BAGUIO CITY(PIA) -- The province of Apayao kicked off the 36th Cordillera Month celebration with the Provincial Unity Gong Relay.
Apayao provincial officials led by Vice Governor Remy Albano and Board Member Kyle Bulut-Cunanan with Calanasan officials headed by Mayor Shamir Bulut and Vice Mayor Martin Lawat led the kick off ceremonies with the ceremonial beating of the Apayao Unity Gong at Barangay Sta Elena in Calanasan town on July 4.
The formal program followed at the Calanasan Sports and Cultural Center after a motorcade to drumbeat the Cordillera Month celebration and the campaign on the Cordillera autonomy.
In his opening message, Mayor Bulut stressed the significance of the event in fostering solidarity among the I-Apayaos and the Cordillerans as a whole. He expressed gratitude for the collective efforts toward regional autonomy and encouraged everyone to work together in overcoming the challenges.
Governor Elias Bulut Jr. who is also the Regional Development Council, thru his representative Board Member Cunanan, stressed that unity must be at the core in achieving shared vision of autonomy. He emphasized the importance of working together to build a self-sustaining, progressive, and responsive Cordillera that caters to the needs of its people.
The Governor reminded everyone that the gong symbolizes not only the shared heritage of every Cordilleran but also a beacon of hope for a brighter future.
Apayao Youth Ambassadors Jazreal Jamila Enciso and Eddiemar Pacis also conducted an Information, Education, and Communication campaign on Cordillera Autonomy. Their presentation highlighted the numerous benefits and advantages of becoming an autonomous region and provided specific insights into the positive impacts it could have on the lives of Cordillerans including the people of Apayao.
Learners from the Pedro Bunot Central School with Dam-ag naya Calanasan 2023 Miss Lei Gertrude Avryl Ravelo showcased the traditional dances of Apayao during the program.
The gong relay will go to all the municipalities in the province throughout the second week of July, moving to the municipalities of Kabugao, Conner, Pudtol, Flora, Santa Marcela and finally in Luna in time for the main program of the 36th Cordillera Day on July 15, 2023.
Apayao is the host province of this year’s Cordillera Month celebration. (JDP/RMC- PIA-CAR (Apayao / Calanasan LGU photos)
