‘Daytoy festival haan para LGU, haan para kanyak. Para iti umili iti Balbalan… kadagitoy ubbing ta isuda iti sumarsaruno’ – Mayor Malannag During 3rd Binungol Festival

Balbalan, Kalinga – For Balbalan Mayor Almar Malannag, celebrating one’s culture is more than just showcasing traditions, attire, dances, and authentic food—it is about preserving them and passing them on to future generations.

Malannag made this statement during the 3rd Binungol Festival celebration on October 29 at the Municipal Compound in Poblacion. The festival, institutionalized in 2023, was named Binungol after the famous Kalinga delicacy that originated from the town—particularly from the Salegseg Tribe (Barangays Balantoy, Gawaan, and Poblacion)—who have been preparing the dish for their families and guests long before it became a signature food in the province.

This year’s Binungol Festival featured the cooking of several native dishes, the serving of binungol on long tables surrounding the Municipal Hall, and the presentation of traditional practices, dances, and local songs.

In his message, the local chief executive stressed that the true essence of the celebration goes beyond showcasing Balbalan’s heritage. Its real purpose, he said, lies in preserving the town’s rich culture by teaching younger generations the practices and values passed down by their ancestors.

“Dagitoy nga aktibidad nga inaramid tayo nga festival, haan nga para iti LGU, haan nga para kanyak. Para iti umili iti Balbalan, karkaru kadagitoy ubbing ta isuda iti sumarsaruno nga mangkita nu anya iti mayat nga inaramid mi nga taga-Balbalan nga inmuna tapnu makita da, tapnu sumurot da. Tapnu karkaru nga iti Balbalan maamwan tu iti the whole Cordillera, the whole Philippines,” he said.

Malannag further emphasized the importance of teaching the youth of Balbalan about their heritage, asserting that they must be the ones to uphold and defend their culture—not outsiders.

“We follow our culture. Haan nga mabalin nga datayo iti sumurot kanyada. Awan iti pakialam iti daduma iti kultura iti Balbalan ta haan da met nga taga-ditoy, haan da nga ammu iti nainsigudan nga ugali tayo,” he said.

The mayor also recognized the efforts of the Municipal LGU, the barangays, national line agencies, and the people of Balbalan for making the 3rd Binungol Festival a remarkable, meaningful, and enjoyable celebration for everyone.