BIBAK KL MARKS 12 YEARS OF UNITY; GOV. DICLAS LAUDS CORDI OFW’S IN MALAYSIA

August 24, 2024 Provincial

Governor Dr. Melchor Daguines Diclas extended his heartfelt appreciation to Cordilleran Overseas Filipino Workers
(OFWs) in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, as the BIBAK community celebrated its 12th founding anniversary on Saturday, August 18. As the event’s guest speaker, Governor Diclas commended the OFWs for their culture of unity and strong
support system, which have been helpful in ensuring the welfare of their members. He urged them to continue and even strengthen their solidarity as they embrace this year’s theme, “Unity: Build Bridges for Success.”

“Our office is always open to anyone in need,” Governor Diclas reassured the attendees, encouraging Benguet residents to avail of the services offered by the local government. With his HEALTHIER Benguet agenda, which
prioritizes programs on health, education, and livelihood among others, the governor encouraged OFWs to avail
themselves of the free medical check-ups offered at Benguet General Hospital (BeGH) whenever they return home. He also advised those planning to settle back in the Philippines to explore available livelihood assistance programs.

The LGU continues to support livelihood initiatives by providing assistance to accredited organizations in the province. Interested groups are encouraged to submit their requests at the Governor’s Office. The Bontoc, Ifugao,
Benguet, Apayao, and Kalinga (BIBAK) community in Kuala Lumpur, and their guests, celebrated the anniversary with a blend of cultural and modern performances, reconnecting with their rich Cordilleran heritage. Governor Diclas congratulated BIBAK KL led by their president Jirah Latus Mariano for the successful activity.

The event’s highlight was the Ms. BIBAK KL 2024 pageant, where representatives from CAR provinces showcased not only beauty but also their pride in promoting Cordilleran culture. With Governor Diclas was his wife, Ever Kigangan Diclas, who served as one of the judges during the pageant. Earlier in June, Governor Diclas also visited Benguet OFWs in Hong Kong to launch the Benguet OWAG or Overseas Workers Assistance Generation (OWAG) project in partnership with Hong Kong Metropolitan (HKM) University, which offers different courses for OFWs in
Hong Kong initiated years ago by Filipino physician Mike Manio, a professor at Hong Kong University (HKU) medicine department.

Story by Office of Gov. Diclas