Benguet Adivay fest opens with culture, beauty events

By Redjie Melvic M. Cawis

LA TRINIDAD, Benguet-- Gong beating and blowing of bamboo horns signaled the opening of Benguet’s 119th Foundation Anniversary celebration through the Adivay Festival 2019 in this capital town Wednesday.

Gov. Melchor Diclas led the formal declaration of the annual festivities together with the Sangguniang Panlalawigan led by Vice Gov. Johnny Waguis and Rep. Nestor Fongwan represented by lawyer Jerry Marave.

 Diclas said that this year’s founding anniversary and Adivay is a celebration for the abundant blessings and thanksgiving of the province for a safer year from disasters and calamities, and an occasion to pray for better years to come for Benguet and its people.

The provincial celebration was toned down last year in consideration of devastation  caused by strong typhoons in the different parts of Benguet like  the landslide in Ucab, Itogon  which killed at least 80 people  and leaving hundreds of families homeless.

 The governor said the theme of the celebration this year is, “Healthier  Benguet,” that embodies the priority programs of his administration.  H stands for health, E for education, A for agriculture, L for livelihood, T for tourism, H for human resource and development, I for Infrastructure, E for environment, R for responsive and resilient government.

Before the program, an ecumenical mass was held and ceremonial rituals and prayers were conducted by Benguet elders asking Kabunian (God) for blessings for successful celebration of the foundation anniversary.

Candidates for the Mr. and Ms. Benguet 2019 showcased their cultural and ethnic-inspired casual attires as part of the kick off ceremonies.

 The month long activities will be highlighted on Nov. 23 with a civic and float parade, the traditional canao, and the program proper to be held at the Benguet Sports Complex in Wangal, La Trinidad with guests Senator Bong Go and Speaker Alan Peter Cayetano.

Adivay is an agri-tourism festival focused on rediscovering the rich history, culture, arts, trades and industries of Benguet. It was conceptualized to gather the 13 municipalities of Benguet to share their cultural beliefs and practices. (JDP/RMC- PIA CAR)