BAGUIO CITY (PIA) –The City Government of Baguio celebrated its  114th Charter Day Anniversary on  Friday (September 1) with a program at the Baguio Convention Center which was  highlighted by the awarding of winners of   the 2023 Search for Outstanding Citizens of Baguio and  service excellence recognition of Baguio’s former chief executives.

Awarded as the 2023 Outstanding Citizens of Baguio  are Ramoncito Cabrera, General Manager  of the The Manor at Camp John Hay,   for  Business category; Jail Superintendent Mary Ann Ollaging Tresmanio of the Bureau of Jail and Management Penology-Baguio   for Professional Service,   and Wilfredo Mina, retired professor  at  Saint Louis University and Benguet State University,  for Community Service.

Baguio City officials headed by Mayor Benjamin Magalong, Vice Mayor Faustino Olowan and Congressman Marquez Go, with invited Guest of Honor and Speaker  US Ambassador to the Philippines  MaryKay Carson, awarded the plaque of recognition to the 2023 Outstanding Citizens of Baguio.

Also given recognition for Service Excellence were former Baguio City Mayors Luis Lardizabal, Norberto De Guzman, Ernesto Bueno, Francisco Paraan, Ramon Labo, Jaime Bugnosen, Mauricio Domogan, Bernardo Vergara and Reinaldo Bautista Jr.

In the Charter Day Program, Magalong   delivered the State of the City Address (SOCA) and reiterated his promise that good governance remains to be at the center of the socio – economic agenda of his administration.

“Ang kahulugan ng mabuting pamamahala ay nakaugat sa pamumuno. It is a vital thread that weaves a tapestry of thrust between the people and their representatives.”

“Good governance is our promise to the people of Baguio. To create an environment with fairness, responsibility and transparency thrives. At this core, good governance is a covenant, a pledge that transcends administrative duties. As political leaders,  we must bear responsibilities for creating condition  where good governance will not only take root too but will also evolve into a way of life”, Magalong stressed.

The mayor  reported   the city government’s accomplishments in the 7 – point agenda of his administration;  namely  Environment, Land Use and Energy, Climate and Disaster Resilience, Urban Regeneration, Empowering the Youth, Economic Recovery and Development. Smart City Management, and Good Governance.

 Ambassador Carson, in her keynote message, outlined the historical ties between the US and Baguio and  expressed support  to the development visions of the city government.   

“Baguio is steeped in history and some of which are directly connected to the United States and you can see it in the names of  many heritage sites here. Like Camp John Hay or Burnham Park. But while this historic connection is important, Baguio is also primarily, formatively a distinctly   Filipino City with a rich indigenous culture with leaders who have a vision for the future.”

“The United States is proud to partner with you, Mayor Benjie, in realizing your vision for the city”, Carson said.

History shows that Baguio  was chosen by the Americans  to become the summer  capital and in 1901, “ American colonial government expropriated lands in Baguio owned by the Ibaloi people” and started developing the  area. Baguio City  was declared as a chartered city on September 1, 1909.(JDP/CCD-PIA CAR)