Both championed in their messages the sacrifices and works of the father of Apayao, the late Elias K. Bulut, who initiated Apayao’s provincehood by virtue of Republic Act 7878, and whose ingenuity and leadership led to what Apayao is today.
Capuyan recognized the officialdom of the province for continuously supporting NCIP's mandate of protecting the rights of indigenous peoples (IPs) in the province and expressed his appreciation for the yApayao culture which is still kept intact.
Relating the same to the national government's Whole-of-Nation Approach against the proliferation of communist terrorist groups (CTGs) operating mostly in ancestral domains, and causing a lot of issues that destroy the lives of the IPs in their aim to topple down the government, Capuyan encouraged sustained cooperation of everyone to uphold the country's democracy. He also enjoined the LGUs to continue fighting for the rights of the people, "asserting cultural identity towards progress,” as the theme of this year's celebration suggests.
"Our fight isn't over yet. Let the world know of our struggles and move towards the attainment of our genuine aspiration for self-determination," Capuyan stressed.
Meanwhile, Enginco reiterated the importance of the wisdom of elders in moving towards development.
Never forget that you can never go forward without looking back to your glorious past and those who worked for Apayao's development, Enginco said.
Owing to the wisdom of the elders especially the late EKB in order to keep moving on towards the kind of life everybody now is beginning to enjoy despite the trying times, Enginco called on the elders "to educate our youth of the richness of our history," and, the youth "to appreciate the same and to respect our elders always."
He encouraged everyone to always trust in the power of collective decision making and unified voice in the process of coming up with any development undertaking for the province of Apayao.
He also cited the province's contribution through its leaders' commendable efforts in sustaining peace and order in the province thru the NTF-ELCAC.
For her part, Governor Eleanor C. Bulut-Begtang appealed for everyone's renewed commitment in working with the provincial government as it embarks in more programs and projects geared towards improving the lives of every yApayao.
"But for these to take place, we have to embrace the changes and endure the little sacrifices that development entails."
“We have to carefully plan for the next course we have to sail," Congressman Elias C. Bulut, Jr. added emphasizing on good local governance, ensuring proper government spending, and propelling economic development in rural areas.
Other highlights of the celebration include the distribution of financial assistance and incentives under the Apayao Socio-Economic Efforts Necessary for Growth (ASENG) program, as well as assorted vegetable seeds to barangay officials and farmer organizations; awarding of certificates and cash prizes to winners of the provincewide Mural Painting Contest sponsored by the Provincial Tourism Office; awarding of certificate of recognition to the Nagbabalayan Fisherfolks and Farmers Association as one the best Department of Labor and Employment -assisted livelihood project in the region and top five in the national level.
It concluded with groundbreaking ceremony for the proposed EKB Park access road improvement project and blessing and turnover of Child Development Center and Department of Agriculture's Philippine Rural Development Project -funded warehouse, all in Barangay EKB. ( JDP/RMC with reports from Apayao PLGU / NCIP Apayao photos)
