TABUK CITY, Kalinga – Members of the Butbut tribe residing in Sitio Hilltop, Barangay Agbannawag, celebrated the annual Mangkana’an Community Festival two days before Christmas Day.
Charlie Dalacnas, a Protestant pastor and also a member of the Butbut tribe said the event was celebrated in order to recognize the blessings and abundance God has given to the people of Butbut tribe in Sitio Hilltop in the form of livelihood opportunities, fertile lands, good health, education and solidarity.
He added that through this celebration, the Butbut tribe will embody the spirit of joy, peace and unity of the Christmas season while preserving their indigenous culture and tradition.
Elder George Dalacnas is thrilled for the occasion which transcends a celebration or festival and instead embodies a sense of unity and shared happiness within the community.
He asserted that the celebration itself will improve public perceptions of the Butbut tribe’s distinctive way of life.
In addition to the traditional songs, dances, and messages, young and old Butbut tribal members played basketball and volleyball during this year’s Mangkana’an Festival.
As shown, the successful event gave the 72 families in Sitio Hilltop a chance to publicly acknowledge their efforts, boost morale, and let everyone unwind and have fun without worrying about the pressure and probable problems of the days ahead.
