An
event is truly successful when it inspires a future action. Hence, the 1st La
Trinidad History Conference has succeeded in rousing appreciation and interest
in La Trinidad’s and whole Benguet’s History and Heritage. The event not only
saw renewed passion for local human stories, it also enthused our
decision-makers and officials to give their active and positive support on
future historical researches / write shops, and programs for the preservation
of heritage, including the needed institutional support.
The
activity, which was organized by the Tourism Development Services of the Local
Government and in celebration of the National Heritage month, is also a prelude
to La Trinidad’s 68th Foundation Day celebrations on June 16, 2018.
While economic programs and regular services nourish the physical aspect of a
town, appreciation for arts, culture, and heritage nourishes its soul. A town
which does not have a “story to tell” is a lifeless town.
What
I learned from our main Speaker, former NCIP-Commissioner chairperson and
co-author of the book “A People’s History of Benguet”, Ma’am Zenaida Brigida
Hamada-Pawid, is the term “composite history” – where researchers compile the
different versions of stories, since all of them are still genuine stories of
the past. Hence, Barangay Pico’s origin “Piho” or the native term for the small
houses, and the other version, “Piko” for the agricultural tool, can be placed
together to co-exist in one story book. Same with Buyagan’s, “Buya-an” (a place
for spectators), or the other version’s “Boyagan”, or the name of the hunter
which was devoured by a huge snake in that area as narrated by our IPMR, Pendon
Thompson. And of course, the origin of the name La Trinidad; some say it was
inspired by the “three prominent hills” (overlooking Poblacion where the seat
of Cabecera was established), and others maintain the older version that it was
a namesake of Donya Trinidad (allegedly the wife of Spanish soldier Guillermo
Galvey).
The
Conference reminded the participants one important thing, that La Trinidad (even
before Baguio City as an American city) was the recognized “Cabecera” – a center
that attracted people, and where even animals gathered to drink in its lake’s
clear waters (Laguna de Benguet) hundreds, maybe thousands of years ago. It was
the capital in administrating a large part of the Cordilleras during the
Spanish period, even before its present role as the capital of Benguet
Province. It was a prominent town and has been a subject of flattering stories
where conquistadors describe as, “a very large town situated in a broad and
fertile valley the inhabitants of which were very rich and brave people….”
(Espedicion al Valle de Benguet en Enero del año de 1829).
Since
the past generally affects the events and courses of action for the future,
what does our history tell us? Perhaps, La Trinidad should stop thinking that
it is only a second-rate Cordillera town after Baguio City. That its residents
should drill in their consciousness to have stake on all issues involving the
place as their own home, and contribute to its betterment. That perhaps, La
Trinidad should strive to become the best town, not only in the Cordilleras,
but the whole country.
