THE 7th Ayyoweng di Lambak ed Tadian in Mt. Province has officially started.
The festival, which was launched yesterday, February 26, is expected not only to celebrate thanksgiving this year but will highlight the indigenous way of living.
Tadian mayor Anthony Wooden recently told media that the key point of this year's Ayyoweng ed Lambak is to showcase, promote, and celebrate the the indigenous way of living which the local community has been trying to preserve.
Highlight of the launching activity was the opening of "binangi", a Western Mt. Province house also called "binatang", "ginaon" and "sinebey" in other municipalities.
The "binangi" is a 20-feet three-storey house with a four-by-four-meter dimension, made of indigenous products such as wood and bamboo products with a roofing made of "kugon".
It's basement is an open area which will soon serve as a museum that will exhibit local products, artworks and images showing the Igorot culture and way of living.
The second floor serves as a quarters where people can stay and feel home.
Meanwhie, the third floor will serve as a storage area.
"Ang problema sa amin dahil sa pagdating ng modern housing, nauubos na lahat ito (binangi) kaya we are trying to restore it (traditional housing)," Wooden said.
Through the house, he hoped they will somehow be able to showcase and promote the Igorot-way of living again.
He added the "binangi" is a product of the people of Tadian's "bayanihan" spirit which symbolizes the unity of the indigenous commune in restoring and preserving what is left of their culture.
"Ang trend ngayon ay bumabalik tayo ngayon sa organic way of living. Eh ang Igorot way of livinf, that's very organic kaya binabalik lang namin yung kultura namin," stressed Wooden.
Also highlights of the Ayyoweng ed Lambak ed Tadian are the different activities which will showcase the indigenous culture of the people in western Mt. Province such as the agri-industrial fare of March 5; the civic parade and ground demonstration on March 6; and the cultural street dancing, presentation, "bahag-ketball" and other indigenous games on March 7.
Various rituals, ceremonial prayers, chants and dances will also be performed all throughout the celebration as part of the town's well preserve tradition and practices.