Kabenguetan

An Abridged History

Excerpts from the Kabenguetan Newsletter published November 11, 2006

As told by Lorenzo Payaket and Lionel Hamada

“One sunny Saturday in June, 2002, a group of friends gathered on the invitation of Concepcion Laoyan for a barbeque party at their place here in Toronto.  In the course of enjoying the food, camaraderie, and sharing of views, someone proposed putting up a Kapangan Association.  After a brief discussion of the pros and cons, it was agreed to make it province-wide and to include Baguio City for better logistics, inclusiveness, and sustainability.”

Thus, was born KABENGUETAN TORONTO, CANADA, the first Benguet organization,

as a socio-civic organization on Saturday, November 3, 2002.

The Beginning

There were 25 individuals who signed up as initial members.  The first Board of Directors were chosen among themselves with the following holding positions:

Chairman – Domingo Polon+; Vice Chairman – Carlos Castillo; Member Directors: Valeriano Normin Pili and Antonio Dulinen. Volunteered themselves as officers were: Internal Auditors: Geoffrey Afidchao and Lorenzo Payaket. Kabenguetan’s first leadership group was inducted by Florencio Palod, former president of BIBAK Toronto.

Purpose

Kabenguetan’s formation was aimed to:

• Establish a viable and self-sustaining socio-civic organization to create a sense of community and atmosphere conducive to the pursuit of endeavours for the common good

• Nurture and promote positive aspects of our Benguet culture showcasing and sharing the same when the occasion arises; and

• Interacting with other organizations inside and outside Canada, thus fulfilling the sense of belonging to the touted cultural diversity of our adopted homeland.

On August 29, 2007, under the leadership of Theresa Cadiogan, Kabenguetan was registered as a non-profit organization with Service Ontario with the name: Association of Indigenous People of Benguet (Kabenguetan).  Kabenguetan’s Constitution and By-laws was drafted and is now used as a guide for the association’s events and activities.

Kabenguetan through the years

Despite limitations, setbacks and challenges, Kabenguetan continues to thrive with the support of its members and the diligence and tenacity of its consequent officers through the years. 

As we celebrate Kabenguetan’s 20th year founding anniversary, we pay tribute to our fore founders, elders, supporters, leaders and officers, and most especially, the Kabenguetan family for making our association a source of unity and strength as we continue to thrive here in our second home.