Lesser grandeur in Am-among fest but more on substance

BONTOC, Mountain Province – There was lesser grandeur during the Am-amung Festival this year in this capital town without the street dancing and cultural presentations usually done yearly, but there was more substance.

With the theme, “Moving    on, moving forward, moving up,” all 16 barangays of this municipality converged at  Eyeb open gym here to celebrate the 107th foundation of the town and the 11th Am-among Festival last week.

According to Mayor Franklin Odsey the municipal government will make up next year in coincidence with the inauguration of the ongoing municipal building.

A delegation from the sister town of Tagudin, Ilocos Sur was presented headed by Mayor Jose Bunoan, Jr.

With him were the vice mayor and some councillors and heads of offices.

In his message, Mayor Bunoan revealed that Tagudin was once part of the old Mountain Province.

He proposed the establishment of cultural and educational exchanges between the two municipalities.

He also urged promotion of tourism for both provinces.

“September 16 is a very significant day as we gather together as one family to celebrate the two events”, Bunoan said as he also informed the audience that his father was once a principal at the Bontoc Central School.

Rep. Maximo Dalog, in his inspirational message, urged everyone to remember contribution of past leaders and people in the development and progress of the municipality.

He also paid tribute to the cultural values the people inherited, the culture of the people of helping one another in times grief and celebrations, such a manifestation of unity and solidarity among the people. 

He urged everyone to be inspired with the development going around – the improvement of the roads leading and from other provinces and preservation of our environment - to work for further development and progress of Bontoc ay Kalalaychan.

Gov. Leonard Mayaen, in his address, said that there was no other way but “Moving on, moving forward, moving upward” urging all to contribute in the development and progress of Bontoc.

“We should continue what our forebears have started. The cultural heritage that we have, we guard and preserve as we pass on to the next generations,” he said. -- Roger Sacyaten