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Ifugao

Gotad ad Ifugao

Gotad ad Ifugao is a cultural festival and founding anniversary celebration in Ifugao, Philippines that is held every 18th of June annually. A week-long and province-wide affair, it is a fest that is participated by its constituent localities and showcases the proud customs and tradition and indigenous practices of its people.

The foundation day is also a special holiday in the province by virtue of Republic Act No. 11101 that was approved on October 26, 2018. The 18th of June is also called “Ifugao Foundation Day.”

History of Gotad ad Ifugao

Gotad ad Ifugao comes from the word gotad, which means big gathering or celebration. It is taken from the language of the distinct ethnolinguistic group called Ifugao, which is also the name of the province. Gotad refers to a phase of uya-oy, a prestige rite that is observed in the elevation of status of a rich family or clan. People gather together, invited or not. It is marked with the consumption of bayah, a local alcoholic beverage, and revelries such as music and dance.

History of Ifugao

Ifugao is surrounded by land and it is part of the Cordillera Administrative Region that also includes Abra, Apayao, Benguet, Kalinga, and Mountain Province. Its people are believed to be migrants from territories belonging to Mountain Province. During over three hundred years of Spanish rule, it mounted resistance against waves of colonizing efforts of the Spaniards and as a result it was never truly conquered. In the American era, it became part of Mt. Province through the passage of Act. No. 1876 of the Philippine Commonwealth in 1908. Its status remained so for the succeeding decades.

Gotad ad Ifugao as a fest commemorates the establishment of Ifugao as a province. It was made possible through the promulgation of Republic Act No. 4695 on June 18, 1966. The law marked the boundaries of Mountain Province and the newly created provinces of Benguet, Ifugao, and Kalinga-Apayao (which further split into Apayao and Kalinga in 1995.)

Moreover Republic Act No. 11101 was enacted in 2018, which declares that the 18th of June every year is going to be known as Ifugao Foundation Day and that the day is a special nonworking holiday in the province of Ifugao.

Gotad ad Ifugao Activities

Most activities are in Lagawe, the capital of the province. There are also other events that are scheduled in other areas. It boasts of sporting events, trade fair, public services, job fair, thanksgiving mass and interfaith service,
cook-fest of indigenous recipes, fashion show, beauty pageant called Search for Bugan ya Wigan di Gotad and showcase of ethnic traditions, sports, games, and skills. It is also marked with a grand parade with colorful floats.

How to reach Ifugao

Buses are available from Manila going to Banaue, Ifugao.

References

Gotad ad Ifugao Summary

NameGotad ad Ifugao
CelebrationCulture, Founding anniversary
CountryPhilippines
DateJune 18
Duration1 week
Emailpgocapitol2019@gmail.com
Facebookweb.facebook.com
LocationIfugao
OrganizerProvincial Government of Ifugao
Websiteifugao.gov.ph