LA TRINIDAD, Benguet (PIA) -- The local government of La Trinidad spearheaded the celebration of the National Bible Day on January 29 that was highlighted by bible reading and awarding of winners of the Bible Drills and the Bible Quiz Bee.
Vice Mayor Roderick Awingan welcomed the attendees from the different religious affiliations, municipal employees, uniformed personnel, students and the other stakeholders to the annual activity which has been institutionalized by the Sangguniang Bayan of La Trinidad through Municipal Ordinance No. 28-2016.
Mayor Romeo Salda led the bible reading ceremony as part of the program with theme, “God’s Word: The Breath of New Life.”
Reverend Esther Balawag of the United Church of Christ in the Philippines in her Bible Day message, emphasized the importance of reading and understanding the bible, and applying lessons to everyday life. She encouraged that all should read, meditate, reflect and apply the word of the Lord.
“The word of God is food four our soul, it is a seed that grows in us, and would bear fruits and good works. It is love and light of our path; it is fire and hammer that cleanses us; it is a double- edged sword that helps us change, and a mirror that we should always reflect on,” Balawag said.
The religious also led prayers dedicated to various intentions such as for national and local leaders, the business/economy and vegetable sector, peace and stability, community and family, environment, education, young people, and the media.
Salda expressed gratitude for the pastors, ministers, priests and other religious leaders for the moral support and spiritual guidance they are continuously providing the local officials and employees, and the public as well. He said that religious groups conduct regular prayer meetings and other gatherings for spiritual upliftment and guidance in the municipal hall.
The mayor and other officials awarded certificates and cash prizes to the winners of the Bible Drills and the Bible Quiz Bee.
Bible drill winners for the Primary level is Austin Daniel Empizo from the H.O.P.E Christian Academy, Inc. in first place, Jyasmin Calawod from the Cordillera Career Development College (CCDC) in second place, and Bethsaida Abugan from the Shekinah Educational Center of Benguet, Inc. in the third place.
For the intermediate level, winners are Crest Jefe Bacbac from the CCDC in first place, Marc Keino Pasian from the Lifeway King’s Kids Incorporation, 2nd; and Rhazhealyn Bunagan from the Globalight Vision School Inc., 3rd.
For the Junior High/Senior High category, Hannah Brielle Ciano from the Rainbow Mission International Academy Inc., 1st place; Ethan Jared Lao-e from Shekinah Educational Center of Benguet, Inc,2nd; and Mehailah Bawang of H.O.P.E Christian Academy, 3rd.
For the Bible Quiz bee, winners in the Kindergarten category are: 1st - Sophia Ysabelle Ban-eg, King’s College of the Philippines; 2nd- Wichanee Kiran Rimando,Tacdian Elementary School, and 3rd-Cush Liam Daniel, Rainbow Mission International Academy.
For the Primary category, the winners are: 1st place - Rojana Balud, H.O.P.E Christian Academy; 2n d - Amber Gabrielle Tanan, Shekinah Educational Center of Benguet, 3rd - Jared Luke Sito, Benguet SPED Center.
Winners in the Intermediate category are : 1st - Heather Anne Bosleng, Rainbow Mission International Academy; 2nd - Farah Mae Pinong, Tacdian ES, and 3rd - Amiel Paul Orata, CCDC.
For the Junior High/Senior High category, winners are:1st - Gaebryll Cole Bestoca, King’s College of the Philippines; 2nd - Josiah Camaeg, H.O.P.E Christian Academy, and 3rd - Rostum Pilayen, Shekinah Educational Center of Benguet. (RMC- PIA CAR)
