MANOLO FORTICH BAGS MAJOR AWARDS AT 27TH ALDAW TA KITANGLAD CELEBRATION

Congratulations, Manolo Fortich!

The night of Wednesday, November 8, 2023, witnessed a trail of victory for the Manolo Fortich candidates of MAAMA KGV (Kitanglad Guard Volunteers) and Laga ta Kitanglad, as well as the performers of the Environmental Dance Drama, as they bagged major awards of the said contests during the 27th Aldaw ta Kitanglad celebration held at Barangay Capihan, Covered Court, Libona.

This year’s theme, “Preserving Water: Sustaining Life, Honoring Heritage,” recognizes the natural resources of watershed areas of the Mt. Kitanglad range as well as preserving the homeland of the indigenous people (IP). The celebration is hosted by the Local Government unit of Libona in collaboration with the Protected Area Management Board (PAMB).

Among the many events, the Maama KGV, Laga ta Kitanglad, and Environmental Dance Drama are major and yearly contests that are participated by neighboring municipalities of the Mt. Kitanglad Range which comprises Manolo Fortich, Libona, Lantapan, Sumilao, Impasugong, Talakag, Baungon, and Malaybalay City.

The following awards were garnered from the three contests:

MAAMA KGV 2023

Ferdinand II Abales Goayan

2nd Runner Up

LAGA TA KITANGLAD 2023

Rayca Mae C. Jorquia

1st Runner Up

ENVIRONMENTAL DANCE DRAMA 2023

Champion

In an interview, Goayan shares the preparations he has done as he strives to maintain the major award streak of Manolo Fortich, “Ang gi agi-an gyud nako ani nga training is ang Question and Answer gyud. Dili paman gyud kaayo ko kabalo mag binukid sauna pero gi paningkamotan gyud nako para mabalik gyud kung unsay nasugdan sa mga katigulangan sauna.”

At the same time, Jorquia expresses her gratitude as she lands the 1st Runner Up place for Laga ta Kitanglad 2023, “Grateful gihapon ko sa among mambabaya kay gitagaan ko ani niya nga opportunity kay wala gyud ko nag expect na makasulod ko sa top 3. Thankful na kaayo ko ani nga award.”

This year’s grand winners of MAAMA KGV is Peter John Paul Ganiahan from Talakag while the Laga ta Kitanglad is Michelle P. Calupe from Lantapan.

Moreover, this year’s 27th Aldaw ta Kitanglad continued to celebrate its vital role to the Mt. Kitanglad ranges in its contribution to the socio-economic development of the province of Bukidnon and the neighboring provinces. Manolo Fortich is just among the municipalities who have shown significant support to the mountain range in its active participation. In the light of the candidates’ and performers’ major awards, the municipality celebrates the life and culture of Mt. Kitanglad.