BONTOC, Mountain Province – With the theme: “Upholding Cultural Integrity with the Challenges of the New Normal”, the provincial officials hammered on the resilience of the people of the province amidst the period of the pandemic.
The commemoration of the 55th MP Foundation Day was conducted last April 7, 2022 at the provincial plaza in a simple yet significant program.
Rev. Lucresia Turtem of the Anglican Church, cited in her homily that numbers 55 symbolizes God’s goodness, grace, and kindness; but otherwise, it also speaks of abundance, love, and energy. “There will be struggles but there will be opportunities for growth and transformation”, referring to the province as a whole.
Provincial Governor Bonifacio Lacwasan, Jr. paid tribute to the past leaders and urged those in attendance to reflect on their accomplishments that helped to make the province what it is today. He also cited that the people of the province are resilient and compassionate in facing the pandemic which will not harshly affect the people.
“New normal poses no challenges to cultural integrity when we think as one. Nothing is impossible”, he said.
Congressman Maximo Dalog, Jr., represented by Atty. Cyprine Maxcel Dalog, also paid tribute to the past governors and past leaders who were instrumental in passing Republic Act 4695 that gave birth to this province.
The resiliency of the people was also cited as contributory to the attainment of the aspirations of the people and to what the province is today. “Let us be inspired by the goals and aspirations of our past leaders to continue in this time of pandemic. We have the culture of Ubobbu – Kasiyana” that makes the people weather whatever comes along, was the exhortation.
Atty. Dalog also cited the Lang-ay Festival which coincidentally has no activities this year due to the pandemic but which she hoped the province will hold it bongga next year.
Although there was no invited guest to the event, DILG CAR Regional Director Araceli A. San Jose graced the occasion to deliver awards for the Local Government Units that passed the functionalities for Anti- Drug Abuse Councils. (ADACs).
The Provincial Historical Committee launched the painting of the portraits of the governors, Governor Alfredo “Gayagay” Lamen down to the incumbent Governor Bonifacio Lacwasan, Jr. as its second project. There are 12 governors since 1967 including the Officers-In-Charge.
The Committee, formed though Memorandum Order 44, s. 2020 as updated by Memo Order No. 57, s. 2021, had commissioned its first project last year as the publication of a history book entitled ‘Mountain Province: Then and Now’ that chronicles the growth and transformation of the province from its separation from the old Mountain Province by 1967.
The Committee also launched its future Mural project depicting the working governor and congressman that will be constructed/installed somewhere in the provincial plaza.