First Buguias Albubo Festival kicks off

By Fely Guanzo

BUGUIAS, Benguet -- Municipal officials led by Mayor Ruben Tinda-an, launched here Monday at municipal grounds the week-long celebration of First Buguias Albubo Festival.

Themed “Kultura ay binangonan: uneden, pangaybengen, esten,” the festival aims to enhance cultural traditions of the town and identity as a people with distinct lifestyle.

The festival was historically a celebration of a Catholic patron saint, but  locals changed it to a festival which is non-secretarian.

Now it is called Albubo Festival because it is important to know, maintain, and give importance to cultural practices for these not to be erased and forgotten, officials said.

According also to indigenous people’s mandatory representative  Councilor Benjamin Palbusa and Tourism officer Satur Payangdo, the term “albubo” reflects culture of the municipality.

Albubo is said to be a traditional practice of helping each other in the community. It also means mutual cooperation and unity of the people for the good of others -- in short giving help to neighbors without expecting anything in return.

Festival events included ecumenical thanksgiving service with the municipal and barangay officials leading the public, ribbon cutting of the agri-trade fair, viewing of booths, blood-letting service, Prodigal Son symposium on Go Buguias for Health 2017, and tourism promotion.

Others were free dental service  and free medical mission in cooperation with BOSTAH PRP-COR Chapter and PCSO followed by the First Pageant of the Century for the Senior Citizen --  Mr. and Mrs. Buguias 2017.

On the March 1, the municipal environment office conducted the   Environmental Forum.

A fun shoot and gun safety seminar was also held here at Camp Dennis Molintas in Barangay Bangao followed by a concert at BSU Hall.

A Farmers’ Congress was also held at Buguias Benguet State University Hall  wherein the Taba-ao Farmers Association with government officials led by Tinda-an gave certificates to certified organic farmers of the municipality.

A talk on effects of pesticides to human and basic management of pesticides poisoning was also held by Fertilizer and Pesticides Authorities and Agriculture officials including benefits and operational guidelines of the new vegetable trading post in La Trinidad, Benguet.

A safety olympics for high schools was conducted by the Loo Disaster officers.

Participants also featured their skills in kadang-kadang, games like arnis and taekwondo.

A literary musical contest was also held for elementary and secondary students including Search for Miss Buguias 2017.

During the Albubo festival proper on March 4 in Barangay Loo, a parade was held joined by Gov. Crescencio Pacalso, and Rep. Ronald Cosalan.

Tinda-an urlier urged municipal officials to wear tradition attire specially g- strings.

Later, a short program and ground demonstration, followed by the traditional lunch which is the “ukob” was held followed by cultural competitions wherein the 14 barangays showcased their unique cultural dances, followed by dance drama competition with six national high schools contenders followed by exhibition games.

The festival will close today (March 5) with a fun run, “amazing race,” albubo breakfast, mass led by respective churches, continuation of unfinished games followed by raffles draw, awarding ceremony and  closing program.