"Even if it's only one day, we must give it importance": Mayor Dagadag underscores significance of Tanudan's 63rd Founding Anniversary to townspeople

Tanudan, Kalinga – Although this year's Tanudan Day and Kapi Festival was reduced to a one-day celebration, Mayor Jaedicke Rhoss Dagadag said the occasion remained meaningful as it served as a time for the municipality to give thanks for the many blessings, progress, and peace that Tanudan continues to enjoy.

The local government, led by Dagadag, was compelled to simplify the activities for the municipality's 63rd Founding Anniversary and 11th Kapi Festival in compliance with the national government's directive to reduce expenditures amid the ongoing 110-day Middle East conflict.

Despite the scaled-down program, the mayor stressed during the celebration on June 25 that the anniversary should never lose its significance because it is a day for the people of Tanudan to express gratitude to God for His continued guidance and blessings.

"Inikkan tayo latta iti importansiya uray maysa lang nga aldaw daytoy fiesta tayo ta siyempre ditoy tayo nga apan agpasalamat iti Apo, dagiti bendisyon nga inted na iti ili tayo, dagiti bendisyon nga inted na iti pamilya tayo ket isu dayta iti apan tayo ipasalamat," Dagadag said.

He added that beyond celebrating another year of the municipality's existence, the occasion is also a reminder of the progress Tanudan has achieved and the peace and order that continue to prevail in the community.

Dagadag also honored the municipality's ancestors, recognizing them for preserving and passing on the values, traditions, and cultural heritage that continue to shape the identity of the iTanudan today.

"Adda dagiay immuna nga a-appo tayo nga nangisursuro iti annak da, nangisursuro iti apo da. Ket dinmanon kanyatayo tatta dagiti sursuro da panggep iti kultura ken tradisyon ket isu iti sursuroten tayo tatta. Diay unay a kaimportante nga insuro da kanyatayo ket daytoy ag-paniyaw, ta haan nga agprogreso ti maysa nga ili no haan nga ag-paniyaw. Ket dayta iti pagpasalamatan tayo kadagiti immuna," he said.

The mayor emphasized that the culture of unity and cooperation handed down by the elders has been instrumental in Tanudan's continuous development and should remain a guiding principle for future generations.

Dagadag concluded his message by encouraging residents to continue planting coffee, recalling that coffee farming enabled many parents in the past to send their children to school. He urged the people of Tanudan to support the municipality's ongoing efforts to revive and strengthen its coffee industry, ensuring that the crop remains a source of livelihood and pride for future generations.

The celebration of Tanudan's 63rd Founding Anniversary ultimately served not only as a commemoration of the municipality's history but also as a reaffirmation of the community's gratitude, unity, and shared commitment to preserving its heritage while pursuing sustained development.