46th Mt Province Day, Lang-ay fest launched

By Gina Dizon

BONTOC, Mountain Province -- The 46th Mountain Province Day and the celebration of the 9th cultural and Lang-ay festival April 1-7 was launched with a cultural and ecumenical blessing here at the Bontoc Plaza February 20.

Preceded by the ringing of the bells, an ecumenical service was led by Rev Fr Amos Kollin of the Cathedral of the Episcopal church joined by Pastor Arnold Cacho.

Speaking before provincial employees and constituents, Gov. Leonard Mayaen said the event showed a manifestation of love to the province and concern to everyone as people of Mountain Province. The governor enjoined all to be proud as people of Mountain Province and to be proud of the province.

The drumbeating of said festival also unrolled the tarpaulin of events graced by Mayaen and Vice Gov. Bonifacio Lacwasan.

A motocRause on April 1 ushers in participation by all constituents of the province and others as well.

Motor bike riders were urged to participate in the event with proceeds meant for identified dialysis patients from Mountain Province. There shall be two routes for said event the Bontoc-Sagada-Besao via Nakawang-Tadian- Bauko-Sabangan-Bontoc route and the Paracelis –Natonin - Bontoc route.

April 1 also starts opening of the agro-industrial fair led by the office of agriculture and the department of trade and industry. Souvenir items and products of Mountain Province farmers and craftsmen shall be displayed during the one week event.

A technology demonstration shall be conducted April 3 and a medical dental and surgical mission on April 2 and 3.

A provincial youth summit and an orientation on Overseas Workers Welfare Administration program shall be held April 4 to 5. April 5 and 6 is also a jobs fair day for those in search for employment.

For those in need of acupuncture for aching joints and other ailments, free acupuncture service is scheduled on April 5.

On the night of April 5 is the coronation of Ms Mountain Province 2013 preceded earlier by a search among candidates March 31.

The colorful and festive street dancing activity on the 6th is a special day for all delegates of the 10 municipalities of Mountain Province to demonstrate cultural dances and customs with respective costumes from the five major ethno linguistic tribes of the province - Kankanaey, Aplai, Bontoc, Sadanga, Baliwon, and the Balangao. Indigenous games are scheduled the same day on April 6.

In the night of April 6 is a concert for a cause for identified dialysis patients.

Noted musician and composer Bryan Aliping shall be playing his songs along with other local talents from the province.

April 7 is the Foundation Day marking the day when the provincial legislative board on April 7, 1967 passed the first resolution declaring the birth of Mountain Province as a new province from the old Mountain Province composed of the sub-districts of Kalinga- Apayao, Benget, Ifugao, Lepanto, Amburayan and Bontoc.

A speech, choir and choral competition is scheduled on April 7. A trek for a cause follows April 8 and 9.