INDIGENOUS PEOPLES GET FOCUS AT QUIRINO FEST
The province of Quirino recently opened the seventh edition of Paskuhan sa Quirino, which highlights the vital role of indigenous peoples in nationbuilding.
Themed “Christmas Among the Tribes,” it features ethnicthemed exhibits to highlight the cultural diversity and harmony of the people of the province, despite their different backgrounds.
Held at the Quirino Sports Tourism Complex in the capital town of Cabarroguis, the municipal showcases are the Tinguian and Itneg tribes of Diffun, Ifugao of Cabarroguis, Igorot from Aglipay, Agta from Mad- dela, Ilocano from Saguday and Bugkalot from Nagtipunan.
Gov. Junie Cua said that the Paskuhan is their humble way of attracting domestic and foreign tourists to make Quirino their destination for the Christmas holidays and beyond.
He noted that this year’s celebration is special with the consecutive annual Seal of Good Local Governance Award the province received from the Department of Interior and Local Government for its excellence in financial administration, disaster preparedness, social protection and peace and order.
The province was also recently given the Gawad Kalasag Award by the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council.
Live bands, bazaar
Running until Dec. 31, Paskuhan features live bands, giant lantern contests, food plaza, bazaar, musical presentations from public schools and government agencies, and will conclude with a pyromusical display to welcome the New Year.
Guests can also visit the province’s tourist spots such as Aglipay Caves and Campsite in Aglipay, Ganano Falls in Diffun, Siitian River Nature Park in Nagtipunan, Governor’s Rapids in Maddela, and the world-class Quirino Watersports Complex in Cabarroguis.