LA TRINIDAD, Benguet, Oct.31(PIA) – – The month-long Adivay festival in celebration of the province’s 119th founding anniversary is all set anchored on the theme “HEALTHIER” Benguet.
The acronym “HEALTHIER” embodies the priority programs of the present administration led by Governor Melchor Diclas where H stands for health, E for education, A for agriculture, L for livelihood, T for tourism, H for human resource and development, I for Infrastructure, E for environment, R for responsive and resilient government.
A kapihan forum was held on October 24 to promote the activities lined up for the month-long celebration. It was followed by the presentation of the candidates for the Search for Mr. and Ms. Benguet and selection of the Darling of the Press
The main program on November 23, the foundation day, would have House Speaker Alan Cayetano and Senator Christopher “Bong” Go as guests of honor.
The indigenous ritual canao, the heart of the Cordillera culture, will also be done. Cows and pigs will be offered with traditional rites. The canao was omitted in last year’s Adivay in view of the devastations caused by typhoons particularly typhoon Ompong in the province.
It was followed by the presentation of the candidates for the Search for Mr. and Ms. Benguet and selection of the Darling of the Press on the final pageant on November 21.
In support of HEALTHIER Benguet, a series of health activities are lined up in various areas. medical, dental and surgical mission and services will be held at the Atok District Hospital in Atok and at the Benguet Sports Complex (BSC) Covered Court in Wangal on November 4-5 and 19, respectively.
A minor surgical health fair will be held Nov. 20 at the Benguet General Hospital (BeGH) Gym, oral health program and eye check-up screening on Nov. 22 at the BSC Gym while bilateral tubal ligation on Nov. 25-26 at the Kapangan District Hospital in Kapangan.
The Adivay trade fair will be a 15-day event from November 10-24 at the BSC which will serve as an avenue for entrepreneurs, business proprietors, commercial traders, and exhibitors to showcase and sell their products and services and likewise an opportunity to market their produce.
A series of mass weddings will be held at San Jose Parish on Nov. 8, Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parish in Buguias on Nov. 12 and at St. Francis Xavier Parish in Kabayan on Nov. 14.
Senior citizens will also take part through a dance drama, a cultural activity in preserving the province’s culture and traditions for the younger generations.
Various sports events to promote camaraderie are lined up. The invitational Kasibulan football for 6-12 years old national and invitational Arnis tournament for elementary, high school and college students are set on Nov. 23-24; Taekwondo invitationals for elem. and high school on Nov. 20; Muaythai invitationals on Nov. 16-17; Indigenous peoples games for Sangguniang Kabataan on Nov. 21; Sepak takraw on Nov. 9-10; body building and physique competition for men’s category on Nov. 9; Shin shin karatedo on Nov. 17; and Milsim airsoft invitational on Nov. 23.
Rodeo and Dongba ni Kavajo or horse racing will showcase the talents of different horse enthusiasts and groups including the proper handling and restraining of cattle.
To promote local artists, a music fest will also be staged where there will be an acoustic night competition on Nov. 10, high school battle of the bands on Nov. 16 and an inter-municipality battle of the bands on Nov. 23.
Culture and arts through dance performances which will serve as an avenue to enhance knowledge and skills and talents of the young will be held on Nov. 16.
Information and education campaign on Republic Act 9003 or the Solid Waste Management Act will be held simultaneously on Nov. 29 along main thoroughfares– Halsema highway, Kennon Road, Benguet-Nueva Vizcaya Rd., Naguilian Rd., and Kapangan-Kibungan Rd.
For those scouting for jobs, there will be a two-day Jobs Fair on Nov. 12-13 at the Gov. Ben Palispis Auditorium to be participated in by local and international recruitment agencies.
A micro small and medium entrepreneur skills competitions will also be held Nov. 11, and provincial skills competition on Nov. 20.The Kapeterya/Cacao exhibit on Nov. 17 will feature the province’s Arabica and cacao and their by-products.
With agriculture as the main economic driver in the province, an agri-tourism fair will be staged from Nov. 18-24 introducing new innovations such as the float parade to be held on Nov. 23 and mascot competitions on Nov. 18 which will both showcase and promote agricultural products of the 13 towns.
To be held at the Cold Chain Area in Wangal, there will be activities in a week-long agri-tourism fair from Nov. 18-24; Farmer’s Day on Nov. 19; elegant floral designs competitions and still life canvass painting contest both on Nov. 20; rice road show and nutria-snack making on Nov. 21; organic agriculture information drive, fruit and vegetable preparation contest, natural juice preparation, rice-corn blend orientation and taste-testing, all on Nov. 22; and pinaka-best fruit and vegetable on Nov. 23.
The traditional recognition of awardees for leadership, everlasting, achievement, and outstanding student leadership will be held Nov. 22 at the Gov. Ben Palispis Auditorium.
A thanksgiving day is also set for Nov. 24 creating awareness for the active participation of the community on their major contributions to development..
Other special events are the 2nd Adivay Golf tournament on Nov. 15-16, mountain bike fun race on Nov. 17, Cordillera Variety Show on Nov. 24, 4 x 4 off-road challenge on Nov. 30, and fun shoot on Nov 30 – Dec. 1.
An Employee’s Night to build rapport between and among employees and the management through dinner and socialization is set for Nov. 29.
Gov. Diclas extends an invitation to the other Cordillera LGUs to come and celebrate with them the Adivay festival, to learn and be entertained. **JDP/SCA-PIA-CAR, Benguet
