Pasil-Sagada sisterhood starts joint tourism event

By Gina Dizon

PASIL, Kalinga – The municipalities of Sagada and  Pasil are now sister towns following the sisterhood  twinning ceremonies  represented by Pasil mayor  James Edduba and  Sagada mayor  Eduardo LatawanJr  on the  event of the  48th  anniversary of the founding of  Pasil municipality here at  barangay Amdalao  June 18. 

The event witnessed by members of the Sangguniang Bayan from both towns and  community folks  was observed with an allasiw (exchange),  the kalasag  (shield) and tubay  (spear)  handed by Pasil mayor James Eduba as an initiative of  the sisterhood act  to Mayor Latawan.

A ‘baag’ or G string as token was given  by the local government unit of  Sagada to the LGU of  Pasil after  the signing of the memorandum of agreement  to signify affirmation to the sisterhood  pact. 

A tapis was also given by Pasil Councilor Samuel Tayaan, municipal tourism action officer  designate and tourism and infrastructure committee chairman of the Sangguniang Bayan  to Sagada vice mayor  Benjamin Capuyan  following the ritual ceremonies evening of June 17.

Tayaan and Capuyan  covered  the sacrificial  carabao with a tapis to signify good faith and good will of both parties before this was offered for the ceremonial dinner and community lunch the following  day.

The sisterhood pact among the two towns  binds strong friendship and good will among constituents,  enrich  each other’s culture, provide avenue for  mutual tourism development, economic support and peace  and order.”

Following signing ceremonies, both LGU officials of Sagada and Pasil conducted tree planting at the municipal hatchery in Bisong, Guinaang here to emphasize  protection and preservation of the forest commonly shared by the two municipalities which is also a watershed for Chico River and Pasil River.

A trekking event along the Colayo-Pasil-Sadanga- Bontoc-Sagada  route traversing the Patang, Kitay and Mosimus peaks  is up to be held, date to be announced  very soon.  Talks are currently underway to facilitate joint resolutions with Sadanga and Bontoc LGUs to take part in the activity.

A resolution was  earlier passed by the  previous Sangguniang  Bayan  of Sagada with the chairmanship of then presiding officer vice mayor Richard Yodong accepting the intent  of the municipality of Pasil  to have sisterhood ties with the municipality of  Sagada, “owing to similarities of both areas as eco- tourism destination “.

 The incumbent  Sagada  SB affirmed the earlier 2012 SB resolution with a resolution on  June 2, 2014 leading to the  sisterhood pact  done June 18 this year.

 Affirming the agreement and recommending approval to the sisterhood pact were SB officials of  Sagada are councilors Dave Gulian, Moreno Tuguinay,MiltonTawali, Eduardo UmamingJr, Jane Bawing, Felicito Dula, John Guitilen, David Buyagan, Indigenous Peoples Representative Jaime Dugao, Association of Barangay Chairman  Fermin Lumbaya and vice mayor Capuyan.

Affirming  members of  the PasilSanggunian Bayan were vice mayor  Ellen Malannag, Samuel Tayaan, Ryan Taklawan, ElpidioDupali,  Rosemarie Andomang, Benjamin Manggad, Albert Maiyao, John Yao and Nick Bommogas.