Besao, Mt. Province celebrates 14th Ubaya Festival

Besao, Mountain Province - The town of Besao in Mt. Province celebrated last week its 14th Ubaya Festival, which serves as a means for local farmers to express gratitude to the almighty for the blessings they receive.

With this year’s theme “SUMYA: Bridging Heritage & Innovation”, the Ubaya Festival, according to the Mountain Province Tourism Office, is a sacred time for the farmers as the said celebration allows them to reflect and rest after the busy planting season.

The five-day festival, which ran from February 27 to March 2, 2025, featured a variety of activities that showcased both the rich culture and tradition of the town.

Among the highlights were barn dancing, an agro-industrial fair, and a cultural showdown that included both traditional dance and music performances.

Governor Bonifacio Lacwasan Jr. expressed his admiration to the iBesao community for their role in organizing the event. He also reminded them to continue passing the spirit of such tradition to their children so that their culture will be preserved.

“Siya nan gapu un wada di Ubaya festival, siya nan gundaway nan mangisuruwan taku isnan uubing ta adida kuma malipatan nasayaat ay kultura taku,” he said in Kankanaey dialect.

Meanwhile, Besao Municipal Mayor Bryne Bacwaden reminded his constituents to take time during the festival to remember their ancestors, whose contributions have shaped the unique culture and traditions of the community.

Bacwaden urged the people of Besao to honor their roots and continue fostering the rich cultural legacy that defines their identity.