LA TRINIDAD, Benguet (PIA) — The provincial government of Benguet kicked of the 124th Benguet Foundation Anniversary through the Adivay Festival 2024 on Tuesday(Nov. 5, 2024).
Provincial officials led by Governor Melchor Diclas, Vice Governor Ericson Felipe and Congressman Eric Go Yap spearheaded the program at the Provincial Capitol to formally open the month-long celebration.
Felipe, in his welcome message, stressed that this momentous occasion is an opportunity for the people of Benguet to reflect on their rich history, celebrate their vibrant culture, and look forward to a promising future.
“As we gather here today, let us celebrate the achievements we have made, and renew the commitment to the challenges that lie ahead. Let us work hand-in-hand to preserve our natural resources, promote health and wellness, and ensure that the values and traditions of Benguet continue to thrive for the generations to come,” Felipe said.
Diclas said that this year’s theme, “Embracing Our Heritage, Co-creating a HEALTHIER Benguet,” reflects the deep-rooted culture, heritage, and tradition of the province highlighted by the Adivay Festival celebration.
“It also embodies the collective aspirations for a thriving and progressive future,” he said.
The governor added that the people of Benguet celebrate the Adivay to thank God for the blessings He has given to the province through the years, and also to ask for the blessing of a continued progressive Benguet and safe from disasters and calamities.
“The celebration of the Adivay is a thanksgiving to the Almighty for the development and progress of the province of Benguet and for the prevention of any major calamity or disaster would have affected the province of Benguet and its people,” he said.
For his part, Yap thanked the previous leaders and officials of Benguet for what they started for Benguet as he called on the youth to have a vision of a progressive Benguet.
“With the combination of the achievements of the past leaders and brighter ideas of the younger generation, there would be a more progressive Benguet province,” he said.
Meanwhile, Senior Board Member Fernando Balaodan Sr. provided the historical basis for the celebration of the foundation anniversary and the Adivay festivities.
Balaodan explained that Benguet was founded on November 23, 1900, and this is what the province is celebrating with the Adivay Festival every November.
Benguet became a separate province on June 16, 1966, when Republic Act 4695 divided the old Mountain Province into four provinces.
June 18 is celebrated as a special non-working public holiday in Benguet to recognize the enactment of RA 4695.
He encouraged the people of Benguet to support the various programs and activities of the 124th Benguet Foundation Anniversary through the Adivay Festival 2024.
Among the major activities are the opening of the Trade Fair on Nov. 11 and the Agri-Tourism Trade Fair on Nov. 13, both at Wangal, La Trinidad; the Benguet Awards at the Palace Hotel in Baguio City on Nov. 20, and the Mister and Miss Benguet Coronation Night at the Benguet Sports Complex Gymnasium on Nov. 21. On Nov. 23 are the main events which will start with the grand parade from the provincial capitol grounds to the Wangal sports complex, followed by the grand cañao celebration to be participated by delegates from the 13 municipalities with other guests and visitors.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and First Lady Liza Marcos are the invited guests of honor of this provincial celebration. (RMC with Dannielle Canlas, PIA- SLU Intern)
