La Trinidad community showed support through participation in the Civic Parade and the Main Program of the Strawberry Festival 2025

La Trinidad, Benguet, (March 18, 2025) – The civic parade began with the leadership of the municipal officials led by Mayor Romeo K. Salda, Vice-Mayor Roderick C. Awingan and the Sangguniang Bayan Council, along with Benguet Governor Melchor D. Diclas and the guests of honor, departments of various agencies, collegiate institutions, private establishments, NGOs, cooperative groups, and these sixteen barangays are Alapang, Alno, Ambiong, Balili, Bahong, Beckel, Betag, Bineng, Cruz, Lubas, Pico, Poblacion, Puguis, Shilan, Tawang and Wangal.

The program, held at the Municipal Gymnasium, began with a prayer and the singing of the National Anthem and La Trinidad Hymn. In opening remarks, VM Awingan announced that the Strawberry Festival 2025 was a successful event due to the unity of the people of La Trinidad.

Everyone shared voluntary contributions, support, and efforts to commemorate the achievement of the Guinness World Record for the largest strawberry in 2004.

Mayor Salda gave an inspiring message and thanked everyone who joined in the celebration of the Strawberry Festival with the theme #Semek La Trinidad, which translates to “Love La Trinidad,” encouraging everyone to love our place and participate in being good stakeholders of our town, La Trinidad.

“Even before La Trinidad became the Strawberry and Cutflower Capital of the Philippines, it had already carved out a niche as the Salad Bowl of the Philippines,”

The Strawberries that are being celebrated have become an iconic representation not only of La Trinidad but of the entire Baguio-Benguet area.

As the “Strawberry Capital of the Philippines,” the Strawberry Festival is unique in the Strawberry town, spanning nearly four decades of celebration,”

“The goals of the Festival are largely the same to showcase the strawberry as the One-Town, One-Product (OTOP) of La Trinidad and to foster and stimulate the relationship between and among the local and foreign people, “ Mayor concluded.

Message of support with Benguet Governor Diclas, Congressman Eric Go Yap, DA Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel represented by Atty. Jennilyn M. Dawayan – Regional Executive Director, DA-CAR,

Guests from sister towns of Guam and Miri City, Sarawak, Malaysia, Mayor Adam Yii Siew Sang also delivered his message of support and thanked all the people of La Trinidad.

Provincial Vice-Governor Ericson L. Felipe, represented by Ariel Layugan, also delivered the speech.

In the presence of Ms. Arlene M. Sagayo, DA-CAR OIC-Regional Technical Director for Research and Regulations.
“Owik tan tayao” was followed to bless the activities for the day and the rest of the festivities. Photos by Jennifer Cuyajon //Filipino News Sentinel