BAGUIO CITY(PIA) -- The province of Apayao kicked off its  28th Foundation Anniversary thru Say-am   with a sports festival on Wednesday (Feb. 1).

 Contingents from the provincial government led by Governor Elias Bulut Jr. and Congresswoman Eleanor Bulut-Begtang with the different local government units headed by their respective officials and local chief executives, line agency heads and representatives and other delegates participated in a motorcade in Luna town followed by a program at the BGVJR Memorial Gymnasium in Poblacion.

Ateneo Blue Eagles Volleyball team middle blocker Pia Ildefonso and National University Bulldogs basketball guard Donn Lim   served as the guests during the opening ceremonies.

In her message, Ildefonso shared her experience as a cancer survivor and urged the youth to engage themselves into sports to develop both their character and perseverance.

 "Bilang isang cancer survivor, ang sports po ay naging paraan upang mailabas ko ang buong pagkatao ko at maipakita kung ano ang nagpapasaya sa akin," Ildefonso said.

 "Hindi mahalaga yung tagal mo sa industriya ng sports kundi yung real-life lessons na natututunan na madadala natin sa panghabang-buhay natin," she added.

Lim, for his part, talked on the importance of discipline in sports and encouraged the youth to do their best to level up their skills.

 The two athletes who are among the University Athletic Association of the Philippines stars commended the support of the provincial government in the development of sports programs geared towards strengthening camaraderie and teamwork among yApayaos.

Meanwhile, the Governor stressed   the importance of the foundation anniversary celebration recognizing the leaders such as the late patriarch Elias K. Bulut Sr., the “Father of Apayao” who initiated the separation of Apayao and Kalinga as two independent provinces thru Republic Act 7878 passed on February 14, 1995, and the other individuals who worked for the development and gains of the province.

With the theme, “Apayao @ 28: Celebrating Continuous Progress Vibrant Culture and Empowered People,”  the Say-am will be highlighted with the float parade on February 10 featuring the products and other produce of the different municipalities and the street dancing and the main program on February 12, 2023.(JDP/RMC- PIA-CAR) (photos from Apayao PLGU)