Kabayan holds ‘Kiling’ Festival

KABAYAN, Benguet -- This prime tourist destination in northern Benguet has taken a step higher to add more attractions to culture buffs tourist as it successfully staged the first “Kiling Festival.”

The three day celebration is named after the migratory bird Siberian Ruby Throat locally known as the “ kiling”.

The bird serves as traditional weather forecaster warning the people that the last destructive typhoon have come which also means the start of a new season –the planting season.

The killing dance showdown which serves as the highlight of the activity shows the participants garb in an elaborated bird like costume dramatized the adventures of the “killing until it reaches the town of Kabayan.

According to Kabayan Mayor Faustino Aquisan , the killing festival is also aimed at encouraging the youths to explore traditional practices  which has been slowly disregarded.

The mayor added that this activity would also serve as a motivation to the youth of the said municipality to showcase their talents.

The festival’s culminating program was graced by provincial officials of Benguet and Cordillera Tourism technical assistant director Bayani Malicdem.

The latter represented Cordillera Tourism director Purificacion  Molintas who in her written message cited importance of like activities to attract more tourists in the municipality and for people to take active role in preservation of local tourist spots in support to eco-tourism program of the government.

The director said with ASEAN integration next year , this municipality will expect an increase in tourist arrivals being one of prime tourist destinations in the region.

The office of the congressman was represented by its head of staff  AmorMoristo who said road development program in the province was crucial in the tourist industry.

Alano Clabson executive assistant II represented Gov. Nestor Fongwan.

He stressed role of peace and order and environment protection to boost tourism. Other guests included indigenous peoples representative Blas Dalus.

The three day festival from Nov. 26-27 is celebrated with the town’s 114th foundation day with the theme "Facing challenges and grasping opportunities through agriculture and tourism towards ASEAN integration."

Activities included a trade fair awarding of outstanding citizens and a parade by the different sectors headed by the municipal officials. -- Judith Nave