BAGUIO CITY – The Onjon ni Ivadoy, Inc., the largest organization of Ibaloys in the Summer Capital and Benguet province, will conduct a seminar-workshop on June 7 from 8 am to 5pm at City Hall’s multi-purpose hall.
Onjon president Eroll Tagle said the whole-day activity will tackle the specific duties and guidelines for its officers and members with lawyer-businessman Moises Cating and Jimmy Fong of the University of the Philippines – Baguio, as resource speakers.
He explained that one of the organization’s aims is the preservation of the Ibaloy culture especially among the younger generation and instilling in them the importance of taking pride in their unique way of life.
The Ibaloys are the original inhabitants of Baguio formerly known as “Kafagway” where its patriarch, Mateo Carino, was named by the Philippine Centennial Commission as a Centennial National Hero in 1998. His bust is at the Luneta Park in Metro Manila with other Centennial heroes.
Earlier this month, Benguet Governor Cresencio Pacalso inducted the Onjon’s new set of officers at the Ibaloy Heritage Garden, Burnham Park with Tagle as president and Francisco Golingab as vice-president. Other officers include Ana Marie Diwas, secretary; Betty Satur, treasurer; Vicky Macay, auditor; Joselito Shontogan and Michael Alos, press relations officers;
Business managers are Sonny Bahod, Pilando Menzi, Norberto Antonio while board of directors are Erlinda Toquero, Freda Zarate, Sandy Calado, Leopoldo Lamsis and Felix Siplat.
Basilio Binay-an chairs the board of advisers with Tedler Depaynos, Julie Cabato, Moises Cating, Victor Cosalan, Jose Molintas, Peter Fianza, Nestor Fongwan, Isabelo Cosalan, Jr., Manuel Cuilan, Modesto Andong, and Jackson Chiday. /Gaby Keith
