BAGUIO CITY — More than 200 individuals from the different tribes of the Cordillera region residing in this city came to witness the induction of the newly elected officers of the Metro Baguio Tribal Elders-Leaders Assembly (MBETELA) last October 15, 2005, themed “Promoting the Role of Elders and Leaders in the Pursuit of Peace and Order and for the Development of Tribes in the City”.

Representatives of other provincial organizations and traditional organizations of elders and professionals like the Am-among chi Ifontoc, Kalinga Professionals and Residents Association, the Binodngan Peoples Organization (BPO) also attended the activity.

“We should not disturb our kakailyan (provincemates) who are work for a living here in the city, including our children who are here to pursue their formal education”, remarked Lakay (elder) Casilen, who hails from Tocucan town in Mt. Province. He added that forging stronger unity among the binodngan and non-binodngan tribes in the city can resolve what was being aimed by many of the people. (Binodngan refers to tribes bound by peace pacts). Lakay Casilen is also a founding member of the MBTELA.

Another speaker from the Kalinga Professionals and Residence Association stressed that tribal war practices should not be the root of disintegration of ties between and among tribes and tribe members in the city. Advocates against the practices of tribal war should grow in number so we could get back our harmonious relationship with each other he added.

Chief Inspector Ong of the Baguio City Police Office, a representative of BCPO Chief Col. Nerez, thanked the MBTELA and the different organizations who are for peace and prosperity in the city. This, according to him, will help them as law enforcers in maintaining peace and order.

The promotion of peace and order, including the elders role in society, are one of the objectives of the organization, said Joe Cawiding, the new Secretary General of MBTELA.

“Elders have a vital role in actualizing genuine change for society”, he said.

City Mayor Braulio Yaranon was the inducting officer of the MBTELA and he himself as a an elder empathized with the objectives of the MBETELA. Like the other speakers, he thanked the different provincial and traditional organizations and the organizers who attended the activity. He however stressed that everyone should be serious in promoting peace and order among the different tribes.

The new MBTELA officers include: Mariano Datol (Chairperson), Simplicio Sicuan (Vice chairperson), Anthony Fakingas (Deputy Secretary General), Judy Fatton (Treasurer), Mariano Pinto (Auditor) and Edward Fangloy (Auditor). # Samuel Anongos