BARLIG, Mtn. Province – The Fortan Festival in this eastern municipality has just been concluded with the recognition of the achievements of the municipality’s sons in their careers and governance.
Fortan, which means legacy and inheritance, aims to inspire Barligians with the feats of the achievers at present and in the past.
The resolutions of the Sanguniang Bayan read by Ms. Juana Matib commends 2nd Lieutenant Ricardo Witawit Liwaden Jr. who graduated salutatorian of Alab Tala Class 2018 at the Philippine Military Academy last March 18, 2018.
A part of the resolution read: “. . . that this resolution be transmitted to 2nd Lieutenant Ricardo Witawit Liwaden Jr. on the Fortan culminating activity recognizing his achievements and for the public’s information”.
Another resolution bestows recognition to 2nd Lieutenant Haezzer Keith Viado Atiwag, also a graduate of Alab Tala Class 2018 at the Philippine Military Academy, for being a recipient of a .45 caliber pistol from President Rodrigo Duterte for reportedly being the “goat” of the class.
The Sangguniang Bayan of Barlig also recognized Hon. Antonio Llopis Sr., former vice mayor, for his invaluable efforts and contribution to the passage of Republic Act No. 4739 in June 1, 1966 and eventual approval by then President Ferdinand Marcos in June 18, 1966.
It was learned that Llopis under the employ of then Congressman Duyan worked for the creation of the municipality with the inclusion of the Kadaclan clusters of barangays, as former integral parts of Natonin.
Mayor Genesis Changilan, who admitted his penchant for mayors as guest speakers, said he is very keen on the advises of his colleagues and those senior chief executives.
He cited the tourism advocacy of the municipal administration to further promote Mount Amuyao as the premier tourism destination in the municipality notwithstanding the other attractions abounding in the different barangays.
He said that the local government is mulling to create a permanent item for an employee to oversee the cleanliness and protection of Mount Amuyao where irresponsible disposal of garbage had been a concern and which caused the partial and temporary closure of the peak last May 1, 2018.
During the 14th Fortan Festival and 52nd Foundation Day of the municipality, Sagada Mayor James Pooten, the Guest of Honor and Speaker, cited the tourism potentials of the eastern municipality. He said that compared to Sagada, the municipality of Barlig has much more to offer tourists.
In fact, he said in jest: “even if Sagada is way ahead in tourism. . . Barlig has the likes of Jeyrick Carrotman, beauty queen Kimberly Peachon, and MMA champion Stephen Loman”, he said. They are the ‘Fortan’ we have to behold.
“You may not have the caves, but you have the forests. . . we may both have waterfalls but you have Mount Amuyao. We call Sagada the eco-tourism Shangrila of the North but you call Barlig the Shangrila on the Edge and the last ecological frontier of Mountain Province”, he emphasized.
Echoing the theme of the occasion which is “Ammay ay Finortan, Uytaku Tanchuwan”, he called on the people to preserve the legacies that were inherited from our forebears.
He also warned that the advantages of tourism as in Sagada is equaled by the disadvantages if not properly handled. Tourism is contributing benefits such as money and employment to our people. Beware of the disadvantages of tourism, he warned.
“Ti tourists ket umadu . . . umadu to kuarta ngem umay ti problema kasla ti basura. Ditoy (referring to Barlig) addu ti danum yo unlike in Sagada where we need water”, the mayor stressed.
He also called for the preservation of the culture here unlike in Sagada where culture is now changing to satisfy tourist considerations.
“Learn from the Boracay experience, learn from the Sagada experience”, he warns.
“It is the local community and the people that creates the uniqueness of the place”, he finally quipped.** Roger Sacyaten