BONTOC, Mountain Province– Among the highlights of the celebration of the 50th Mountain Province founding anniversary and the 13th Lang-ay Festival is the Kataguan Caravan for a Cause (“Drive for Life”) which will be held for the third time this year on April 6, 2017 to raise funds for dialysis patients in this province.
The Kataguan Dialysis Patients Organization, Inc. in partnership with the Office of Congressman Maximo Dalog conceptualized the Kataguan Caravan which was first conducted on April 24, 2015 where a total number of fifty-four (54) vehicles joined in the activity.
The Kataguan Dialysis Patients Organization is composed of kidney patients from Mountain Province who are having their hemodialysis treatments in different dialysis centers in the country. It was organized in January 2015 by a mere 5-6 patients of the Baguio General Hospital and Medical Center. Later in January 31, 2015, the first meeting was called and attended by twenty-seven (27) kidney patients and elected their officers. As of press time, there are 104 members of the group.
The caravan was organized in order to help the dialysis patients secure and generate funds for their weekly treatment. It is also a way of showcasing the bayanihan system wherein the welfare of those in need are prioritized.
Congressman Dalog in an interview said the annual caravan does not only aim to raise funds for dialysis patients but at the same time promote tourism in the province. He also solicited the assistance of various individuals and the public to help by sponsoring tickets of P2,000, P1,000, and P250.
Participants of the caravan will assemble at 6:00 in the morning at Eyeb grounds in Bontoc towards Dawdawan, Sabangan. Since the caravan is also considered a fun ride, stop overs are labeled for the participants to see the beauty of Mountain Province.
First stop will be Mt. Polis in Bagnen, Bauko for the Mountain Province view point. From there, the ride will continue to Sagada via Tacong Road. Stop overs will follow at Data Saddle; View of the Sleeping Beauty; Balangagan Cave; Walk to the Mouth of the Cave, Sumaguing Cave: and Walk to the Mouth of the Cave, Lumiang Burial Cave.
Then the participants will proceed to Poblacion Sagada to pray at the Church of Saint Mary the Virgin, then to Sagada Stable, Staunton Road for lunch and a program.
The caravan is expected to draw participants not only from the province but also local tourists from Baguio and Manila. Proceeds from the activity will be turned over immediately to the organization after the caravan.** Wabilyn M. Lomong-oy
