LA TRINIDAD, Benguet – Mr. Benguet, Arnel Labisa, was crowned Mr. Cordillera Autonomy Youth Ambassador 2023, while Ms. Benguet, Kristine Dilao, was conferred the title Ms. Cordillera Autonomy Youth Ambassador for Information Education Campaign (IEC), during the pageant’s coronation night in Pudtol, Apayao last July 15.
Labisa was also awarded Mr. Talent, Mr. Darling of the Crowd, Best in Creative Wear, and Best in Production Number. Dilao, on the other hand, was awarded Ms. Articulate.
Mr. Benguet was asked what his best contribution to the autonomy campaign would be as a youth ambassador to which he answered with, “the best thing I could do as a youth, as a handsome man, would be taking advantage of the social media because it is a very strong tool.”
He added he could be a content creator focusing on subjects about regional autonomy, as he also inspires the youth to maintain their “kinataraki” and their commitment to “fostering a harmonious community.”
Ms. Benguet, on the other note, shared that one of the major problems the region is facing at present is “that many people are unaware and [do not] know the meaning of autonomy,” adding she has a friend who has misconceptions about the proposed law. She emphasized how she can make use of the pageant as a platform to share her message on the benefits of regional autonomy which is “for our progress, for our people, and for us to develop culturally responsive development of policies and program.”
The pageant is part of the 36th Cordillera Month celebration which highlighted the region’s continued pursuit of autonomy.
Governor Dr. Melchor Daguines Diclas congratulated the two on raising the banner of the province in the regional stage as they voice out their advocacies promoting regional autonomy.
Meanwhile, the title holders paid a courtesy visit to Governor Diclas on July 17 to express gratitude for the support they received from the Provincial Government all throughout their journey to the crown. Governor Diclas assured the two of his support to their programs and activities in the promotion of regional autonomy.
Labisa, who hails from Mankayan, is Mr. Benguet 2022; and Dilao, who comes from Bakun, is Ms. Benguet Culture 2022. They are members of the MMB LAYAD Council which is composed of Mr. and Ms. Benguet candidates and is organized by Governor Diclas in recognition of the youth’s advocacies and leadership skills. By SAP Jr.
