TUBA, Benguet – The La-Diyang Haven Community, in partnership with the Shontog-Asinan Irrigators Association, local artists and representatives from various sectors, formally launch the 4th Kini-ing Festival in Taloy Sur, Tuba, Benguet.
The festival is a grassroots initiative running from April 22 to 28 with the aim to promote cultural heritage, “binnadang” or community solidarity, sustainable practices in agriculture and art appreciation.
The theme, “Smoke Calls: Savoring Culture and Heritage, a Celebration of Grassroots Community”, emphasizes on the symbolic presence of smoke in gatherings. It also reflects on the festival’s namesake, kini-ing, which is a traditional meat preservation process using pinewood smoke. La-Diyang artist Majic Asbucan relayed this concept during the opening ceremony, stating that wherever smoke is present, there are people drawn together, as is the intent of a festival itself.
Led by La-Diyang Haven Community Administrator Cristina Molitas, members of La-Diyang Haven Community followed by other individuals introduced themselves and shared their experiences in the fields of arts and agriculture, highlighting the diversity and oneness that defines the annual occasion.
A showcase of locally grown and prepared products such as fruits, ube and ava pies, bottles of salad dressings, tapuy or rice wine and the signature kini-ing were featured in the event. Remarkable artworks by the event’s artists and craftsmen were also exhibited.
Molitas emphasized that while product promotion is a part of the celebration, the core objective remains centered on building stronger community relationships. She stated, “Haan nga more on selling [ti Kini-ing Festival].” The community leader made it clear that bonding together and forming meaningful conversations are the heart of the festival. “Haan nga agkakadwa dagitoy [artists] if it’s not because of this [occasion],” Molitas said, referring to their group of artists as a testament to the occasion’s capability to build networks.
The festival features a range of activities in both agriculture and the arts. On April 24, attendees learned about agarwood tea production. An accredited farm visit to Caleb’s Garden in the Sky took place on April 25. A lecture on shiitake mushroom cultivation is set for April 28. In the arts program, a caricature workshop took place on April 25, while creative arts activities in celebration of Teacher’s Day will be held on April 26, and a portrait art session is scheduled for April 27.
The Kini-ing Festival originated in response to an oversupply of pork among local farms, which the La-Diyang farmers were unable to redistribute due to the association’s early development. This practical solution has since evolved into a celebration of culture, connection, and community resilience. By Aiyra Marzan
