Apayao kicks off 27th Foundation Anniversary
By Redjie Melvic Cawis
CALANASAN, Apayao(PIA) — The provincial government led the launching of the 27th Anniversary Foundation of the province in this municipality, the hometown of Elias Bulut Sr, the founder of Apayao, last February 8.
Governor Eleanor Bulut-Begtang, Congressman Elias Bulut Jr., and other provincial officials with the municipal officials and employees of Calanasan led by Mayor Martin Lucero Lawat and Vice Mayor Shamir Bulut led the launching ceremonies .
The launching program started with a bike fun run, followed by a commemorative program and capped by the inauguration of the Municipal Legislative Building, Liga ng mga Barangay Hall and Calanasan mini-hostel.
During the program, Cong. Bulut presented the developments being undertaken in the province aimed at improving the lives of the i-Apayaos.
“Our roads, buildings and businesses alike are just part of the continuing work that shows umad-addang tada kiya progreso (that we are moving towards progress) and these are worth-celebrating,” he said.
The Congressman commended the yCalanasans for their unity and cooperation allowing for development to take place. “Like how the late Elias K. Bulut dreamt of what the province has become now, we have to keep on dreaming, assert our cultural identity, and plan for a better future for the generations to come.”
Begtang encouraged the i-Apayaos to embrace the changes and sacrifices it takes for development to happen. She also stressed that they, the people of Apayao, should efficiently manage their resources for sustainable development.
Meanwhile, Philippine Councilor’s League Apayao Chapter President and ex-officio Sangguniang Panlalawigan Board Member Kyle Mariah Chelsea Bulut recalled political journey of the founder of Apayao that led to the province’s development.
She said that thru the commemoration program, they are also showcasing the vision and dreams of the “Father of Apayao” who initiated the separation of Apayao and Kalinga as two independent provinces thru Republic Act 7878 passed on February 14, 1995.
Simultaneous with the activities in Calanasan was the distribution of various financial assistance and incentives under the Apayao Socio-Economic Efforts Necessary for Growth (ASENG) program of the provincial government.
The launching ceremony also kicked off the series of municipal celebrations slated this February to commemorate the founding anniversary of the province of Apayao. The different municipalities will also be holding their own commemoration programs within the month of February.
The 27th Apayao Day founding anniversary will be highlighted with a celebration on February 14 in the municipality of Kabugao that will be strictly adhering to the health and safety protocols.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Say-am festivities and other several activities which have been part of the annual celebrations will still be suspended including the crowd-drawing street dance and float parades. . (JDP/RMC- PIA-CAR) (photos from Apayao PLGU)
