BAGUIO CITY – The Presidential Communication Operations Office(PCOO) donated a set of photo exhibit of the Ibaloy culture that is part of efforts to promote the beauty of the diversity in the Association of South East Asian Nations(ASEAN) region especially with the Philippines as chair of the 2017 ASEAN.
PCOO – Bureau of Communication Services (BCS) Special Operations Division Chief Darius Josue and Philippine Information Agency – Cordillera Regional Director Helen Tibaldo led the turnover of the photo exhibit dubbed as “Habi: Continuing the Thread of ASEAN Culture” to the Onjon ni Ivadoy Association at the Avong in Burnham Park last week.
Launched at the Baguio Museum in September, the exhibit shows photos of the Ibaloy tribe of Benguet in their native attire doing their daily routine and observing their cultural practices mixed with photos of the woven fabric of the 10 ASEAN member states.
Josue said they wanted to bring back the traditions of the Ibaloys that their forefathers tried to instill and share them with the millennials or the new generation and that they will also be proud of their culture, color and race.
In the message of PCOO Undersecretary George Apacible read by Tibaldo, he said that the photo exhibit was donated to the Onjon ni Ivadoy Association to be used in promoting the rich culture and tradition of the Ibaloy people and the indigenous peoples of the Philippines.
Apacible said the “beauty of the diversity in the ASEAN region is that it is hanging on thread of culture that our ancestors embroidered for all of us to cherish until this moment.” He said the interlinked connection between the ASEAN citizens is not just on the location but also in many other ways such as physical features.
The photo exhibit had been featured in the different areas in Baguio City and Benguet. From the Baguio Museum, it was moved to the Benguet State University, University of Philippines Baguio and at the Benguet Provincial Capitol in time for the 117th Benguet Foundation Anniversary and the Adivay Festival 2017.
Onjon NI Ivadoy President Errol Tagle acknowledged the PCOO for selecting and showcasing the culture and tradition of the Ibaloy people of Benguet. He thanked the PCOO and its officials for the donation of the photos to their association.
He said that the photos will be featured in the different activities of the Onjon ni Ivadoy and will be the centerpiece of the Ivadoy Festival in February next year. /PIA CAR