LAGAWE, Ifugao (PIA) - - Police officers and members of the Kabataan Kontra Droga at Terorismo (KKDAT) in the province celebrated the Cordillera and Police Community Relations Month through cultural games at Camp Colonel Joaquin Dunuan here.

Personnel of the Ifugao Police Provincial Office (IPPO), Municipal Police Stations and KKDAT members engaged in various ethnic games like “Hanggul” (arm wrestling), Uggub Guy-yudan (tug of war), hinukting, labba (native basket) race and Innabbah (piggyback) and volleyball and basketball exhibition games.

IPPO Provincial Director Colonel James Mangili said activity aims to help preserve the costumes and traditions of the forefathers for the next generation. He praised the police officers and KKDAT members for their efforts    in organizing the event showcasing some of the traditional games of “Immipugo” (Ifugaos) for every one’s appreciation.   

“I am very much elated with the initiative of the Ifugao Police Provincial Office    and the Kabataan Kontra Droga at Terorismo in conducting the cultural games for the celebration of the Cordillera Month and the Police Community Relations Month.

“When I hear the sounds of the gong, when I see people wearing our costumes, it energizes my stamina or boost my moral as an Ifugao, as an Igorot and as a Cordilleran,” he added.

He encouraged everyone especially the police officers to teach the children how to use the Ifugao costume.

Ann Shirley Binwag, Ifugao KKDAT Prov’l President, stated that the cultural games enhanced and boosted the spirit of culture to Ifugao youths and strengthen also the relationship among the KKDAT chapters and the police personnel.

KKDAT is an active youth organization convened by the PNP aims to educate young people about the effects of terrorism, violent extremism and the abuse of illegal substance. (JDP/MBL- PIA CAR, Ifugao)