Mt Prov recognizes outstanding citizens

By Juliet B. Saley

BONTOC, Mountain Province – Six “most outstanding citizens” in the province were awarded during the recent 43rd Founding Anniversary of Mt. Province and the 6th Lang-ay Festival.

Awardees included Harry Perez Basingat of El Monte, California who traces his roots to his birthplace in Data, Sabangan.

Putting together the dap-ay and internet communication, he created a “Dap-ay in the Sky” which is also known as BIBAKNETS which is described as the largest gathering place in cyberspace for every BIBAKA/Igorot/Cordilleran by birth, affinity or even for the love of being associated with the names.

Dr. Jimmy Cabfit, from Maligcong, Bontoc, was cited for being a well known physician and surgeon employed at the Baguio General Hospital and Medical Center.

He had also conducted medical missions like during the Lang-ay Festival.

Florence K. Chaokas of Bontoc, was also cited for serice to the community even after retirement.

In her desire to provide students a ready reference, she wrote her first book, “Bontoc Yesterday and Today.”

She has a second book called “Mountain Province its Past and Present.”

Anthony Boaging, the man behind the popular Boaging’s Bread that is widely sold in the municipalities of Bauko, Tadian, Sabangan and Bontoc and even in Cervantes, Ilocos sur, is a businessman with a big heart to the people.

He was cited for being a very humble and generous civic activist. As a businessman, he was also an active church leader and an active PTCA officer who implemented quality projects for the school.

Robert and Irene Ag-a are a deaf-mute couple since birth. They found each other when they were employed at the Sagada Weaving with Robert as a tailor and Irene as a weaver.

They left Sagada weaving and established their own weaving firm, the Tam-aw Madongo Handicrafts.

The couple learned the rudiments of business even with communication disability. They silently communicate with each other through gestures and signs.

They were able to sustain their business for 15 years now and still going strong. The firm has eight employees who eventually have to learn how to communicate with the couple through signs and text messaging.

Brenda Pudlao who hails from Barlig, came to Bontoc in 1999 to study at the local college to pursue her dream of a better life for her and her siblings.

While studying, she worked for a family. She finished Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education and successfully passed the teacher’s board examination.

Instead of practicing her profession, she became an entrepreneur. For the past five years, she was seen everyday around town carrying loads of snack foods selling to the different offices and schools.

She has become a recognizable individual in town and earned the respect of people for her started growing for she is a good example of patience, determination and strength. With her business, she is now helping her siblings financially and is sending them to school.

Each of the awardees received a plaque of recognition.