STA. MARCELA, Apayao – It is with the desire of reminiscing the struggles of the past, admiring the wonders of today and cheering for a brighter and promising future that the Province of Apayao celebrates its 23rd Founding Anniversary this February here, the municipality where the legendary Father of Apayao, the late Mayor Elias K. Bulut has been bestowed the highest accolade a Golden Hero.
This celebration dubbed as “Say-Am Festival 2018” usually enchants residents, students and officials of the seven municipalities of the province to fully participate in the prepared different festive activities showcasing the talents and beauties of Iapayaos.
The festivity commences on February 1 with a parade followed by sports competitions among barangay officials at the Elias K. Bulut Memorial Sports Center here and would probably last at the night of February 13 during the search for Dayag ti Apayao but usually extends until the morning of February 14, the exact day in which the province has been created through Republic Act 7878.
The anniversary is highlighted with the Agro-Industrial and Tourism Fair 2018 Competition and the Agro-Tekno Clinic and Product Development Fair on February 11 wherein it is expected that all municipalities and national line agencies are to display their best products and services. Department of Agriculture Regional Director Narciso Edillo will be the Guest of Honor for the Trade Fair and the chairman of the board of judges for the booth competition.
Also on February 11, the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) will conduct Jobs Fair while the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has its mobile business name registration. The TESDA offers wellness care and technology clinic through the conduct of massage therapy, manicure, pedicure and hair cutting. The Department of Science and Technology would lecture about good manufacturing practices, license to operate for food processing centers and product packaging and labeling.
The Provincial Agricultural Services Office, the Provincial Veterinary Office and the Provincial Health Office as well will facilitate in the information drive concerning their services. There will also be forum allotted to the Apayao Police Provincial Office while there will also be free legal services to be provided by lawyers and some judges assigned in the province.
The float parade will be on the 11th while the civic parade and street dancing competition is on the 13th. There will also be panagga-angrad (indigenous games), talent contest and entertainment as well as off-road competition on February 12.
Governor Elias C. Bulut, Jr. has foreseen the wonders of the place particularly the man-made Bakut Lake, hence, his effort to develop the municipality as one of the sought after tourist spots of the province. He said that if the Bakut lake will be well improved there will be influx of tourists which will eventually benefit the people of Sta. Marcela.
In return, Mayor Rolly Guiang acknowledged the kindness and generosity of Governor Bulut for allowing once again his place to host an enormous Provincial activity which will boost tourism in the place. Guiang said he appreciates and fully understands the vision of the governor in his municipality, thus his thrust also is aligned to the goal of the father of the province.
Guiang expects for another fruitful celebration this February and thus invites all Iapayaos and visitors to join the Municipality of Sta. Marcela in admiring the efforts and sacrifices of all the leaders who are indeed dedicated and committed in serving the people of Apayao. BY GERRIAHZON S. SEBASTIAN