Benguet winds up events of 116th Founding Day, Adivay Festival

By Susan C. Aro

LA TRINIDAD, Benguet- - The province winded down  last week celebration of its 116th founding anniversary through the Adivay Festival.  

          Gov. Crescencio Pacalso said earlier the provincial government decided to forego with activities such as parade and cañao and festivities considering the province was declared in state of calamity as a result of destruction wrought by Typhoon Lawin.     

           For this year, Adivay Festival was themed, “Benguet gains – our pride: Adopting change for inclusive human development”.

Activities included ecumenical service and kick-off program, pre-pageant of Mr. and Ms. Benguet at Ben Palispis Hall at Provincial Capitol on Nov. 12.

Buguias Foundation Day was also commemorated at Abatan, Buguias; Nov. 12 -13.

Dongba ni Kavajo was held at Benguet Sports Center in Wangal with horse parade and opening program during the first day to include Amateur Muay Thai Combat at La Trinidad municipal gym and Twisted, The Highland Tour at the Capitol Grounds.

Opening of the two-week trade fair at the Benguet Sports Center was also held Nov. 12 in Wangal.

Adivay Bodybuilding Competition was held at Ben Palispis Hall, Capitol.

On Nov. 13 was Adivay Unplugged: Acoustic at the Trade Fair Stage, BSC.

On Nov. 14 was start of one week Health Fair at  BSC, and opening of the two-day Jobs Fair and Livelihood Interest Group Product Display at the  Capitol.

On Nov. 15 was a mass wedding at the San Jose Church here and the opening of the Agri-Tourism Fair at the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council Building, Wangal.

There was also be a two-day cultural conference which started Nov. 16 at the Ben Palispis Hall with various lectures on culture and the arts and a Mass Wedding at St. Paul Parish, Sayangan, Atok.

The following day was a Hataw Contest at the Multipurpose Gym, BSC.

On Nov. 18 was  an environmental forum in major thoroughfares like Halsema Highway, Benguet-Nueva Vizcaya Road, Kennon Rd., Marcos Highway.

Slated also were Small and Medium Enterprises Congress at Ben Palispis Hall and Barangay Health Workers Congress at the Multipurpose Gym, BSC and Healthy Lifestyle Day at the Trade Fair Stage, BSC.

On Nov. 19 was opening of the two-day 3rd Adivay Invitational Arnis Championship at the Covered Court, Capitol, Coronation Night of Mr. and Ms Benguet at the Multipurpose Gym, BSC and the Team Lakay Championship sports activities in Lomon, Kapangan.

Nov. 20 was Battle of the Bands at the Multipurpose Gym, BSC.

On Nov. 21 was  a Skilled Workers Competition at  BSC, Small Scale Mining Congress at the Ben Palispis Hall, Capitol, Small Scale Mining Congress at the Ben Palispis Hall, Capitol, Farmers Event at the Benguet Cold Chain, Wangal, Eye-Check up Screening Day at the Covered Court, BSC.