BENGUET is toning down its 120th founding celebration come November amid the worldwide pandemic.

Governor Melchor Diclas announced simple arrangements but will remain true to tradition with the “owik” or the butchering of pigs.

However, Diclas said a lesser number of pigs will be set as offerings to the mountain god, Kabunyan.

Most of the 13 towns in the province are set to celebrate respective founding anniversaries in November.

The governor said it is up to each local government unit on how to celebrate.

The Adivay Festival, which coincides with the founding anniversary, will also be suspended.

Adivay is an Ibaloi term which means "coming together."

Adivay is an agri-tourism festival focused on rediscovering the rich history, culture, arts, trades and industries of Benguet.

It was conceptualized to gather the 13 municipalities of Benguet to share their cultural beliefs and practices and focus on the products of every town.

In previous years, the celebration starts on November 23.

Diclas, meanwhile, renewed the call for the cooperation of the people of Benguet to lessen the number of Covid-19 cases in the province and reiterated the need to wear face masks and face shields to control the spread of Covid-19 infections.

He said to fight the virus, stakeholders need to protect themselves to protect their family and the community.