BONTOC, Mountain Province – An official of the office of the President rallied the province’s populace to strive for excellence to be able to bring Mountain province to greater heights in the future.
Engr. Jimmy S. Santiago, Director for Internal Affairs of the Office of the President, who served as the province’s guest of honor and speaker during the 58th Mountain Province founding anniversary program, urged the people to rise together, hand in hand, as they embark on the journey towards a brighter future for one and all.
He projected that may the next 58 years be filled with growth, unity and prosperity for the province, thus, the people must continue to celebrate the beauty of the province and the spirit of the brave that resides within them all.
“Let us dream big and aspire to reach greater heights. Whether in education, agriculture, tourism, or any other field, let us be pioneers who forge new paths while honoring the legacy of those who came before us. I urge each of you to take pride in our shared heritage. The next chapter of our story is unwritten and it is up to us to shape it,” Santiago stressed.
The Palace official noted that the celebration of the province’s 58th founding anniversary invites people to reflect not only on the pat but also on the bright future that lies ahead.
“As we stand here together, we honor the rich tapestry of traditions that define our identity. Mountain Province is not just a place on the map; it is a vibrant community interlace together by the stories, struggles, and triumphs of our ancestors. It is a land where the spirit of the brave is not merely a concept but a living reality expressed through our rituals, dances and the enduring practice of our inayan culture,” he added.
Santiago pointed out that as the people of Mountain province celebrate the rich heritage, they pay honor to the brave souls who fought fearlessly to preserve their customs and traditions and that when their ancestors fight and protect their land and territory that even they cross the bridge between mortality and eternity. The ritual dance of the brave is more than just a performance; it is a profound expression of the provinces’ history and resilience. Each movement tells a story, each beat of the gongs with ‘tayaw’ echoes the heartbeat of their ancestors, reminding them of the strength that flows through their veins. The said dances are not just art forms. They are a reminder of their roots, instilling in them a sense of pride and purpose.
He claimed that at present, the people of Mountain province are recognized not only locally, regionally, nationally but also internationally.
According to him, the next generations should follow the footsteps of their ancestors and find their respective destiny with the guidance of the ‘inayan’ culture which emphasizes respect and communal unity, teaches people invaluable lessons about harmony and collaboration. It is a guiding principle that has allowed the people of Mountain province to thrive as a community.
Further, Santiago asserted that the practice of ‘inayan’ encourages people to care for one another, to lift each other up, and to work hand in hand in pursuit of common goals, thus, the said bond of solidarity has been the cornerstone of the success of the people of Mountain province, enabling them to overcome challenges and celebrate victories together.
He emphasized that as the people reflect on the province’s journey over the past 58 years, the New Mountain Province had been born, thus, people cannot ignore the trials their ancestors have faced.
Santiago stipulated that the province has weathered storms, both literal and emblematic.
However, he disclosed that it is through the aforesaid challenges that people have discovered their true strength, the spirit of the Mountain province is unyielding, and it is with the said spirit that the province have started reaching greater heights.
“We have transformed adversity into opportunity and we continue to rise, fueled by the passion and determination of our people. In our tracking of progress, we must never forget the lessons of our past. We stand on the shoulders of giants who came before us, and it is our responsibility to ensure that their legacy endures. As we forge ahead into the future, let us carry with us the values that have shaped us. Let us honor our traditions while embracing innovation. The world is changing rapidly and we must adapt to new realities while remaining grounded in our cultural roots,” Santiago said.
He underscored that the celebration of the province’s anniversary is not just a time for reflection but it is a call to action for the people of Mountain province, thus, people must strive to be ambassadors of their culture, sharing their stories, dances and values with the world.
He challenged the present generation to educate the younger generations about the significance of their traditions, ensuring that they too feel the pride that comes from belonging to such a rich heritage.
Moreover, he rallied the people to harness the spirit of collaboration that ‘inayan’ embodies and that together, they can work towards sustainable development that respects the environment and promotes the wellbeing of the communities.
More importantly, Santiago explained that people must build bridges between tradition and modernity, ensuring that progress does not come at the expense of their identity. By Dexter A. See
