Ifugao marks 57th anniversary

LAGAWE , Philippines —The province of Ifugao, home to the world-renowned rice terraces, marked its 57th founding anniversary on Saturday, capping a 17-day festivity of ethnic presentations and agro-industrial fairs.

Dubbed Gotad ad Ifugao, this year’s celebration carried the theme Linggop, Hangle ya Amlong or Well-being, Progress and Happiness.

Gov. Jerry Dalipog said this year’s celebration focused more on the promotion of ethnic skills, culture and traditions as well as major tourism sites.

Ifugao’s rice terraces, whose most majestic parts  are located in the towns of Banaue, Kiangan, Hingyon and Mayoyao,  have been declared as a cultural heritage site by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization.