Special days for groups approved on last council meeting

July 15, 2019 Community Billboard

BAGUIO CITY – Special days for Indian nationals, Pangasinenses, and ethnic groups Kalinga and Ifugao, were among the resolutions passed during the last council meeting with Vice Mayor Edison Bilog on June 24, 2019 and approved by then mayor Mauricio Domogan.
The annual celebration for each group is: Indian Day, Oct. 19; Natan La-Pangasinense Day, December 8; Kalinga Day, every 3rd Sunday of February; and Ifugao Day every last Saturday of April.
Accordingly, Indian nationals were in the country since mid-18th century under the British expeditionary force with some settling in the country, being merchants who delved in textile, retail stores, or door-to-door selling.
Indian nationals’ businesses flourished in Baguio with Bheroomulls, Fil-Indian Store, Valirams, Bombay Bazaar, to name a few. They were also into investment, community service and were observed to be charitable, into philanthropic causes, and active in socioeconomic programs such as feeding, scholarships, donations to the needy.
Their arts and cuisine were also infused into the Baguio culture and “worth embracing,” the proposal stated. Fifty kilometers away from Baguio, Pangasinan is home for the salt industry where enterprising citizens built socioeconomic and cultural links, commercial and kinship ties through barter trade, salt, livestock, and blankets for gold in the highlands.
This has been chronicled by Spanish historians. Today, Pangasinenses who have migrated and settled in Baguio are employed or have ventured into business, some in the local public market.
Pangasinenses are also active in the political arena with Councilors Edilberto Tenefrancia, Nicasio Palaganas and others who have occupied or are occupying important positions in the local government.
The two legislative measures were introduced by Councilor Edgar Avila. The Kalinga natives who have settled in Baguio established associations to help maintain peace and order in the city.
The celebration of their heritage through cultural presentations and gatherings gave birth to the Kalinga family day every third Sunday of February every year, the measure introduced by Councilor Leandro Yangot, Jr.
Ifugaos are the builders of the iconic Banaue rice terraces and use the wooden totemic carved figures “bulul” for their rituals. Wood carving souvenirs from Baguio are showcases of Ifugao culture, readily available to local and foreign tourists, carved by their skilled artisans of Asin road.
The approved proposal was jointly introduced by Councilor Joel Alangsab and former Vice- Mayor Edison Bilog. The special days are recognized in addition to Ibaloy day, which is celebrated every Feb. 23.

Julie G. Fianza-PIO/ABN