City officials recently congratulated and commended Dr. Maria Catbagan-Aplaten for having been appointed by President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. as the new regional director of the Department of Social Welfare and Development–Cordillera Administrative Region (DSWD-CAR).
In a resolution, local legislators stated that the city government proudly commends the wisdom, dedication and commitment of Dr. Aplaten have shown not only to the people of the Cordillera and the Filipinos but also the international community which led her to be recognized and appointed to this position which suits her values and personality.
Earlier, Dr. Catbagan-Aplaten was born and raised in the city where she was widely recognized as a trailblazer for founding and organizing several civic organizations both in the Philippines and overseas, particularly in Cambodia.
The council noted that before she decided to retire to serve the community full time, Aplaten served as a professor and founder-director of the Hapiyoh Mi Culture and Arts Center at the University of the Cordilleras (UC), formerly the Baguio Colleges Foundation (BCF) which is her alma mater.
The council claimed that throughout her life, Aplaten has been passionate in educating children, youth and women, particularly with diverse cultural and ethnic origins.
Further, her social awareness and leadership have been proven again and again, as reflected in the various awards she has received that includes the Outstanding Student of the Philippines, Outstanding Woman Leader of Baguio City and the Asian Excellence Award for Culture and Arts.
On April 12, 2024. Dr. Aplaten took her oath before DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian at the Batasan Complex, Quezon City as the new DSWD-CAR regional director.
Copies of the approved resolution will be transmitted to Dr. Aplaten for her information, guidance, ready reference and further needed action. By Dexter A. See