All roads will lead to Benguet this November as activities have been lined up for the annual 123rd foundation celebration and Adivay Festival.
Governor Melchor Diclas said the program is currently being finalized by the program committee and will have the theme “Benguet: Gateway to unforgettable getaways.”
Diclas said the theme centers on tourism as the provincial government recognizes the vast potential of Benguet to draw visitors not only for its tourism spots but also for its hard-working people and rich culture.
“We might even use this year’s theme as our tourism tagline because it represents that the province is part of the Cordillera region,” Diclas said.
He said the month-long celebration will kick off on Nov. 6 at the Capitol grounds but prior that, there will be a press conference to promote the festival on Oct. 24.
Aside from the usual activities to look forward to, there will be new additions such as a fashion show involving local designers from the 13 towns of the province featuring their own designs made from inabel (handwoven cloth).
The yearly Mr. and Ms. Benguet will also be modified to add a portion where the candidates would be judged according to their project proposals for their respective advocacies, which they will implement when they win the crown.
The grand cañao which is the main program on Nov. 23 will be held at the Benguet Sports Complex where all the municipalities will put up their tents for their own people and visitors.
Diclas said the provincial government will also put up a 14th tent for visitors and guests from other areas who will join the celebration.
He said Senator Imee Marcos is the invited guest in recognition of her assistance to the province through the years.
Diclas said the public is welcome to attend this year’s celebration, stating that it has always been the custom of the people of Benguet to invite people not only to join the celebration, but to join the feast as well.
Speaking of feast, 30 or more pigs will be butchered during the depap or pig catching where various towns will have to catch their own pigs.
Diclas said three cows will also be butchered to feed the crowd who will attend the main celebration, and one of the highlights of the community festival.
Other community-led events are also set including sports activities, battle of the bands, and other musical events.
The official line-up of the Adivay Festival program will soon be disseminated and posted in the “Adivay: The Benguet Festival” Facebook page. The PIO-Benguet Facebook page and Biyag Facebook pages of the provincial government, which were recently hacked, are also currently being recovered by the Governor’s Office. – Ofelia Empian
