9 outstanding citizens recognized in Lang-ay 2007 festival; Chavit Singson as special guest and US-based anthropologist Bacdayan as guest

Lang-ay 2007 revisited

Philippine Information Agency reports nine most outstanding citizens in the province were awarded during the 3rd Lang-ay Festival held on April 9, 2007.

Leading the awardees were mayors Gabino Ganggangan of Sadanga and Jupiter Dominguez of Sabangan as the most outstanding mayors in Mt. Province.

Other awardees include Arsenio G. Lamiing of Bun-ayan, Sabangan as the most outstanding solo parent. A retired caminero with ten children who are now all professionals, he is a role model in the community.

Susan Lamtocon-Aminor of Barlig, was recognized as the most outstanding teacher for conducting extension classes on reading and literacy work with out-of-school youth to advance their education, promote folklore and culture through curriculum integration of Barlig folktales.

Amadita Padua- Wagayan of Sadanga, who rendered 36 years of dedicated service and one of the 10 most outstanding midwife of the Philippines in 2002, was adjudged as the most outstanding midwife in the province.

Also awarded as the most outstanding Barangay Health Workers were Rhoda Bomowey Besay of Sagada with 24 years in service; Patricia Balao-as of Santa Isabel, Natonin, 25 years in service; and Beatriz P. Waggay of Palitod, Paracelis

These health workers go beyond their call of duty to attend to the sick and to those giving birth. They are the frontlines in mother and child care and they also initiate/conduct programs on literacy, sanitation and livelihood.

Engineer Rufino Bomasang of Besao, was also awarded as the most outstanding engineer.A man who rose from humble beginnings, he was the first Igorot undersecretary of energy.

These awardees were given trophies, tokens and plaques in recognition of their unselfish contribution to the ideals of the Igorots. They were judged by their outstanding leadership and excellence in their contributions to the development of Mt. Province and the nation as a whole.

Meantime, Senatorial candidate Luis Chavit Singson was special guest during the 2007 Lang-ay Festival. During the event, United States-based anthropologist Dr Albert Bacdayan who comes from Tanulong, Sagada was guest speaker.

The affair kicked off with a street parade participated by the local government, schools and delegates from the ten municipalities of Mt. Province.

After the street parade around Bontoc’s main thoroughfares, cultural presentations were held at the quadrangle. Municipality residents showcased their town’s unique personalities in dances and rituals with their fabulous native costumes. Local residents and tourists from nearby towns and provinces were treated to a bounty of wine.

Lang-ay means a living culture, of feasting and communing with food and wine. It is to celebrate festivities, to share one's joy with others, to foster solidarity among families and gesture of hospitality and friendship.

The local government vowed to make Lang-ay festival a regular attraction of the province. Governor Maximo Dalog said that the Lang-ay festival is Mt. Province’s answer to Baguio’s Panagbenga festival. Officials intend to make the event even more magnificent in the coming years.

This year's theme was, "It is only in looking back in time do we prosper towards tomorrow".