MORE NEWS, ILOCOS SUR

Ilocos festival showcases indigenous peoples lores
By Freddie Lazaro

CANDON CITY -- Hundreds of indigenous people from upland towns participate in a festival here Oct. 29-30 showcasing uniquely attractive products, cultures and practices.of indigenous peoples in the province.

Ilocos Sur Gov. Deogracias Victor "DV" B. Savellano said the festival, called "Begnas Ylocos 2008," was held in the compound of the Candon South Central School.

"Begnas" is a native word that means "thanksgiving" or "offering ritual."

The festival was held to mark the anniversary of the approval of Republic Act No. 8371, otherwise known as Indigenous People Rights Act on Oct. 29, 1997.

Provincial Board Member Robert Tudayan, who is chairman of the festival committee, said Deputy National Security Adviser Luis "Chavit" Singson, House Deputy Speaker Eric D. Singson, and Gov. Savellano led officials who will attend the festival.

"Commissioner Eugenio Ensigne of the National Commission of Indigenous Peoples (NCIP), Engineer Orlando Balloguing of the Bago National Cultural Society, former congresswoman Grace Singson, Agrarian Reform Undersecretary Rosalinda Bistoyong, Engineer Domingo Baquilan, and newly appointed NCIP Regional Director Sancho Buquing graced the festival.

One highlight of the festival was the oath-taking ceremony for newly elected officials of the Begnas Ylocos Inc. chaired by Tudayan.

The newly formed organization will manage the celebration in the future.

Other highlights on the first day were opening of the trade fair; food festival; search of the "Baggak ti Daya 2008 which is a beauty pageant to be participated by ladies with native roots; and indigenous sports.

A cultural ensemble competition was held on the second day of the festival.
On the third day, a chorale competition was held.

This event featured various native songs of the indigenous communities.

Board Member Tudayan said the objective of Begnas Ylocos 2008 was not only to celebrate the anniversary of the passage of IPRA but also to promote the native products produced by the IP communities.