Unique activities set for Grand Gotad ad Ifugao

By Marcelo B. Lihgawon

LAGAWE, Ifugao -- The provincial local government has released the final list of activities for the 50th  founding anniversary of the province dubbed “Gotad ad Ifugao 2016" on June 12-18.

Themed “aggiyo Ifugao,” the week-long celebration will start with a biking event contest that will start and end at the Capitol Plaza and a thanksgiving mass and interfaith program in Lagawe town on June 12 and 13 respectively.

The festivity will be opened formally on June 13 with a civic parade, indigenous culinary arts competition, Overseas Foreign Workers forum and grand “Gotad” ball.

Activities like opening of agri-industrial trade fair, statistical extravaganza and photo exhibit, performing arts winners exhibition, demonstration of ethnic skills winners, judging of “baya” (rice wine) entries and pre-pageant in the evening will be conducted on June 14.

On June 15: school of living traditions, film showing of Ifugao history and development symposium, and musical, cultural theater festival while activities for June 16  are cultural sports competition, marathon in G-strings and coronation night of Buganya Wigan di Gotad 2016 (Mr. and Miss Ifugao).

Events for June 17 include float contest, opening of public services, quiz bee on Ifugao culture and history, and cultural extravaganza.

The last day will feature grand gotad parade and program, 2016 Ifugao achievers award ceremony, a community lunch and the closing program.  

Ifugao was formerly a part of the old Mountain Province. On June 18, 1966, Ifugao finally gained status as a province with the signing into law of House Bill No. 1526 otherwise known as Republic Act No. 4695 or the Division Law of Mountain Province.