Bontoc Am-among festival activities set

By Wabilyn Mana-od

BONTOC – All is set for the commemoration of the 103rd foundation day and staging of the 7thAm-among Festival of the capital town after local officials agreed Aug. 31 on activities.

With this year’s theme “Ma Am Among Tako ay Sin-umato Enkhawisan nan Ili Tako” depicts the unity and solidarity of the sixteen barangays of the municipality including its constituents in goals towards a better Bontoc.

Last July 29, the Am-among sports fest was launched. Other activities include “Ifontok Got Talent.”

Pre-Audition was scheduled on Sept. 3 with final competition on Sept. 14.

On Sept. 13, a fun run will be conducted. First route is 3 km from town Circle to “usok” then back to municipal quadrangle, 5 km from circle to “Balitian” (Balikyan) Bridge then back to the municipal quadrangle, and a 10 km run from circle to “Amlusong” and back to the municipal quadrangle.

On Sept. 14 is mountain biking for kids and adult category. Kiddie biking route will start from “Kalong-long” to the municipal hall.

Biking for adults includes 10 km that will start from circle to “Amlusong” then back to municipal quadrangle, and a 20 km from circle to Alab and back to the municipal quadrangle.

Interested individuals may register at the vice mayor’s office. Prizes are at stake.

In an effort to give quality service and employment to individuals, recruitment is Sept. 14-16. This is in coordination with the Provincial Employment Services Office and the Department of Labor and Employment.

On Sept. 15 will be a civic parade followed immediately by a thanksgiving mass at the municipal quadrangle after which will be the folk dance competition.

The competition will be categorized into three that includes: elementary, secondary and college level. All entries for the competition should be submitted as early as possible to Councilor Ignacio Afidchao.

Anti- rabies mass vaccination and (K9) dog fashion show was scheduled afternoon of Sept. 15.

The fashion competition is open to all small, medium, and large dogs age six months and above with updated anti-rabies vaccinations.

Interested dog enthusiasts may register at the Office of the Municipal Agriculturist starting Sept. 5-9.

The culminating activity will be on Sept. 16 highlighting the street dancing competition.

A program will take place, after which will be a cultural presentation followed by indigenous games.

The street dancing competition will showcase different diverse cultural heritage, common values, belief and practices of the community.

Indigenous games such as palm wrestling (men), fab-awet (men),Batbatchoy/sip-sipa, cat-catching to name few will be played. “ChepapsiFoto” will also be contended by different barangays of Bontoc with one participants each.

All competitions are open to all interested participants of the 16 barangays of the municipality.