BAGUIO CITY (PIA) - -The city government formally opened the 4th IBAGIW Creative Festival on November 12 to offer city folks and visitors a breather in this time of COVID – 19 pandemic.

“Tonight we celebrate more than just creativity, we celebrate our people, the proud resilient and courageous Cordillerans. We credit to you, the strong men and women of Baguio that remain steadfast despite the challenges of this pandemic”, Mayor Benjamin Magalong said during the simple opening program at the Baguio Convention Center.

“IBAGIW is the collective voice of our artists, artisans and creative, whose passion has remained unfazed despite the pandemic. IBAGIW speaks well of our collective aspiration to survive, to endure and to get pass any difficulty. IBAGIW is our way of telling everyone that Baguio remains strong and unbeaten by this pandemic,”the mayor added.

Now on its  fourth  year with theme “Create, Integrate, Elevate", the IBAGIW  is in line with Baguio’s inclusion in the UNESCO’s Creative Cities Network as a creative city for crafts and folk arts.  It showcases the works and performances of local artists and craftsmen ranging from rituals, sculptural pieces, traditional arts, and other various crafts.

Baguio people and  visitors alike will be able to admire and learn more about the harmonious and rich creativity of the city of Baguio thru art exhibits, cultural shows, trade fair, forums, and  webinars.

Magalong expressed gratitude to the Baguio Arts and Crafts Collective Inc. under the leadership of former UP Baguio Chancellor Raymundo Rovillos, the Baguio Tourism Council chaired   of Gladys Vergara, the Council for Baguio Creative City, the Department of Tourism and all the other partners for this momentous event.

Among the line up events of the month-long Ibagiw 2021 are the “Alimuom”, contemporary art exhibit at the basement of Baguio Convention Center that features interconnectedness of people amid the hardship of seeing families and friends in this time of pandemic.

The University of Baguio’s Museo Kordilyera is also hosting the “BATOK: Tattoos for Cordillera”, a cultural expo showcasing historical and contemporary photographs of traditional tattoos of the Cordillera from Nov. 12 to 30.

Set to open on Nov. 19 are the  “Art in the Park”  at the Reflection Lake along Wright Park spearheaded by the Pasa-Kalye Group of Artists, and the  “Mandeko Kito”  at the Berkeley School  with 42 participants  to  offer arts and crafts and indigenous food products. This will be opened   every weekend (Friday to Monday).

On Nov. 27, the DOT – CAR will open the Cordillera Weaves Exhibit and Weavers’ Bazaar at the DOT office grounds. A two – day webinar, “Cordillera Weaves: Tradition, Innovation and Commerce “will also be held in partnership with the Tourism Promotions Board.

 More creative events and other virtual learnings, demonstration and forums are lined up that the public may look forward to. The schedules are posted at the “Baguio Tourism” facebook page.

Organizers assure that all COVID-19 safety protocols are in place   for the safety of the public while preserving the very essence of the festival. (JDP/CCD-PIA CAR)