BAGUIO CITY — Bontoc, the capital town of Mountain Province, kicked off its 115th founding anniversary with a fun bike ride and tree planting yesterday. The bikers pedaled their way to Kaman-utek, Balili, Bontoc, Mountain Province for the tree planting.
Bontoc Mayor Jerome Tudlong Jr. said that the activity was not just a way to promote environmental advocacy, but also to raise awareness about the importance of healthy living through exercise.
"We want to show our people that it is possible to have fun and be healthy at the same time," Tudlong said. "We also want to remind them of the importance of taking care of our environment."
The activity was also part of the launch of the town's 19th "Am-among Festival." The word "Am-among" is a local term meaning "getting closer together as one community."
The festival will feature a variety of traditional and cultural activities, including a street parade, a beauty pageant, and a talent show. It will culminate on 29 September, which is the town's actual founding anniversary.
Meanwhile, the residents and local officials of the municipality of Sablan in the Province of Benguet braved the rains and winds to celebrate the town's 9th Sablan Fruit Festival.
The annual holding of the festival aims to promote the town's fruit industry and also a thanksgiving for the bountiful harvest of the residents of Sablan.
Sablan is considered as the fruit basket of Benguet, and is known for its production of strawberries, raspberries, and other fruits.