BAGUIO CITY – “The King Is Dead“ posted on face book pages of Baguio Judokas is their way of expressing their sympathy as well as giving their respect to Baguio City Judo Icon and founder of Judo in Baguio City, Sensei Benjamin M. Caguioa, who passed away last week at the age of 83. He was born on March 3, 1935.
The 8th Dan Red and White Belt Philippine Judo Pioneer started his Judo career in 1950’s and by 1964 was responsible for the propagation and promotion of Judo as a physical education subject in various schools in the locality that until today benefits students in their education as scholars in their respective Judo Varsity teams.
Known as a local businessman, Sensei Caguioa also served people and community as 3rd Vice President of the former Philippine Amateur Judo Association now Philippine Judo Federation and responsible for bringing Baguio City in the Judo Limelight with the participation of Judo Veteran players and medallists like; the Late Jerry Dino in the Olympics, Willy Dino and Ferdinand Cudao as well as Danilo Crosby, Geraldine Barcelon, and many others to participate in the South East Asian Games, and ASEAN in the seventies and eighties.
He also served as President and Board member of the Young Men’s Christian Association (YMCA) for decades as well as the Knights of Columbus Cathedral Parish and served the community well as a Barangay Official of ABCR Barangay, Baguio City. His remains were cremated in the US and was brought to the Baguio Memorial Chapels for a two day vigil last May 21-22, 2018.
By: BOBBY VINLUAN
