Palace signs Benguet Day law

La Trinidad, Benguet (January 5, 2025) -- Benguet Day will now officially be held every 23rd of November following the recent signing of Republic Act 12099.

RA 12099, signed by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. into law last December 13, 2024 recognizes November 23 of every year as a special non-working holiday in the province to be known as Benguet Day in commemoration of its foundation day.     

Benguet lawmaker Eric Go Yap, who authored the measure explained the 23rd of November 1900 was the momentous day when the first civil government in Benguet was established.



"We're elated with the enactment of this into law, finally, kinikilala na ng batas ng Pilipinas ang Nov 23 bilang holiday sa Benguet in commemoration of our birth. Alam naman ng lahat na talagang November 23 natin cinecelebrate ang Benguet Day at by filing this Bill, I would like to give proper recognition sa pinagmulan ng ating probinsya," Yap said.

The lawmaker pointed out that the rich history of Benguet indicates that although the people of the province are comprised of different groups, tribes, and cultures, they have harmoniously co-existed through the government established then for the said purpose.

Yap underscored that the inception of the civil government of Benguet under Act 48 with its then Civil Governor H.P, Whitmarsh has needless to say, paved the way for the sustained growth and development of the province for over a century now. "We actually filed for the first time last Congress pa. It hurdled Congress and it was passed by the House pero naipit sa Senate. Based on the records of Congress, it was the first time na nai-file itong ganito but hindi naman na relevant yun kasi this term, we made sure to lobby hard sa Senate. It was a very complicated process kasi kahit local holiday lang siya, there's a lot to consider.”

The Benguet lawmaker further looked back then that, “kailangan pag-aralan (pa noon) yung economic impact din and a lot more. I had to be there every step of the way kasabay nung ibang nilalapit natin sa Senado and I thank Sen JV Ejercito for sponsoring this sa plenary. And of course, our President Bongbong Marcos for the enactment of this law," added Yap.

The declaration of every November 23rd as a special non-working holiday in Benguet, according to Yap in celebration to its founding anniversary, “will surely provide the appropriate opportunity for the province to revisit its past and re-connect with its roots.”

Yap added that the declaration of the special non-working holiday in the province provides a reason for the province to celebrate milestones, big or small, that have since the civil government’s creation over a century ago.

Yap also explained that when the holiday falls on a Saturday or a Sunday, the holiday shall be observed on the Monday that follows.

The law also repealed RA 7672 declaring June 18 as a special non - working holiday in the province.

"June 18 will still hold a significant place in our history and I will speak with Governor Diclas to plan an activity every year to recognize din yung date na yun sa history ng province," Yap qiupped.

RA12099 meanwhile, was passed in the House of Representatives on Sept. 5, 2022, amended by the Senate on August 27, 2024, and which amendments were concurred by the lower house on Sept. 25.

The Benguet lawmaker also vowed, “marami pa tayong pinupush na mapasa na batas, lalo yung mga local bills natin,” while at the same time "Marami na tayong napasa din na may impact sa senior citizens, youth, work force, agriculture sector and health.” He promised, “there's still a lot of work so we will not rest until makuha natin yun."