LA TRINIDAD, Benguet – Forging a stronger relationship with its sister town from Guam, the municipality of La Trinidad welcomed a delegation from Dededo during the main program of Strawberry Festival at the Municipal Gym, La Trinidad, Benguet on March 18.
The municipal mayor of Dededo, Honorable Peter John Benevento, offered his presence on behalf of the delegation from Guam as he emphasized the connection and likeness of both municipalities in terms of celebrating their culture and people.
“As island communities, we share a big connection to our land, culture and tradition, values that bind us despite the ocean between us. Our vision is to foster a partnership that celebrates and strengthens our cultural heritage while promoting opportunities for collaboration and education, tourism, agriculture, and community development,” he enthused.
He also shared the importance of the ties between La Trinidad and Dededo in terms of molding their initiatives to empower the people and preserve their culture. “Through this partnership, we can exchange knowledgeable practices and areas such as sustainable farming, youth engagement, language preservation, and culture arts and most especially taking care of our citizens,” he expressed.
To further solidify the bond of both municipalities, the Dededo delegation showcased their cultural dance as they joined in the multi-cultural celebrations which also took place during the program in the Municipal Gym.
“A very good experience and us doing this, showing what we do out there and how much passion we put into it, we love to like just show you guys what we do also back home,” Dawn Guevera said, one of the guests and performers from Dededo, Guam.
She also expressed how honored she is to attend and celebrate the strawberry festival. “Because just like you guys you are fighting for your land, same with us, we are fighting for our land. We’re trying to bring our culture back and the language and that’s what you guys are doing,” she enthused.
Guam is an unincorporated territory of the United States which makes it not considered as one of its states, but still part of the US. The municipalities of La Trinidad and Dededo have forged their partnership as town sisters. By Lyka Capsula
