The Covid-19 pandemic has forced the provincial government of Benguet to cancel the annual Adivay Festival in November.
But Gov. Melchor Diclas announced the 120th Foundation Day of the province will still be celebrated in November but would be toned down to a simple program with limited people gathering.
Celebrated every Nov. 23, Benguet’s foundation day which coincides with the grand Adivay Festival has always been festive. But through the years, it has also faced cancellation or toning down in deference to those greatly affected by calamities and disasters.
In 2018, the Adivay Festival was toned down in respect to the victims of Typhoons Ompong and Rosita as well as in 2016 when Typhoons Lawin and Karen devastated some towns of the province.
“For now, our decision for Adivay is to postpone its celebration while we will observe the foundation day with a simple celebration. Hopefully, we go back to the regular activities of Adivay by next year,” Diclas said.
Pigs would still be butchered to make way for the cultural rituals. In the past, more than 20 pigs were butchered to feed hundreds of revelers coming from the 13 towns of the province including guests from Baguio and other areas.
Diclas said each municipality may celebrate their own simple celebration especially those that will be celebrate their respective foundation anniversaries in November.
Meanwhile, the governor also reported the celebration of the annual Benguet Teacher’s Day in October will be simplified as well due to the strict health protocol under the present community quarantine. – Ofelia C. Empian
April 26, 2024
