ALFONSO LISTA, IFUGAO – – Finding a deeper sense of inspiration to forge ahead with commitment to improve the conditions of folks in Barangay Sta. Maria, Punong Barangay Jenette Almeda is spearheading the preparations of their Panagdadapon Fiesta.
Scheduled March 21-22, the barangay fiesta is billed as one of the most important occasions in Alfonso Lista this year in the absence of the annual Amung Fiesta. The Amung fiesta has been shelved due to the holding of the May 12, 2025 midterm polls.
Efforts would be more worthwhile if villagers are engaged in the production of something of positive value. This move is very encouraging.
Themed “To enhance better ties through community gathering,” the historic festivity is highlighted by the “Search for Little Ms. Panagdadapon” event. Major prizes await the winners. Well worth attending this event since Filipinos are known for caring for their children.
Other key events include Purok Zumba and Palarong Lahi competitions.
A grand community parade has been scheduled in the second day. There is also a thanksgiving mass. Other attractions are the singing contest and barangay night.
The Sta. Maria Barangay Council is also rolling out the purok beautification clean and green project, household clean and green drive, as well as communal gardening on purok basis contest.
The barangay council’s major thrust to promote youth and sports development in this part of the farming town is emphasized by the basketball tournament featuring teams from the barangay’s seven puroks. Youthful cagers of Sta. Maria are, once more, likely to showcase their skills. Punong Barangay has extended her unflinching support for the project. “This is a very important undertaking since we are looking forward to discovering young talents in the grassroots level,” Almeda said in an exclusive interview with the ZigZag Weekly.
“Sports program is a top priority of our barangay council,” she added.
Jon Jon Garonia is providing ample assistance and guidance to Punong Barangay Almeda.
Punong Barangay Almeda, known for her dedication to duty at all times, is one of the most outstanding village chieftains in the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR). She has been credited to the success of the Panagdadapon’s initial staging in 2024.
“It has been a year ago since we witnessed the Panagdadapon, yet up to now, we still have fond memories of it,” a villager said.
The barangay council is composed of Kagawads (councilmen) Grace Garcia, Tefillo Hub-on Jr., Reymelson Gamit, Mark Chester Garcia, Marlon Agbayani, Ronnie Baddungan and Larry Dinamling. SK chair is Loreta Fenglayen. The barangay secretary is Rosanna Agtarap and barangay treasurer is Florenda Ponce.
This year’s Panagdadapon celebration promises an exciting blend of faith, culture, and tradition, solidifying Sta. Maria’s identity as one of the most vibrant villages in the CAR.
Sta. Maria is the most populous barangay of Alfonso Lista. It hosts the municipal hall and other major government offices.
Its major crafts include corn, rice and vegetables. Small wonder, the town’s public market is situated here. Yet, poverty incidence is still high.
Little did most young villagers here know that the barangay’s founder is Sofronio Sampayan Sr., his active involvement of then Barangay Captain (also known as Tenyente del Baryo) Sampayan is widely acknowledged for fostering the economic growth of Sta. Maria in the 1970s. In addition, there are numerous invaluable contributions to take note of when he later served as the town’s vice mayor.
Today, Sta. Maria’s barangay government relentlessly pursues positive social and environmental initiatives that align with the purpose of ensuring better lives and resilient economies in the puroks through essential infrastructure.
“We will continue to be at the forefront of championing the cause of promoting the common good,” Almeda quipped. This commitment is evident in her actions to ensure the quick delivery of basic services to the people, thus, enhancing good governance. Verily, the Panagdadapon fiesta is indeed a giant step in the right direction. As it is, there is so much enthusiasm among villagers. **By Anthony A. Araos
