LAGAWE, IFUGAO- – Renowned as an important farming section of Lagawe, Barangay Burnay remains to be a part of the town’s heritage and history.
As years passed and puroks grew, it eventually became a social and political center in Lagawe. Folks- young and old alike from various sectors had to come to witness and enjoy the defining and revealing experience of its two-day fiesta in the colorful life of the people.
Burnay’s “kulpi” or fiesta is indeed a continuing harvest of creative endeavors. For sure, Burnay fiesta has an abundance of activities to experience and sights to behold.
Also drawing interest from local and foreign tourists are farm sites, where for years farmers take part in abundant and rich harvest. Certainly so, prayers during the fiesta would move farmers to raise their productivity.
Amid modern-day changes, Burnay has retained its distinct and old world charm, having perceived the character of Ifugao traditions from its way of life in tilling the soil and other aspects of living which all highlighted the village’s rich culture and history.
The fiesta is also the time to remind villagers where they are good at. Thus, discussions point to “Maknongan”, a guardian spirit for the protection of rice, “Mumbaki”, the mediator
“Payo”, rice fields and “Tangguyab”, horn. There are just some of the cultural influences that villagers found useful, interesting and congenial, surely, with the advent of the age of information technology. Burnay folks and all others in Ifugao should be made aware of areas they need to improve on. That’s right, a lot of them.
For those who want adventure focused on Burnay’s rich past, the barangay hall, public elementary school and scenic hilly trails offer well-intentioned journey across its splendid places.
Burnay’s geographic and historical realities consistently demonstrate the barangay’s role in the pivotal town’s thrust to achieve sustainable economic development under the incumbency of Mayor Lesli Roy Nahayangan.
Geographically, Barangay Burnay encompasses the vast area from its boundary with Barangay North, an expanse that covers a significant percent of Lagawe land area.
Amenities have improved for rich folks and their life is, of course, comfortable. Most folks, however, are poor. Yet, there is a potential for development, thus, it’s exciting to see what this barangay (its village council led by punong Barangay Deodato Dumangeng) will offer in the coming years.
Burnay, undoubtedly, is primed for productivity and livability since it is blessed with key leaders such as kagawad Zenon Dulnuan, Damian Aggihao Jr. and former Punong Barangay Gregorio “Jun” Dangayo, who is now the vice mayor of Lagawe.
Folks are hardworking and friendly. For domestic and foreign tourists, don’t you have anything better to do by April of next year? Visit Barangay Burnay, it’s knowing rural life made simple. It’s about learning Burnay’s forefathers’ way of life, struggles and triumphs. Are you ready to meet new acquaintances? **By Anthony A. Araos
