In this season of festivals
BAGUIO CITY (PIA) – – Locals and visitors alike watched and experienced the different cultures and traditions of the Cordillera with the second staging of the Festival of Festivals spearheaded by the Department of Tourism – Cordillera.
Performers, both young and old, from the provinces of Apayao, Benguet, Ifugao, Kalinga, Mountain Province, and Baguio City once again filled Baguio’s main thoroughfares in a street dancing parade and then entertained the crowd with cultural performances at the Rose Garden of Burnham Park.
For Apayao, it showcased the “Lapat” Festival which the province celebrates every 25th of June. ‘Lapat’ is a method of the Isnag people where they demonstrate the regulation of natural resources to provide for the recovery, healing, and regeneration of forests and animals. The Lapat system of the Isnag is one of the oldest practices of the province and is credited for increasing the population of the critically endangered Philippine Eagle.
The province of Benguet showcased the Adivay Festival, a vibrant celebration of the province’s indigenous culture. The festival is celebrated in November coinciding with the foundation anniversary of the province. Adivay is an Ibaloi term meaning “coming together”. The festival brings together all the tribes and people of Benguet in a grand celebration called Canao held every November 23.
The province of Ifugao highlighted the Hagabi in its Gotad Ad Ifugao Festival performance. The Hagabi represents a position of influence, a symbol of wealth, power and prestige.
Mountain Province featured the Lang-ay Festival which celebrates the customary living tradition of the people for merrymaking to celebrate, share happiness, nurture friendship, strengthen family ties and foster brotherhood.
The province of Kalinga showcased two of its festivals, the Tabuk City’s Matagoan Festival Performance featuring the Banga Dance to pay tribute to Kalinga’s Guinness World Record for the Largest Banga Dance with over 4,681 participants which was achieved on February 15, 2023, and the Municipality of Lubuagan’s Laga Festival showcasing the weaving industry and traditions passed from generation to generation.
Completing the Festival of Festivals show is the famous Baguio Flower Festival or more popularly known as “Panagbenga” celebrated every February. Panagbenga is a Kanka-ey term which means season of blooming.
Kalinga Congressman Allen Jesse Mangaoang, in his keynote message, paid homage to the ancestors who passed down the rich cultural heritage of the Cordillera, as well as to the dedication of the people who worked on preserving and enriching such historical treasures.
“We are here to showcase the heart and soul of the Cordillera. As we are about to witness the pump of this activities, it is but fitting and proper that we look back and pay homage to the countless of generations that uphold this region as our home. We honor the ancestors who have passed down the traditions who made us who we are today”;
“We recognize the hard work and dedication of our people who have preserved and enriched our cultural heritage. I know that everyone, from far and near, are aware that the Cordillerans are in a festive mood because our gongs are resonating again through the mountains and valleys of our beloved region,” Mangaoang said.
Tourism Undersecretary Ferdinand Jumapao lauded the Cordillerans for their rich cultural heritage that is vital in promoting the country’s tourism industry.
“Tourism is an essential pillar of our country’s economy, and the Cordillera festivals play a vital role in driving this industry. They draw people from every corner of the globe to our beautiful shores. These festivals serve as a gateway to our rich culture, opening our doors to the world and inviting them to be part of our vibrant and diverse nation”, Jumapao said. **JDP/CCD-PIA CAR
