LAGAWE, Ifugao, – This capital town formally started this morning its three-day annual town fiesta dubbed “Kulpi ad Lagawe” with the theme, “Kulpi.. Sustaining the preservation of our rich cultural heritage’.
“Kulpi” is a segment of the rice planting festival of the Ifugaos. This practice starts after the planting phase to implore the aid of the gods and spirits for the protection of the rice crops against diseases and pestilence thus ensuring a good harvest.
The festivity started with a street dancing participated by zones 1-3 and 5 around the town center and an opening program at the Lagawe Central School Gymnasium graced by Governor Denis Habawel as the guest speaker and other local officials.
In his speech, Habawel enjoined everyone for the preservation of the rich culture and good values taught by ancestors by condemning the evil values and support the good ones.
“We are stewards of our rich culture, we should not allow to vanish,” the governor added.
Mayor Ceasario Cabbigat lauded the Lagawe people especially the barangay officials for making the opening of the “Kulpi” successful as he encouraged them to continue to support the programs and services of the municipal government.
Cabbigat led the cutting of the ribbon signaling the opening of the agro-industrial trade fair at the public plaza. The ethnic games, cultural extravaganza and inter-zone volley ball games also started.
Activities on April 23 include jobs fair, inter-zone volleyball games and ethnic games, March for Jesus, ecumenical service and the “Kulpi” night.
April 24 will be highlighted with the conduct of a grand cultural parade contest followed by rice wine and native dance competitions, the closing program and awarding of prizes to winners.
Marcelo B. Lihgawon
