NOW AT 45: Aguinaldo, Ifugao honors pioneering leaders, charts road map to development

In the old days, some of the remote barangays of the municipality of Mayoyao, Ifugao longed for self-governance. They dreamed of having their own leaders to create a more economically efficient system. Their dream became a reality in 1980 when Batas Pambansa Bilang 86 was passed, officially creating the Municipality of Aguinaldo.

Aguinaldo town had meager resources and rugged terrain when it started; it is now a thriving town. The municipality built roads, promoted education, strengthened agriculture and livelihood programs to carve out a space for itself in the history of Ifugao province as a symbol of resilience and cooperation.

On September 20, the people of Aguinaldo gathered to mark the 45th year since the enactment of BP Blg. 86, with a celebration that honored their first leaders while embracing a future of growth.

Pioneering officials honored

Bannered with the theme, “Aguinaldo @ 45: Honoring our Roots. Building our Future. Aguinaldo on the Go!”, the anniversary celebration opened with a festive parade, uniting national line agencies, cultural groups, civil society organizations, sectoral representatives, schools, barangay leaders, and local officials.

At its heart was a tribute to the first officials who took up the responsibility of guiding and shaping the town in its early steps.

Among those honored were the pioneering leaders who are still alive, including Miguel Pedro, the first mayor of Aguinaldo; councilors Manuel Maguiwe and Manuel Lamag Sr.; Jose Maguiwe, first Association of Barangay Captians (ABC) President; and Manuel Lamag Sr., first Sangguniang Kabataan Federation (SKF) President.

As symbols of appreciation and their recognition, which draws line between Aguinaldo’s humble beginnings and its ongoing progress, they were given plaques and tokens. Their recognition is also an acknowledgment of the foundation they built.

‘Aguinaldo on the Go’

The celebration further marked the launch of the municipality’s new slogan, “Aguinaldo on the Go,” conceptualized by Municipal Engineer Joseph G. Pengiton and designed by Economist II Benjamin Burgess Jr.

The tagline, according to the local government unit, reflects the governance thrust which is anchored on W.E.A.L.T.H. (Water Security, Education, Agriculture, Livelihood, Tourism, and Health) pillars.

Meanwhile, residents, officials, and guests witnessed the ceremonial release of 45 balloons, which symbolized the hopes of Aguinaldo soaring higher.

A Commitment Wall was put up, giving a chance for the community and leaders to express their aspirations. The town’s first chieftain, who currently sits as the Indigenous People’s Mandatory Representative (IPMR), was the first to pen his commitment.

Message of Unity

In his keynote message, Regional Director of the Department of Trade and Industry – Cordillera, Atty. Raymond G. Panhon reminded each member of the community of the crucial role they play in shaping Aguinaldo’s next 45 years and beyond, assuring that DTI will continue to support the town’s journey towards economic empowerment.

For his part, Mayor Clemente S. Talusig emphasized that the town’s brighter future is assured with unity, innovation, and shared commitment to progress.

“This celebration was not just about looking back on our history, but about reminding ourselves of what we can achieve together when unity, service, and love for our town guide us,” the Mayor said.