YMCA Baguio commended on 82nd anniversary

City officials recently commended and congratulated the Young Men’s Christian Association (YMCA) of Baguio City on the occasion of its 82nd founding anniversary and for its invaluable contribution to the city in the field of sports, basic education, youth empowerment and community service.

In a resolution, local legislators stated that YMCA Baguio continues its vital role in helping build and shape a nation propelled by men imbued with high ideals committed to Christian principles and dedicated to the tenets of democratic living.

The YMCA was organized in Antamok Mines, Itogon, Benguet on December 1, 1931 with John Hauserman, who was then the president of the mining company, as the first president of the prestigious association.

After World War II, the local association was re-established in 1947 in the city.

The council claimed that in due time, YMCA Baguio was recognized and became one of the leading member associations of the YMCA of the Philippines then headed by Dr. Everett Staton Turner as the general secretary. By that time, then city mayor Dr. Jose Carino, accepted his appointment as the chair of the committee of management. At about this same period, then Secretary of Agriculture and Natural Resources Juan G. de Rodriguez successfully realized the acquisition of a choice of land in the central business district area of the city for the local association where the present YMCA building now stands.

Currently, YMCA Baguio continues to transform young boys and girls into purposeful and responsible leaders of tomorrow by way of its diverse and holistic program offerings and activities in the fields of sports, basic education, youth empowerment and community service.

Copies of the approved resolution will be transmitted to the YMCA Baguio for information, guidance, ready reference and further needed action. – Dexter A. See