BONTOC, Mountain Province – This capital town commemorated the first year of the fire incident that occurred on April 11, 2023, through a Thanksgiving Mass on April 15, 2024, at the Bontoc Municipal Capitol Auditorium.
Officiated by the Very Reverend Edwin Ayabo along with Rev. Elvie Tulingan, Rev. Rafael Lomong-oy, and Deacon Chadlie Ayabo, all from the Episcopal Diocese of Northern Philippines (EDNP), the mass served as a reminder of how the people of Bontoc and other good Samaritans displayed the true spirit of Bayanihan, or “Og-ogfo”, during one of the most devastating events in the town’s history.
In his Homily, Very Rev. Ayabo underlined the importance of unity, which means that the community must be connected rather than separated to stand up again after a fall; humility, which means accepting help when needed; prayer, which means always asking the Almighty God for support in times of hardship and allowing Him to step into our lives; and patience.
The mass was attended by the fire victims, as well as the employees of the Bontoc Local Government Unit (LGU) and municipal elected officials led by Bontoc Mayor Jerome “Chagsen” Tudlong, Jr.
It is to be recalled that 22 establishments/ houses were totally burnt, 10 were partially damaged, and nine vehicles were damaged when a fire broke out in the wee hours of April 11, 2023. This tragic incident caused 114 individuals to lose their homes/ abodes and belongings, and for some, their livelihood. By Shannon Anthea S. Pagaduan & Alpine L. Killa-Malwagay
