BENGUET GOVERNOR DICLAS OFFICIALLY OPENS ADIVAY 2024

November 9, 2024 Headlines

Yap ask locals practice Adivay daily; Vice Gov. Felipe says ancestors’ legacies, serve as inspiration

LA TRINIDAD, Benguet

Practice everyday the true essence of Adivay (Ibaloy term – COMING TOGETHER), pay tribute to the legacies of ancestors and draw inspiration for a brighter future of the province. Representative Eric Yap and Vice Governor Ericson “Tagel” Felipe delivered separately these messages during the kick off ceremonies of 2024 Adivay Festival held on Tuesday (Nov. 5) at the provincial capitol grounds. “‘Embracing our Heritage, Co-creating a HEALTHIER
Benguet” this year’s festival theme.

Rep. Yap is seeking for his last term in office, and faces a big challenge from Vice Governor Felipe, an influential ex-contractor turn politician, currently the presiding officer of the Provincial Board. “Can we do Adivay every day of the year…everyday tayo ay nagtutulungan…everyday tayo ay nagtra-trabahong masaya. Every day gumagawa tayo pang-alala ng mga kultura natin,” Yap said. Yap added “every November we speak Adivay…my question is nasaan na tayo dinala ngayon (124th foundation)…anu na ang ating sabihin eto na kami ngayon…eto na ang narating natin.”

Yap an anti-corruption crusader stressed “Ang future ng Benguet ay wala na sa akin o kay Gov. Dicas at wala na sa mga oldies, nasa mga Kabataan.” “The youth have the vision and passion for Benguet,” Yap said. “Kami Po ay matuto sa mga Kabataan.” Vice Gov. Felipe for his part said “as we embrace our heritage, we pay tribute to the legacy of our ancestors and draw inspiration from their wisdom and strength.’ Felipe emphasized “healthier Benguet not only physical well-being of our communities but also fostering a sustainable environment and nurturing culture which binds us together.”

By doing so, Felipe said it requires participation and collaboration among every individuals and institutions. “Let us work hand in hand to preserve our natural resources, promote health and wellness, and ensure that the values and traditions of Benguet continue to thrive for the generations to come,” Felipe further said. Felipe thanked the
dedication and hard work of the all the organizing committees. In between their speeches, Governor Melchor Diclas
officially declared the festival opened followed by a brief traditional native ceremony amid late morning shower.

In his brief message, Diclas acknowledged the contributions of previous provincial officials, likewise current officials showed in the development of the communities, and resiliency of the latter such as in responding to calamities demonstrated by their unity. Diclas added his administration timely assisted local farmers, commending the Office of the Provincial Agriculture (OPAG) and the agriculture sector. Present in the activity were officials from the 13
municipalities, representatives from the various regional line agencies, ex provincial leaders, some provincial employees as well as community leaders. At noon, a traditional feast where some five pigs were butchered at the break of dawn.

Primo Agatep/ ABN