Amid the health crisis brought by the Covid-19, La Trinidad, Benguet remains hopeful the pandemic to end soon as it marked its 70th foundation day on June 16.
The capital town celebrated its foundation day without the earlier planned community affairs as the province is still under the modified general community quarantine status until June 30.
La Trinidad Mayor Romeo Salda, in his message to the town folks, said despite the health crisis, there are a lot to be thankful for.
“Today, June 16, marks a significant day in the life of our municipality mainly because amid a terrible affliction, we have reached this far, intact, and still vibrant with the promise of a better tomorrow,” Salda said.
The mayor said throughout the ordeal, there are sacrifices made and many more to be made and yet the town continues to flourish through its environment.
He said the land remains fertile and continues to produce crops such as the succulent strawberries; Balili River, which was cleansed with the fewer human activities due to the imposed community quarantine; and Mt. Kalugong continues to be “standing tall and spirited” among others. These, he said, are more than enough blessings to be thankful for.
“Our celebration today manifests our strong determination to carve a better future for our children. We may not share a watwat today, or a cup or two of tapey. We may not dance and sing and bask in the laughter of our jolly aunts and uncles. But we are assured that La Trinidad will live long enough in our children even after we are gone,” he said.
The mayor asked the community to continue working together in the fight against the Covid-19 pandemic.
“As we celebrate our platinum anniversary, remember that you are i-La Trinidad. By no measure, will we be subdued by any potent virus. We will not live in dread. We will not cower…not in a million years,” he said.
Last year, La Trinidad celebrated its foundation in a day that featured a civic parade, ecumenical service, and butchering of pigs or the “shawat tan owik” (thanksgiving) followed by the main program. – Ofelia C. Empian
