BESAO, Mountain Province – Villagers from all walks of life came in droves to participate in the 112th Founding Anniversary of this municipality coinciding with the town’s 8th Ubaya Festival.
With the theme “Nan Binnadang ay Para Asnan Paggawisan, Adi Kagetgetayan’’ (Sustain the Human Chain for Progress and Development), Besao Mayor Wellington B. Pooten said that the celebration is also a part of thanksgiving for the many blessings and guidance afforded to the community to attain success and development.
The three-day celebration kicked off on February 29, 2016 with a civic parade participated in by municipal officials and employees, the town’s 14 barangays, schools, national government agencies, Besao District Hospital of the provincial government and cooperatives.
Atty. Richard Stone B. Pooten who traces his roots in Besao was the keynote speaker during the opening ceremonies. He emphasized the value of unity and cooperation which are commendable traits of the i-Besao. “Men binnadang tako latta. Aditako en sakiten di ibadang tako’s nan kadwa tako. Tulungan tako nan matulongan tay siya dedan nan isursuruda sinan simbaan,” Pooten emphasized.
He also urged the full support of the community to the municipal government as it takes action for the betterment and progress of the municipality and its constituents. “Nu datako et maurnong ay menkinnali is paggawisan, bumala nan kanan tako en layad ya talna,” he added.
Meanwhile, tents were put up at the ground so everybody could enjoy the “Tepeng” or community lunch after the opening ceremonies.
Other activities conducted are the ground demonstration, street dancing, indigenous games, parlor games, Inter-barangay and Inter-agency Friendship Games and agro-industrial fair.
By Alpine L. Killa