holiday, dedicated to honoring Benguet’s founding anniversary and celebrating its rich cultural heritage.
“Benguet Day will offer a meaningful occasion each year for residents and visitors alike to embrace Benguet’s unique traditions and history, strengthening community pride and promoting cultural appreciation,” he said.
The United States Philippine Commission enacted on November 23, 1900, Act No. 49 providing for the establishment of civil government for the Province of Benguet.
On August 18, 1908, Act No. 1876 was issued in which Benguet Province became a sub-province of Mountain Province along with Amburayan, Apayao, Bontoc, Ifugao, Kalinga, and Lepanto.
Then on June 18, 1966, Republic Act No. 4695 was issued dividing Mountain Province into four provinces namely Benguet, Mt. Province, Ifugao, and Kalinga-Apayao.
In 1994, Republic Act No. 7672 was issued “Declaring June Eighteen of Every Year as a Special Nonworking Public Holiday in the Province of Benguet” recognizing RA 4695.
In recent years, the province of Benguet has been celebrating its foundation anniversary on Nov. 23 along with Adivay Festival through different activities.
Yap said this new law repealed RA 7672 declaring June 18 as a special non – working holiday in the province.
He assured that June 18 will still hold a significant place in the province’s history. Together with Governor Melchor Diclas, they will plan activities every year to recognize the two historic dates of the province – June 18 for Benguet’s separation from the old Mountain province and Nov. 23 as the province’s birthday. **JDP/RMC-PIA CAR
