TABUK CITY, Kalinga– Bounded on the north by Amlao Proper, on the south by Binulwan Creek, on the west by the Chico River and on the east by the Amlao barrio, Suyang, which comprises the sitios of Lagud, Gawaan, Daya and Cubal is celebrating its 5th Iyog Festival and Barangay Founding Anniversary from April 30 to May 1 with the theme “Patibkirin masakbayan, karit iti pandemya nga naglabasan”.
Numerous competitive events were held during these two days of festivities, including sporting competitions, a beauty pageant, and cultural performances. All of these events were done to celebrate the festival and pay homage to St. Joseph the Worker, the barangay’s patron saint.
However, little is known about how Barangay Suyang came up with the name “Iyog Festival” for its yearly fiesta.
According to Barangay Chairman John Wansi, the name of the festival, which was formally recognized in 2017, came about as a result of seeing the abundance of ‘iyog’ or ‘inyog’ in the area, which is home to more than 700 coconut trees scattered around Suyang.
These coconuts are used to make ‘ladek’ or ‘latik’, which give rice delicacies, like the native Kalinga favorite ‘inandila’, more flavor and taste.
People also travel to Suyang to purchase the coconuts in bulk, which provide the locals with income.
Additionally, Wansi stated that he wanted to preserve the abundance of coconut trees in his region and suggested that each household plant a coconut tree which his constituents applauded.
Visitors, guests, and everyone present during the festivities were given free buko juice, thanks to the generosity of the barangay council, barangay personnel, and a few nice residents who donated coconuts for its production.
With the welcoming attitude, gentle hospitality, creativity of the barangay constituents, and the abundance of coconuts in the barangay, the Iyog Festival is gaining popularity and it is hoped to captivate the interests of locals and tourists alike in the coming years.
