Barlig to stage Fortan Festival June 16 to 19

By Christine Grace B. Sidchogan

BARLIG Mountain Province -- The sound of gongs will resound at the foot of Mt. Amuyao this June 16-19 as the this municipality will celebrate the 7th Fortan Festival.

The activities are aptly depicted in its theme “Our heritage, our treasure (Nan finortan tako at hiya nan uy tako kinafiaknang).”

An agricultural trade fair will be opened to the public on June 16 while on same day, competitions on pasiking (rattan-made bag) making, soft-broom making and golden kuhol cooking will be held.

The search for Miss Fortan 2011 will be done during the night.

On June 17, farmers are invited to attend the Farmers’ Congress.

“This activity aims to increase the productivity and quality of Barlig’s heirloom rice for both local and foreign markets,” said Ceferino Oryan, municipal agriculture officer and festival coordinator.

Indigenous games such as sus-uwat, sen-senopak, indigenous golf game and sangkor would also be held among contesting barangays aside from ball games and a chorale competition.

June 18 would be culminating activity with engineer Roy Manao, Department of Public Works and Highways Assistant Secretary as the guest speaker.

Cultural competitions that will portray the culture of Barlig through dances, songs, and chants while thanksgiving masses will be held in the different churches on June 19.

Another come-on is the series of trekking activities to designated tourist spots on June 16-19.