LA TRINIDAD, Benguet — The municipal government recognized the town’s outstanding citizens and groups during its 69th Foundation Day celebration with the theme “Recognizing our Roots, Building our Future” last week.
Mayor Romeo Salda and Vice Mayor Joey Marero awarded plaques of recognition to individuals and organizations who have excelled and made the municipality proud in various fields.
The Leadership Award was given to Police Major Gen. Amando Clifton Empiso, Director of the Philippine National Police Special Action Force, for ably embodying the ideals of public service and for serving as an inspiration to the whole community.
Empiso, an Ibaloy 2-star general, is a member of Philippine Military Academy “Hinirang” Class of 1987 and is currently the second ranking police officer from the Cordillera region.
Same award was bestowed to Police Major Benson B. Macli-ing, who served as the town’s chief of police from June 5, 2017 to November 29, 2018, for exhibiting outstanding leadership by example and for initiating the measure that effectively maintained peace in the town that lead to its garnering of the best Municipal Station National Award.
Special citation was given to the La Trinidad MPS for its dedication in upholding the ideals and objectives of the PNP, particularly in the nationwide campaign against crime and illegal drugs.
Also awarded special citations were the La Trinidad District Jail for devotion to duty and for being recognized as best Municipal Jail in the Cordillera Region for three consecutive years, and the La Trinidad Cooperative Services for being an effective engine of economic growth and for consistent outstanding services;
Special awards were given to Frael Aquino in the field of sports for being a champion in the municipality throughout the years in his passion and dedication to football; spouses Dan and Corazon Saclangan for Business and Tourism for having established a successful succulent business operation boosting tourism in the municipality and for being role models to other entrepreneurs.
Federation of La Trinidad Women’s Organization President Josephine Leon was cited for championing women’s rights and for exhibiting exemplary leadership that has significant positive and long lasting impact in advancing the cause of women and her organization.
In the field of Agriculture and Commerce, Bineng Cut flowers and Trucking Association was recognized for significantly helping and empowering farmers to participate in good governance and other livelihood opportunities.
The local government unit also recognized six new graduates of the Philippine Military Academy “Mabalasik” Class of 2019 who hail from La Trinidad, namely, 2LTs Jahziel Gumapac Tandoc of Ampasit, Wangal who was the top 3 of their class; Nobleson Langato Libag of Camp Dangwa, Bahong; Drexter Alfredo Mayomis of Barangay Balili, Nero Ozkar Culaton of Camp Dangwa, and Jerson Pulac Balagot and Ensign Towner Martinez Caltino from Shilan.
The awarding of outstanding citizens as a highlight of the annual foundation day celebration is embodied in Municipal Ordinance No. 35 of 2015 or the La Trinidad Foundation Day Ordinance.
The municipality of La Trinidad was created by virtue of Republic Act No. 531 approved on June 16, 1950. **JDP/RMC-PIA CAR & Jeckryl Dulinen- UC-Intern
