BONTOC, Mountain Province – The ten municipalities of Mountain Province showcased a variety of cultural performances during the 17th Lang-ay Festival to preserve their heritage and boost natural tourism.
Hon. Congressman Maximo Y. Dalog Jr. emphasizes the annual commemoration of the Lang-ay Festival as a time to honor, remember, and revive the distinctive cultural heritage inherited from their ancestors. The various festivals held by different municipalities stand as representations of the unique and distinct Igorot culture. The theme of this year’s festival is “Strength in Diversity: Celebrating Inclusivity and Solidarity.”
Provincial Tourism Office of Mountain Province’s Assistant Department Head, Angel B. Baybay, highlights that the Lang-ay Festival serves as a platform to boost the province’s natural tourism industry. The unveiling of the official tourism tagline, “F.E.E.L Mountain Province,” signifies an invitation for visitors to Find, Explore, Experience, and Liberate themselves in the rich culture and natural beauty of the province. He mentioned that while the concept was developed years ago, the official launch of the new tourism tagline took place this year, marking the first time it has been utilized.
During the cultural showdown at the Lang-ay Festival, ten municipalities presented their distinctive cultural performances, with the Municipality of Sadanga claiming the top spot for their dance titled “Tara-ong.” This particular presentation showcased the community tradition of house building, emphasizing the spirit of communal unity known as ob-obfo. Passed down through generations, this tradition exemplifies the concept of unity regardless of the type of house being constructed.
The Municipality of Sabangan earned second place with its “Ug-ugbo” performance, highlighting the enduring tradition of selflessly serving others without expectations, thereby promoting the value of volunteerism. In contrast, the Municipality of Paracelis achieved third place with their performance of “Kakarefin,” a term derived from the Ga’dang culture meaning “holding hands.” This symbolizes the cultural practice of “bayanihan” that brings together the twelve different Indigenous Peoples groups and Ilocanos in the municipality, showcasing unity amidst diversity.
At the Street Dancing competition, the municipality of Sabangan emerged victorious, securing first place, with Paracelis coming in second. Sharing the third spot were the municipalities of Bontoc, Bauko, and Sadanga. Although some municipalities did not achieve top rankings in the cultural performances and street dancing competition, all participating municipalities are slated to receive a consolation prize.
“In our busy lives, we often overlook the significance of traditions such as Lang-ay. These festivities serve as an anchor reminder of our roots, grounding us in the past while propelling us towards the future,” expressed Undersecretary for Legal and Special Concerns and Chief of Staff, Hon. Ferdinand C. Jumapao, during his address as one of the guest speakers at the program.
He expressed gratitude towards all those involved in making Lang-ay a joyous occasion every year, highlighting their dedication that makes the festival special. Stressing the importance of honoring and respecting the indigenous people, Jumapao urged embracing diversity and inclusivity, recognizing, and celebrating the unique contributions of each community member. He called upon everyone to pledge to preserve cultural heritage, not just during events like Lang-ay, but as a daily commitment, ensuring that traditions are passed down to future generations. The message concluded with a heartfelt declaration, “Love Mountain Province.”
Baybay underscored that the planning for the Lang-ay Festival faced delays this year, which ideally should have started last year, due to limitations in resources and time for coordination.
However, these obstacles were successfully addressed through the joint endeavors of provincial authorities to increase the budget for this year’s festivities. Baybay is optimistic about enhancements in preparations for the upcoming edition of the festival. Despite the setbacks, he emphasized that this year’s showcases exceeded those of past years. There are already initiatives in progress to incorporate new activities in the next festival, aiming to introduce new performances and presentations that will offer engaging experiences to both residents and visitors. By Joy Anne M. Palaoag
