Mayor inducts new Gatan Club officers in rites

By Richard Lebeng

BAGUIO CITY -- New officers of the Gatan Club for 2013-2015 were inducted into office by Mayor Mauricio Domogan, who was also guest speaker last Jan. 12, during the club’s third anniversary celebration here at the residence of Stephen Tade at Imelda Village.

Vicente Balan-eg, outgoing president of the club, reminisced how the club was organized. He said in January 2010, a group of senior citizens whose wives are members of the Bangan Club, thought of organizing the Gatan Club so partnership will be strengthened.

According to folktales of the Aplai Tribe, Gatan and Bangan were husband and wife who portrayed honesty, love of people, dedication, dignity and respect of others.

The people of their tribe loved them very much.

Inducted into office were Catalino Unos as president; Jose Codod, vice-president; VenancioButay, secretary; Paulino Na-oy, sub-secretary; Stephen Tade, treasurer; Edwin Bagano, bookkeeper; Andres Lapaan, auditor and Richard Lebeng as PRO.

Elected business managers were Esteban Gumeyac, Francis Coteng and George Walsiyen while board of directors were .Vicente Balaneg, William Bao-ongan, Jose Bangao, Juan Bautista and Marcelo Cudiamat.

Advisers were Cecilio Bagano, Pablo Batnag, Federico Gallotan, Kilbasen Mariano, Fruto Magantino and Leon Wagayen Advisers.

Domogan, in his inspirational talk, praised the Gatan Club for their cooperation which made the organization a success and urged members to “continue cooperating because it is a wonderful and beautiful trait and makes possible the realization of the club’s aspirations.”

He said considering 2013 is the year of the snake, he said he hoped no member will become a snake as what happened to the 12 apostles wherein Judas Iscariot betrayed them and what he did affected many things.

He added that it was therefore, best to “maki-olnos rather than sikatimaiyolnos.”

He agreed with Balan-eg he was amused looking at old folks raising their hands to talk, but when given the chance, they talked differently from the topic being discussed.

He said it was okay with the old folks but the worst is the “kabaw” or senile.

Other friends of the club like Rep. Bernardo Vergara, former councilor Leandro Yangot and Atty. Dumawing also attended the occasion.

All male members of the Aplai Tribe residing in Baguio City and surrounding municipalities of Benguet are welcome to join the club.

The treasurer is always at the People’s Park to receive payments.

Some officers are also there to assist and explain other requirements for becoming a member.