LA TRINIDAD, Benguet (PIA) -- The provincial government of Benguet launched “Kaapuan: Benguet Heritage Series,” a coffee table book containing stories and narratives about Benguet.
Governor Melchor Diclas and members of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan led the launching of the coffee table book and its distribution to the different local government units, schools, offices, and other stakeholders as part of the 35th Cordillera Month celebration of the province.
University of the Philippines – Baguio College of Communications Dean Dr. Jimmy Fong, one of the editors of the book, performed an English “bakliw” or a traditional form of vocal music during the launching ceremony.
“This book puts together information from various documents and key informants in an attempt to construct a coherent and meaningful story. The book’s writers, editors and publishers hope to present a narrative that will inspire the people of Benguet with a glorious past to enable them to continue write stories of brighter futures. May Benguet’s youth draw from Anno’s courage and pioneering spirit to make the province truly a “land of the brave where no evil foot could wander,” Fong said.
Provincial Board Secretary Atty. Brian Crispin said the book was initiated by former Indigenous Peoples Mandatory Representative Sario Copas and supported by the SP thru then Vice Governor Johnny Waguis.
“We thank all the researchers and staff in patiently gathering the information needed for the completion of the book. This project, Participatory Development of Archives for Benguet Cultural Heritage,” has finally come into fruition with a publication that will live up to its vision for the coming generations,” Diclas said.
“It is a great pleasure to have the Benguet’s rich culture and history presented in the book. This is an opportunity for us to give a broad and clear picture of the beauty of our beloved land and its people the way we want it depicted and portrayed. We are very grateful that we have a material that will reflect our cultural authenticity so that every reader might know us better and appreciate our way of life,” the Governor added.
Following the successful implementation of the coffee table book project, Diclas expressed hope to have an executive order or ordinance creating the Provincial Book Development Board (PBDB for the development of publications on the rich history and culture of the province of Benguet.
With a PBDB, funds will be earmarked for the publication of reading materials promoting Benguet culture, values, practices, folktales, and history, and this will also help grow the local book publishing industry. (JDP/RMC- PIA CAR)
