Pangasinan’s Pistay Dayat 2013 kicks off

Lingayen, Philippines  â€” Pangasinan Gov. Amado Espino Jr. formally opened Pistay Dayat 2013 with a message dedicated to all Pangasinenses anchored on the remarkable transformation of the capitol, including its environs and specifically the beachfront where the opening program was held last April 19.

Espino said Lingayen Gulf is a historic place, especially the beach area at the back of the capitol which is said to be the landing area of Gen. Douglas MacArthur on Jan. 9, 1945, thus extra effort was made to fully take care of the monumental site.

Espino said that before his term as governor in July 2007, the beachfront did not have the same enchanting and relaxing scenery that it has now. But the transformation has become visible and evident in the last six celebrations of Pistay Dayat.

Espino vowed to continue what was started until the protection of the environment totally sinks into the minds and hearts of Pangasinenses, young and old alike.

The opening program was highlighted by the street dancing of contingents from Bolinao featuring their very own “Mangunguna Festival” and Binmaley’s “Sigay Festival. A drum and lyre exhibition was also rendered by students of Magsaysay Elementary School in Lingayen.

The provincial government’s own cultural group, Danggoan Cultural Dancers, provided a dramatic presentation of gifts (water, salt, fish, fruits and vegetables) which are in abundance in the province.

A solemn prayer was offered by Fr. Jasper Hebron, parish priest of St. Dominic Parish in San Carlos City.

After the prayer, an offering dance by the Danggoan Cultural Dancers entitled “A Thanksgiving to God for the Blessings of the Sea” signaled the end of the opening rites, as the officials led by Espino and Vice Gov. Jose Ferdinand Calimlim Jr. paraded to the Pangasinan Training and Development Center (PTDC) for the opening of the 6th Pangasinan Tourism and Trade Expo.

Blessing of expo booths was conducted along with the ceremonial ribbon-cutting where Espino was joined by his wife Prescilla, after which the “Dakep tan Dayew na Pangasinan” photography exhibit opened at the PTDC, featuring the photographs of the Pangasinan View Finder Photographers.

Also present during the opening rites were the 25 candidates of Limgas na Pangasinan 2013.

A fiesta atmosphere filled the air as a musical treat (part of nightly activities at the expo site) followed immediately after the opening of the photo exhibit, with live entertainment provided by Insiong Tamayo and Banda ni ATE.