Gov’t, private sectors to manage Lang-ay Festival

By Roger Sacyaten

BONTOC, Mt. Province – Preparations are underway for the staging of the Lang-ay Festival 2016 still under the public-private partnership between the provincial government and the Lang-ay Festival Organization.

The Lang-ay Festival Organization is the body that managed the Lang-ay Festival last year composed of representatives from the government and the private sectors with the vital involvement of the Local Government Units (LGUs) and some national line agencies.

The new duration of the Lang-ay Festival 2016 is from April 1-10, 2016. Last year was from April 10-30.

It will be a triple treat as the province will also be commemorating the 49th Foundation Day of the province and the Igorot International Conference (IIC) of the Igorot Global Organization (IGO) will be held in in coincidence with the Lang-ay Festival.

With the duration made shorter, some events and activities done last year will not be repeated.

Gov. Mayaen echoed the sentiments of other quarters not to sustain the non-culture related events like the volleyball and basketball, marathon, and others.

However, the agro-trade fair, cultural exposition, street dancing and cultural presentations, Lang-ay by the street, and Gangsa Night will be conducted again.

New events are being planned such as the imitation of the “Fagfagto along the Chico River” and others.

The Lang-ay Organization met Thursday to plan the provincial mother of festivals.

Mayaen, in his message expressed full support of the provincial government with the use of provincial resources and manpower for the staging of the Lang-ay Festival.

Meanwhile, coordination is also being done to engage the support and participation of the municipalities and groups in the private sector.

“We ask our kakailians to help us disseminate the information this early to their friends and relatives, especially to those who are residing and working outside of the province for guidance with the invitation that they visit the province to participate in the Lang-ay Festival”, said Paulino Tumapang, Jr, LFO chairperson.