LA TRINIDAD, Benguet – The kick-off program of the 3rd BIYAG Festival Celebration, which stands for Benguet and Indigenous Youth Arts Guild, serves as a beacon for the province’s young talents to showcase their skills while promoting the rich cultural heritage of Benguet held at the Benguet Provincial Capitol, La Trinidad, Benguet on April 22, 2024.
Meica B. Cayat, President of the Sangguniang Kabataan Federation of Benguet, set the tone for the event with her warm welcome remarks. Cayat’s heartfelt sentiments echoed the festival’s core purpose: to provide a platform for Benguet’s youth to shine.
She admired the diverse talents displayed in competitions, from singing and dancing to public speaking. Cayat’s words resonated with the audience, affirming that Benguet’s youths are talented and deeply connected to their cultural roots. “As we go on our events since we have the whole week for this BIYAG festival, I hope that we will enjoy and appreciate the talents of our Benguet youth.”
Governor Melchor Diclas reiterated the provincial government’s unwavering support for youth programs, emphasizing the importance of nurturing local talents. Despite budgetary constraints, Governor Diclas pledged ongoing support for the BIYAG Festival, recognizing its role in showcasing local and international talents.
He called for increased festival promotion to ensure its success and urged collaboration to enhance the event’s impact. “The promotion of this activity should be more, we understood our sk officials because some are students, so hindi naman sila basta basta umaalis makakapunta dito, but anyway we’ll do our best to share, to inspire our people, to inspire our youth.”
Dr. Ivan Anthony S. Henares, Secretary-General of UNESCO National Commission of the Philippines, delivered a powerful message of support for Benguet’s heritage preservation efforts.
Dr. Henares emphasized the importance of safeguarding tangible and intangible cultural heritage, encouraging the youth to take pride in their roots. “We are here to support whatever move Benguet will make to preserve its local heritage, both indigenous and built heritage and intangible heritage as well. So we hope that this festival is not just about culture and the arts, but it’s here to highlight what Benguet is all about, and we need to train young people, encourage young people to be proud of that local heritage, and be proud of what makes you Benguet.”
“I hope to explore more of the province to see for myself what heritage you have here. Let’s try to preserve it and promote that heritage to our entire country,” he added.
The event’s highlight was the Iyaman Awarding Ceremony, where ten individuals and groups of Benguet youth were recognized for their outstanding achievements in the arts at national and international levels. The term “Iyaman,” meaning “Inspiring Young Artists, Movers, and Achievers,” encapsulated the spirit of the awards, celebrating the exceptional talents and contributions of Benguet’s youth to the artistic realm.
The BIYAG Festival is more than just a celebration; it is a testament to the resilience, creativity, and cultural pride of Benguet’s youth. With unwavering support from the government, organizations like UNESCO, and the community, the BIYAG Festival is made to become a cornerstone of youth empowerment and cultural preservation in Benguet.
As the festival continues to evolve, may it serve as a source of inspiration for generations to come, shining a spotlight on the diverse talents and rich heritage of Benguet for the world to see. By Jackielyn U. Reyes
