Baguio execs deny snubbing Cordillera Day ceremonies

By Aileen P. Refuerzo

BAGUIO CITY – City officials here denied claims that they snubbed the celebration of the 22nd anniversary celebration of the Cordillera Day last July 15.

Mayor Reinaldo Bautista Jr. Thursday told a press briefing that there was no malice in their not attending the program.

“Our city played host to the event and the program went on successfully. Its success does not depend on us or on anybody so people should not attach any more stories to that,” the mayor said.

He said the city remains committed to the aspirations of the Cordillera region and the absence of representation from the local government during the program does not mean a regress to this commitment.

Vice Mayor Daniel Farinas, for his part, said their absence in the program was not intentional.

He said he verified their records and found that there was no invitation sent to them to attend the event.

Moreover, he said there were prior commitments and functions needed to be attended during that date like a Philippine Councilors League function where some councilors had prior appointments.

“We could not require our councilors and even our employees to attend the program to which we were not invited but this would not also mean that we intentionally boycotted the program,” he said.

He said during the opening of the Cordillera Month celebration, he was invited and had a part in the program which he attended.

“We did our part as asked. We are supportive of all the activities of the CAR and that has not changed,” he said.