Lang-ay fest organizers cited; innovations set for next year

BONTOC, Mountain Province – Organizers of Lang-ay Festival, considered the “mother of all festivals” in the province, particularly Lang-ay Festival Organization headed by Paulino Tumapang, Jr, were commended last week in an assessment meeting wherein it was agreed innovations would be discussed later. 

The meeting was called to assess commemoration of 50th founding anniversary of the province and Lang-ay Festival both held April 3-9.

The province’s golden anniversary was held April 7.

The commemoration of the foundation anniversary was also cited as successful with the honoring of past officials, governors and congressmen of Mountain Province for the last 50 years and the first set of provincial officials.

Philippine National Police chief General Ronald “Bato” de la Rosa who served as guest of honor and speaker during the occasion was adopted and given the native name “Moling,” which means literally a hard rock.

During the civic parade, municipalities portrayed significant developments that transpired in their towns the last 50 years.

A “golden baby” born April 6 was also recognized with parents given monetary award.

The Regional Development Council meeting was also conducted in the town on April .

Regarded as a crowd drawer, the Lang-ay Festival featured street dancers and cultural performers of various tribes and municipalities of the province with the exception of Natonin and Paracelis that opted not to participate this year due to the unfortunate incident involving the killing of a former police chief of the town wherein suspects were natives of the towns.

Observers said this year’s edition of the Lang-ay Festival indicated the glamour of the provincial fest is coming back comparable to earlier versions in terms of audience and spectators, foreign and local tourists who were visibly seen around.

The spirit of Lang-ay was demonstrated with free serving of indigenous foods and drinks in the main street in front of the public market.

The “biggest patopat,” was distributed to the public who waited for rain to stop. Women elders of Fuyayeng and Omfeg prepared main feature of the event.

Sinab-ang, a native delicacy of sticky rice and camote, was also a delight for many. This was the handiwork of the women of Chaleya Organization.