MEMBERS of the indigenous group from Baguio and Benguet who are now based in British Columbia, Canada gathered together for the celebration of the 4th Adivay Vancouver Festival.

Organized and hosted by the Benguet Society of British Columbia the event held lately at the St. Patrick’s Hall was attended by at least 300 participants and other Igorot organizations based in Vancouver.

Renwick Quiaño, a member of the advisory board of the group, said the purpose of the occasion is for them to be reminded of their roots, culture, and tradition.

“These are the basic things that we need for this ever changing world,” said Quiaño who is from Baguio City.

The organization’s president Rafael Chan who is from La Trinidad said they celebrate Adivay every year the way it is also observed in their province Benguet.

“We are also reminding and teaching our children about our culture and heritage and we inculcate the importance of where we came from especially on our own culture,” Chan added.

Circulo Pampagueno Association of British Columbia president Christian Cunanan who also attended the event held on August 17 said true to the theme “Promoting and Nurturing our Indigenous Identity” the affair showcased presentations which made them understand more and appreciate the Igorot culture.

He also said that it is also in line with the celebration of 2019 as UN declared year of Indigenous Languages upon which 70 percent of the about 6,700 world languages comprise of indigenous languages.

The program started with a presentation of oral history through chanting by Cliff Belgica, one of the organization’s advisory board. He focused on the need to learn and ensuring the transfer of knowledge to the young generations.

Other highlights are the performances by the different groups of the organization who presented the Tayao and Bendian dances and lively music by the band.

With such occasion and gathering the Igorot cultural heritage will continue to live on even in other countries like Canada. May the Benguet Society of British Columbia continue such undertakings.

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