Ifugao marks 46th founding anniversary

By Marcelo L. Lihgawon

Monday 18th of June 2012

LAGAWE, IFUGAO, June 18 (PIA) -- The people of Ifugao formally started today the celebration of the 46th founding anniversary of the province dubbed, “Gotad ad Ifugao 2012" with the theme “Harnessing our Agri-Industrial Tourism Potential: Our gift to mankind."

“Gotad” is an Ifugao term which usually refers to a large gathering of people and a certain phase of prestige rites where people converge in the village of the family conducting the rites.

The week-long festivity started with a float contest and a grand cultural parade around the poblacion of Lagawe town, participated by delegates from the 11 municipalities and other agencies of the province clad in their respective colorful native and office attires.

In his welcome address, Governor Eugene Balitang lauded the 11 municipalities and other offices of the province for fully participating during the first day of the “Gotad ad Ifugao 2012.” He explained that the province has chosen the theme in line with the provincial government’s goal of developing the economy of the province.

“We will focus on harnessing the agri-cultural potential of the province by focusing in the one town, one product of the different municipalities and by establishing a provincial trading post in Lamut town,” Balitang said.

He further stated that the provincial government with the support of concerned local government units (LGUs) will also exploit the industrial potentials of the province by establishing more mini-hydro in the different municipalities.

Ifugao solon Teodoro Baguilat, Jr. and other local officials graced the opening day.

The festivities will last up to June 22. (JPD/MBL/PIA CAR-Ifugao)