BAGUIO CITY – A social media personality has apologized to the people of Benguet, particularly the town of La Trinidad and Baguio City, for wearing a Cordilleran attire during the Panagbenga Festival here recently that drew flak from netizens.

BALBUENA during the Panagbenga Festival (FB)

“I sincerely apologize to the Indigenous Cultural Communities (ICC) of the Cordillera, to the people of Benguet, especially those of La Trinidad and Baguio, and to all those who were hurt and offended by my actions,” Deo Balbuena, also known as Diwata and an owner of a food stall, said.

Netizens also slammed Balbuena who is not a native of the Cordillera region for his movements while wearing native attire.

“I now fully understand that my actions – wearing traditional attire in an inappropriate manner and calling it a ‘costume’ – were a big mistake,” Balbuena said on Feb. 28.

Balbuena, a party-list candidate, said he did not intend to disrespect or belittle the rich culture of the Cordillera. 

He admitted that his actions caused more hurt than joy. “I accept my mistake and the pain and anger it caused. I sent my childish heart because I was so happy to arrive for the first time in Baguio. I hope I can serve as a reminder to everyone that the culture, tradition, and identity of us Filipinos and even other races should be given high respect, and I failed to do that.”

Balbuena added that he is trying to better understand and study the culture of the communities he portrays in his content.

He said he will listen to the advice and rulings of the ICC and ensure that in the future, his platform will be a platform to spread respect and proper appreciation for culture.

“Once again, I sincerely apologize. I hope that through my actions and true change, I will earn your forgiveness and that my journey to the beautiful city of Baguio and the town of La Trinidad will not be the last,” Balbuena said.

During the Kapihan sa Panagbenga on Feb. 26, the Baguio Flower Festival Foundation Inc., Panagbenga organizer, did not directly specify if Balbuena committed a violation in riding the float.

Balbuena followed the parade until entering the Melvin Jones football ground during the grand float parade of the Panagbenga Festival on Feb. 23.

The BFFFI also did not directly state if Balbuena was among individuals banned in the Panagbenga Festival.

Two floats are being investigated for possible violation of the no campaign policy according to social media.

The National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP), prior to the apology, issued a statement on his appearance.

"The office acknowledges that Diwata likely did not intend to demean or degrade, even in the slightest possibilities, the ICCs/IPs of the Cordillera, it is vital to recognize, that his actions either intentional or unintentional reflect a broader societal issue," the NCIP said.