The people’s unity through the years has helped push the development in the capital town of La Trinidad, Benguet, which celebrated its 73rd founding anniversary on June 16.
Benguet Rep. Eric Yap, who was represented by Kapangan Mayor Fermin during the celebration as guest speaker, cited in his speech the value of unity which is evident in the municipality being the melting pot of various ethnic groups, culture, traditions, and beliefs.
“Every notable progress in our province and in La Trinidad is the by-product of accumulated sentiments, suggestions, and support, and I remain hopeful that we continue our joint endeavor fueled by our love for our beloved La Trinidad, granted that there is still remarkable progress underway,” Yap said.
Yap also lauded the town’s milestones and developments for the past years and assured his commitment to assist the local government in its pursuit for development.
He cited his efforts in filingHouse Bill 6367 seeking for the cityhood of La Trinidad in the 19th Congress along with the HB 6366 that seeks to automatically convert the capital town of provinces without a component city within its territorial jurisdiction, into a component city.
He said this is in recognition of the capital town of the country’s provinces, which until now are refused to be granted cityhood for a mere non-compliance of one out of three requisites of cityhood, despite their immeasurable contribution to the provinces they belong, which is similar to the case of La Trinidad.
Also, many improvements have been made in the municipality such as the installment of solar street lights from the Benguet State University vicinity to the boundary of Tublay, which is cost-effective from the conventional streetlights.
He said the municipality is not only the window to showcase Benguet but the whole Cordillera as well.
Yap also reminded those present during the foundation day program that part of the quest for development is the recognition of the humble beginnings of the town.
“It is undeniable, after all, how far La Trinidad has come. Malayo pa pero malayo na. That is why I would also like to pay my respects to all the past leaders of La Trinidad including their legacy that serves as the benchmark of leadership and service we must follow,” he said.
The lawmaker also assured his support for the municipality to craft solutions especially with the long-standing perennial problems being faced by farmers, including the issues of vegetable smuggling and the need to increase and widen the market for the vegetables, poultry, and other agricultural products.
The municipality is host to the La Trinidad Vegetable Trading Post and the Benguet Agri-Pinoy Trading Center, among private trading centers.
This year’s theme for the foundation day of the municipality that was established on June 16, 1950 by virtue of Republic Act 531 is: “La Trinidad: Flourishing in the New Normal”. – Ofelia C. Empian
