SAGADA, Mountain Province(PIA)--The people of Sagada showcased once again  their diligence,creativity, resilience, and being a united community through the celebration of the 11th Etag Festival.

Bearing the theme, “Bridging Generations: Bringing iSagada Closer through Fest”, the celebration featured various activities such as ground demonstrations, trade fair, cook fest, concert, fashion show  featuring the different Sagada woven products , cultural street dancing, search for Mr. and Miss Sagada 2024, games, rescue-lympics and battle of the bands.

Office of Civil Defense-CAR Regional Director Albert A. Mogol and Police Regional Office-Cordillera Regional Director PBGEN David K. Peredo Jr. who graced  the festival’s kick-off program on February 1, expressed gratitude for being part of the celebration.

Mogol  said the festival is not only a reflection of the town’s richness,  but also connotes resiliency through trying times.

“For me, Etag Festival does not only reflect the cultural richness of Sagada, it does not only symbolize people or an event. But going deeper to what really Etag is, which is basically a preserved food for commodity for families, a line is drawn from this indigenous food to resiliency,” he said.

Peredo highlighted that the event exemplifies the value of unity and a venue for showcasing the identity of Sagada.

“This occasion truly demonstrates our willpower to be united, to be connected, and to showcase our rich culture and traditions through the various activities and events participated and enjoyed by all residents of Sagada,” he said.

Department of Trade and Industry-Cordillera Regional Director Juliet P. Lucas in her speech during the Cultural Day on Feb. 3,  congratulated the municipality and its people  for their continued celebration of the Etag Festival,  which celebrates the heritage and identity of Sagada.

She  stressed that the Etag symbolizes food security which is a priority concern, and that through the festival, the people of Sagada put effort to preserve and take pride to promote their unique traditions.

The Etag Festival from Feb.1-4 marks the start of the season of  homegrown festivals in Mountain Province. The  Ubbaya Festival of  Besao is set  on Feb. 29-March 3; Ayyoweng Festival in Tadian on March 1-3; Begnas Festival in Bauko on March 14-16, and Gagayam Festival in Sabangan on March 21-23, and the  Lang-ay festival  in April in celebration of the province’s foundation anniversary. (JDP/CVBT-PIA CAR)