09/01/2023
Panagyaman: A Tribute to The BYC Founder Jose Dela Cuesta Sr.
The Bangbanga Youngster's Club is a youth organization in the Sitio of Bangbanga which is aimed to foster civic mindedness among the youth. The organization since its inception in 1967 has established an avenue for the young adults of our place to share their talents and skills for the welfare of the community. Apart from the cleanliness and beautification projects,the organization launched the annual Sitio Bangbanga Christmas Program and Ball which has drawn thousands of youth coming from other places to experience the warmth of Christmas in our little sitio. The parol which is hung at the entrance of the Sitio signifies the start of merriment and celebration in Sitio Bangbanga. Through the years, the Sitio becomes a lot brighter, a lot merrier when December 21 comes. Every year, the Christmas Program and Ball has drawn famous personalities like Bombo Leonard Villa, officials from the Province of Ilocos Norte as well as officials from Badoc, Ilocos Norte and the professionals whose roots are traced from the Sitio. The ball is also famous because of the presence of famous bands like the R & B band who were one of the pioneers in Ilocos Norte or what they call "combos" . These draws audience not only from the other barangays but also from other towns and other provinces.
The traditional holy mass in the morning of December 21 is also held every year wherein the residents give thanks to the Lord for all the blessings received and for the protection He has given for the residents especially in times of calamities like typhoons and earthquakes. Babies are also baptized during the traditional holy mass. Games participated in by young and adults are enjoyed in the afternoon.
In order to launch these activities, the members work hand in hand to raise the funds by working in the fields through the "pakyaw" system during the onion season. Many kind hearted people also donate for the said event. Some whose roots came from the Sitio and who are already abroad are also constantly giving support.
If there is one thing we can be proud of, BYC is still existing and still continuing this annual tradition to make Christmas in Sitio Bangbanga extra special.
And today, we give our tribute to the founder of our organization. He who started it all. He who became the source of strength and inspiration among the youth and the people of the sitio. He became not only the father of his children, but also the father of the whole Sitio Bangbanga. Because of his leadership, we have something that we as residents of will always be proud of. We have the Bangbanga Youngster's Club, the longest existing youth organization in our hometown Badoc.
It is with gratitude that we say good bye to the leader who greatly contributed to the lives of the youth in our Sitio. Through the Bangbanga Youngster's Club, our Sitio has raised children who are responsible, hard working, God fearing and driven by their dreams.
Through the years Lilo Kusit/Tata Kusit, as he is fondly called by everyone has inspired many to lead, to reach for their dreams. In every meeting of the BYC, he would instill his words of wisdom, guide its leaders and gives advice in every undertaking that the organization spearheads. He scolds the unruly ones too in order for them to reform their ways. In his own little ways, he constantly guided not only the BYC Members but also the residents of Sitio Bangbanga.
Aside from being the founder of BYC, he also served as a Barangay Captain of Brgy. 21, Lacuben from January 09, 1972 to May 1986 during Pres. Corazon Aquino's presidency. He was a gregarious man. During his stint as the head of the Barangay, he invited officials and other people to their house and serves them sumptuous meals everytime as he works with them for the improvement of his jurisdiction. These he does even if there was no salary for barangay Captains then.He was also industrious and active in attending sessions as Barangay Chairman and participates in the discussion with passion and dedication to serving the public. He was always thinking about ways to improve the welfare of his constituents. Even after he retired as a Barangay official, he kept on serving as an adviser to the elected officials of the Barangay.
Agyamankami Lilo Kusit kadagiti Amin a pammagbaga, Amin a suporta, nga isu ti inspirasyon ken sariked dagiti taga Bangbanga tapnu maitultuloy iti ingka inbati a Bangbanga Youngster's Club.
Indeed, you have proven that the value of a person's life is not measured by the properties one owns or possesses but it is measured by the lives one has touched.
Your memories will live on. BYC will live on even after you've been long gone. We will forever be grateful for your great legacy.
Words by Atty. Sheryll Ann Y. Rin
