‘This is not merely an event, but the beginning of a meaningful tradition… tapnu han tayo malipatan ti pateg tayo iti ili tayo’ – Pinukpuk Mayor Dasayon during kick-off of FIRST Gimpong Festival

Taga, Pinukpuk – The Municipality of Pinukpuk, led by Mayor Jimmy Dasayon, officially launched its first-ever Gimpong Festival on May 8 at the Municipal Gymnasium in Taga, Pinukpuk, gathering hundreds of iPinukpuks and visitors alike to mark the beginning of the month-long celebration.

The mayor delivered the statement during the kick-off program formally opening the festival. He emphasized that the event marks the beginning of a meaningful cultural tradition that reflects the community’s identity, heritage, and unity.

“This is not merely an event added to our calendar, but the beginning of a meaningful tradition—one that carries the heartbeat of our culture, the pride of our identity, and the collective spirit of our people. The Gimpong Festival is a testament to what we can achieve when we come together with a shared vision. Through this festival, we honor the wisdom of our ancestors. This festival is a living expression of who we are,” underscored the chief executive.

Dasayon added that the month-long event was established to honor the community’s “Gimpongs”—an iKalinga term referring to a native or Kalinga-born individual who knows and practices the traditions of the province—and to help preserve the municipality’s identity and cultural values so that traditions will not be forgotten.

“Daytoy nga fiesta tayo ket inapatawid dagiti gimpong tayo tapnu haan tayo malipatan ti pateg tayo iti ili tayo. Isu nga napili ti ‘Gimpong’ para iti festival tayo, tapnu awan ti mailaksid iti kaugalian nga naidaklan tayo,” explained Dasayon.

With more activities lined up after the kick-off program, Dasayon concluded by encouraging the community to remain grounded in their identity while continuing to pursue progress and development.

“As your municipal mayor, I see this festival as more than a celebration. Let this festival remind us that progress and tradition can walk hand-in-hand through development, and may we never lose sight of the culture that defines us. Instead, may we carry it with pride in everything we do,” the mayor said.