The province of Ifugao once again opened its arms to locals and visitors alike as it formally opened Gotad ad Ifugao 2025, an annual celebration themed, “Gotad ad Ifugao: A Celebration of Culture, Solidarity, and Progress,” on June 2, 2025.
Gotad ad Ifugao 2025 kicked off with a Thanksgiving Mass at the St. Mary Magdalene Church, as an expression of appreciation for all the gifts that the province of Ifugao has received.
The Ifugao term “Gotad” which means “big celebration” or “thanksgiving,” has evolved from a traditional gathering into a powerful expression of community pride.
According to Vency Bulayungan, Executive Assistant to Vice Governor Glenn Prudenciano, “When we say ‘Gotad,’ it means thanksgiving. Thanking the Lord for the blessings given to this province and its people.”
From Cultural Gathering to Development Platform
Gotad ad Ifugao is a cultural festival coinciding with the founding anniversary celebration in Ifugao, which is held every June annually. It highlights the proud traditions, customs, and indigenous practices of its people.
It is a province-wide celebration that last will last for three weeks and involves all of the 11 municipalities that make up the province—Aguinaldo, Alfonso Lista, Asipulo, Banaue, Hingyon, Hungduan, Kiangan, Lagawe, Lamut, Mayoyao, and Tinoc.
One of the major highlights is the Hipun di Amlag, which officially opens the agro-tourism and industrial trade fair. The event features locally produced goods from heirloom rice and handwoven textiles to traditional crafts and organic produce.
Beatrice Buyayo, a local entrepreneur from Kiangan, shared her excitement as she prepared her exhibited handcrafted pinahig—a traditional single-edged blade.
“Ag attend ak ta apan ak agdisplay iti lakok ken tapno apan ak agbuya kadagiti ay-ayam ken parade (I will attend so that I can go display my products and to watch the actvities and the parade),” she said.
The trade fair not only promotes economic activity but also encourages sustainable livelihoods rooted in culture, symbolizing the province’s effort to align traditional knowledge with modern opportunities.
The festival also marked the inauguration of a newly developed Public Plaza, along with a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the Ifugao Culture Ambiance Decorations and Office Walk-Through. The designs reflect the local government’s support for their unique culture by showcasing the different cultural identity of the province. The walk-through experience was both informative and engaging, helping tourists understand the customs, artifacts, and rituals of the Ifugao people.
Deep Cultural Immersion: Educating the Next Generation
The festival provides more than just entertainment, this celebration also inspires and offers educational opportunities. In a meaningful gesture of cultural continuity, participants including youth are encouraged to wear traditional Ifugao attire during the major events.
“Even the young ones are required to wear native attire, so they can observe and learn from their elders, because that is one way of handing down the knowledge to the younger generation,” Bulayungan said.
Gotad ad Ifugao is more than just a festival; it shows how culture and progress can go together. It brings people together, helps keep traditional knowledge alive, and gives opportunities for the community to grow and earn.
As Ifugao celebrates its heritage, it also builds a foundation for a future where tradition and progress walk side by side, empowering its people to move forward with pride, purpose, and shared prosperity.// Shalymae G. Victorino
