BAGUIO CITY, March 19 (PNA) — The provincial government of Mountain Province launched on Thursday its 11th Lang-ay Festival during a press conference at the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) Cordillera Region Office here.
Mountain Province Representative Maximo Dalog Sr., Provincial Tourism Office head Francis Degay and Lang-ay Fest chair Pao Tumapang took turns in explaining what the Lang-ay Festival is all about.
Dalog said the festival was first celebrated in April 2004 during his term as governor of the province aimed at gathering the people of Mountain Province in a two-day celebration of culture and tradition.
The highlight of the 2015 Lang-ay Festival is the launching of the province’s e-municipality where people from its 10 municipalities may converge.
The 10 municipalities in Mountain Province are Bontoc (capital), Besao, Sadanga, Sagada, Tadian, Bauko, Barlig, Sabangan, Natonin and Paracelis.
The province’s 11th e-Municipality may be a website or a page in the social media network which can be easily accessed by residents even when they are abroad.
Meanwhile, Degay said the province is ready for the influx of local and foreign tourists this summer with preparations by the tourism office for accommodations and guided tours covering all tourist spots.
Degay said there are small hotels and hostels in all the municipalities with residents offering their abodes for ‘home stay’ tourists.
Tumapang also said the festivities will begin with a parade on April 10 with various activities until April 30. These include traditional dances, rituals, food, concert, sportsfest and trade fair.
At the end of the press conference, Dalog, a member of the Kankanaey tribe, prayed to the gods for the success of the 2015 Lang-ay Festival. (PNA)