It’s a bittersweet feeling for this near-sighted Ibaloy writer whenever Baguio Day is celebrated.
This feeling is shared by many of my fellow Ibaloys – Baguio’s original settlers – but are ashamed to say so (shy mangu, kasi). I won’t explain anymore why we feel this way to avoid offending the vast majority of Baguio’s populace and leaders who are non-Ibaloys.
Message from Mayor Benjamin Magalong on Baguio’s 112th Charter Day celebration.
We have shown the world how much more can be won in unity and cooperation. As we recover, the task is to build Baguio back in far better ways, under a stern regime of self-discipline to attain greater achievement and excellence at its finest.
Baguio Bayanihan shall be our article of faith to get the task done. Fostering the greater good shall make us strive beyond self-interest, inspired by our past triumphs of weathering the usual difficulties common to cities like ours.
What we are today – resilient, recovering, and solidly up on our feet – grew from our collective citizenship. This shall serve Baguio well in its confident strides towards a future worthy of divine blessings to be in abundant peace and prosperity,
May a hundred and 12 years illuminate the pathways that our God the Father is graciously making us see, while working as one, healing as one!
Happy Baguio Day!
Let’s end with a prayer: “Help me not to fear the future but to boldly trust that you are in control when my emotions plunge me down, and when I am in despair. And times when I can’t talk and don’t know what to say, help me to “Be still, and know that you are God.” Be my comforter, my healer and bring me peace. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
