LA TRINIDAD, Benguet -- Barangays Bahong, Bineng, and Balili were hailed as winners in the non-motorized float parade during the recently concluded month-long celebration of the 2019 Strawberry Festival.
Balili was hailed the winner in the pro–environment category place followed by Lubas, and Betag in second and third place respectively.
For the Valley Of Colors using organic, vegetable and flower produce, champions were both Barangays Bahong and Bineng while in second place is Barangay Ambiong.
Winner for each of two categories received P50, 000 for the first place followed by P30, 000 for the second prize and P20, 000 for the third prize.
Consolation prizes of P10, 000 each were given to Barangays Pico, Alno, Shilan, Tawang, Poblacion, Puguis, Alapang, Wangal.
Tawang Dance Troupe meanwhile was awarded as best performer taking home P30, 000 cash prize.
The local government reiterated, although the event is not a competition, they seek to recognize every performers.
A P15, 000 prize were given to Barangays Ambiong, Pico, Shilan, Poblacion, Chomno Cultural Group, Betag Tallibeng Cultural Ensemble, Buyagan Elementary School, La Trinidad Central School-Highland Cultural Dance Group, and Benguet National High School Puguis Annex.
La Trinidad Central School topped the drum and lyre competition and took home P40, 000 followed by Buyagan Elementary School in second place with P30,000 cash prize and Balili Elementary School in third place with P20,000.
Mayor Romeo Salda on Friday, March 29 gave a 100 percent rating for the success of the month-long celebration.
He attributed the success to the support and cooperation of the stakeholders adding the need of space of learning and room for improvement.
The mayor also acknowledged all winners and former leaders of the town in keeping the town’s tradition, culture and the festival as a whole.
During the closing ceremony, an indigenous prayer, Bad-iw, was performed on March 29 at the municipal gym.