By: Marites Palma
Unmindful of the day’s cold weather, members of the Adibay ni Ivadoy Shiya Hong Kong, gathered at Pier 10 Open Park in Central to mark the second anniversary of their founding.
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| Adibay Ni Ivadoy Marks 2nd year |
The celebration which focused on peace and unity, was made special by Rep. Ronald Cosalan (lone district of Benguet) who handed a complete set of gongs to the group as a gift.
Another special guest was Fr. John Pardou Umaking from the Diocese of Baguio who officiated at the mass at the start of the event.
The Ibaloi or Ivadoy Day is celebrated every 23rd of February in Baguio City, to commemorate the day when the US Supreme Court handed to the Ivador or Ibaloi people the titles to their ancestral land.
As in their hometown, the Adivay group did the Bendiyan dance, which is performed in a circular motion with synchronized movements of arms and body, and with the music coming from a set of gongs.
In his speech, Cosalan reported on improvements of the government’s farm-to-market road, which brought convenience to the farmers and generated more income for them because of the reduction in the cost of production and marketing.
He said the improved roads also resulted in more tourists visiting beautiful spots located in remote areas of Benguet. He encouraged everyone to visit the tourist spots, as these are now easily accessible to them. – Marites Palma
Congressman Ronald Cosalan turns over gongs to the group president Caridad Juanitas. Looking on are, among others, Mrs Çara Cosalan and Fr. John Umaking.
