Cultural events, exhibits mark Ibaloy Day in Baguio

By Gaby Keith and Karen Valle Copa

BAGUIO CITY – The city government in cooperation with the Onjon Ni Ivadoy  celebrated Ibaloi Day here last week at the Ibaloi Heritage Garden, Burnham Park with the theme, “Pansigshan Pan-Aatngan (Let’s work together for the benefit of all).”

On Wednesday,  “Daing Tan Tahal Ni Ivadoy (Talent and skills of the Ibaloys)” was held with rituals (Sepnak Ni Bangkilay and Sepnak ni Indutsek) followed by ribbon cutting led by Soledad Go, wife of Rep. Mark Go, to formally open an exhibit and presentation of books, handicrafts and compact discs on Ibaloy culture.

A program followed with Dr. Ryan Guinarang, one of Ten Outstanding Young Men (TOYM) of the Philippines 2016 awardees and a member of the Doctors for Indigenous Health and Culturally Competent Training Education, Networking and Governance (DITENG, Inc.), as guest of honor and speaker. 

A skills competition was also held and ended with a tayaw or native Benguet dance.

On Thursday, dawit ceremonies were conducted by Ibaloi descendants followed by a parade starting 8 a.m. from the Baguio Convention Center, through the city’s main streets ending at Ibaloi Heritage Garden where a skills competition was held.

A program followed with Department of Social Welfare and Development  Undersecretary Virginia Orogo as guest of honor and speaker. 

A historical background of the Ibaloys was delivered by former councilor Isabelo “Popo” Cosalan.

 Messages were also given by Baguio Mayor Mauricio Domogan, Go, Benguet Gov. Crescencio Pacalso, Benguet Rep. Ronald Cosalan, former Baguio Mayor Peter Rey Bautista and Onjon Ni Ivadoy president Leopoldo Lamsis and vice-president Eroll Tagle.

Awards were given to outstanding Ibaloys followed by cultural dances, a concert featuring Ibaloy bands and western line dancing.

The Onjon ni Ivadoy Association also had an exhibit Wednesday at the Ibaloi Heritage Park.

The exhibit was opened ribbon cutting ceremony headed by Soledad J. Go, Rep. Mark Go’s wife, assisted by Midland Courier head Gloria Antoinette Hamada.

The opening remark was given by association president Mr. Leopoldo D. Lamsis.

 Vicky S. Makay, author of the books Ibaloy Conversation Book and From Elders to Children and Esther T. Fianza presented artifacts, books and pictures in the said exhibit.

“The theme was Daing Tan Tahal ni Ivadoy in relation to Ibaloi history, customs and traditions.

The Ibaloys are the original inhabitants of Baguio formerly known as “Kafagway” where one of its patriarchs, Mateo Carino, was named by the Philippine Centennial Commission as a Centennial National Hero in 1998. 

His bust is at the Luneta Park in Metro Manila with other Centennial heroes.