ARTISTIC TRIUMPHS: BENGUET YOUNG ARTISTS HONORED AT 3RD BIYAG FESTIVAL

April 26, 2024 Provincial

LA TRINIDAD, Benguet

Some nine provincial youths and a group of young artists were recognized in the recent annual awards dubbed Inspiring Young Artists, Movers, and Achievers (IYAMAN). It marked the 3rd Benguet Indigenous Youth Arts Guild
(BIYAG) Festival opening program held at the Gov. Ben Palispis Auditorium, Provincial Capitol on April 22. The IYAMAN awardees are- Jason Ivan T. Sobremonte of Tuba ( Contortion Performance Art ) ;Xyza Nicole C. Aguilar of La Trinidad ( Modeling).

In the field of literature,John A. Pucay of Itogon and Jovener S. Soro of La Trinidad, respectively. Other awardees Allen S. Gacweng of Mankayan (Culinary Arts),Hymnus Christi Choir ( Music) ; Kevin D. Rosito of Mankayan
(Community-based Theater) Stephen Harold C. Lilley Jr. of Sabla , Jamie D. Guinsiman and Jeremiah D. Bugtong of
Kabayan (Pageantry) . A special citation award was given to Margaret Locano, singer-composer of “Italek kon Pusok”, “Ay Nabbay Ka”, and “Namnaman di Gardinero”.

Edmark Sarlipan, BIYAG Acoustic Winner 2023 also serenaded the crowd with a performance of his Viral/Hit Song “Sidung”. Guest of Honor and Speaker Dr. Ivan Anthoy Henares, Secretary-General of United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) National Commission of the Philippines, highlighted the importance of preserving cultural heritage and indigenous roots.

‘We need to train and encourage young people to be proud of that local heritage”, and encouraged youths to “be proud of what makes them Benguet,’ Henares said Governor Melchor Daguines Diclas said these young artists were recognized for their national and international achievements and contributions in the field of arts, bringing pride to the Province of Benguet. In attendance during the awarding ceremony were Benguet Provincial Local Government Unit officials and department heads, Municipal officials, Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) Chairs and Benguet Youths.

Ruffa Mae Payangdo -UB Intern/ABN