BAUKO, Mt. Province -- Mayor Abraham Akilit is raising concern to protect the headwaters of the town in this year’s celebration of the 13th Begnas di Bauko.
“Our celebration of this year’s Begnas is anchored on the fact that Bauko is our home of talents and opportunities. We are highlighting the conservation and preservation of watershed as our rallying call for this festival,” said Akilit on Thursday, March 14.
Akilit said he enjoined the people as the keepers of water, cited the town as the water cradle of Northern Luzon that supplies Agno, Chico, Magat and Abra Rivers.
The mayor urged stakeholders to act on the protection of the waters as it is another pride of Bauko.
With the theme: “Ado-ado ay panlaingan ya kataguan, Bauko: Ili ay Kalalaydan” (Bauko: Home of Talents and Opportunities), cultural presentation from the 22 barangays were presented to the public as part of the festival.
“Culture from the core of our being and the essence of our existence forms the identity that cannot be erased from generation to generation. Bauko is a seat of indigenous culture, this rich heritage keeps our identity unique and vibrant,” he said adding that “most of their practices bear customary significance.”
Akilit after the presentation enjoined visitors to partake in the drinking of “tapey” (wine) to foster bond of friendship and a common covenant of support.
Through municipal ordinance no. 030-A, Begnas di Bauko was declared as the official town fiesta of the municipality. In 2006, the festival was conceptualized during its people’s day and in 2007, the first Begnas di Bauko was celebrated by the 22 barangays.
The festival seeks to commemorate the unique traditions of Bauko, while showcasing their tourism and culture of the town.