by Jonie W. Leung

Kapangan, Benguet – On September 20 th , 2024, the municipality of Kapangan came alive with the vibrant spirit of Teachers’ Day. The day, declared a special non-class day by Executive Order No. 33, was a heartfelt tribute to the educators who shapes the community’s future. Under the theme “Empowering Educator: Strengthening Resilience, Building Sustainability,” the celebration highlighted the importance of teacher well-being and cultural preservation.

Photo by LGU-Kapangan. Service awardees receiving their certificates of recognition.

Photo by LGU-Kapangan. Students warmly offer flowers to their teachers, a heartfelt tribute to their dedication and hard work.

Photo by LGU-Kapangan. Students warmly offer flowers to their teachers, a heartfelt tribute to their dedication and hard work.

The festivities kicked off with a touching tribute to teachers, acknowledging their dedication and hard work. Service Awardees were recognized for their years of commitment, receiving certificates and warm applause from the community.

Photo by LGU-Kapangan. Dr. Dandy Balinggao delivering his inspirational message.

Dr. Dandy B. Balinggao delivered an inspirational talk emphasizing the importance of mental health. He reassured that “all is well,” and encouraged everyone to prioritize one’s well-being, viewing challenges not as obstacles, but as opportunities for growth.

A spirited Kapangan Hymn Competition followed, with participants showcasing their vocal talents and pride in their local heritage. The atmosphere then shifted to one of joyful celebration with a lively cultural dance performance, highlighting the rich traditions of the region. Here are the links:

Video by Kapangan National High School: Performance by the Kapangan National High School Faculty and Staff.

https://www.facebook.com/100063715794134/videos/pcb.1053200276813822/502600919233057

Video by Kapangan Central National High School: Performance by the Kapangan Central National High School Faculty and Staff

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I33VZVEdmzY

One of the memorable parts of the day was the Grandmarch dance. This unique dance, officially recognized as a cultural treasure of Kapangan through the Municipal Ordinance 113 series of 2017 pursuant to RA 7160, holds deep historical significance. Originating from the joyous celebrations of liberation during the World War II, it serves as a powerful symbol of the resilience and unity of the people of Kapangan. Here are the links:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ym_f4qs-VCQ&t=8s

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BwnEWRWCXI0&t=35s

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1fqjmSb2hwI

Photo by LGU-Kapangan. The tunnel formation of the Grand March Dance.

Photo by LGU-Kapangan. The spiral formation of the Grand March Dance.

As the melodies of music filled the air, the entire community joined in the grandmarch, a heartwarming display of togetherness. This inclusive dance, with no age limits or specific rules, served as a “pan-aaspulan,” an Ibaloi term which means ‘coming together’ or an avenue for everyone to connect and celebrate together.

In addition to the vibrant Grandmarch dance, the community highlighted the rich cultural heritage of Benguet through vibrant traditional dances. The performances served as a tribute to the teachers who, like cultural bearers, pass on knowledge, values, and traditions to future generations. Each graceful movement symbolized the important role teachers play in shaping not just minds, but also cultural identify, preserving the essence of community through their dedication. Here are the links:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wbM3dMBv8U8

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ir854IaxmC8

Photo by LGU-Kapangan. School Principal Noel Winnan delivering his message.

Public School’s District Supervisor Virginia Salio-an delivering her message.

The school principal Noel Winnan shared a poignant message, emphasizing the importance of leading by example. “To effectively teach our students the Kapangan Hymn, we must master it ourselves, singing it with both accuracy and confidence. After all, we cannot share what we do not possess,” he reminded the educators. Public School District Supervisor Virginia B. Salio-an also encouraged the educators to remain dedicated to our students, finding inspiration in our noble profession and fostering a deep love for teaching.

The Kapangan Teachers’ Day celebration was a resounding success, honoring the dedication of its educators while celebrating the unique cultural heritage of the community. It was a day filled with joy, inspiration, and a renewed commitment to empowering educators and building a sustainable future for Kapangan.

Photo by LGU-Kapangan. The circle formation of Grand March Dance ready for the concluding song.

The following are the concluding songs of the Grand March:

Nu Masinsinop Tako (Kankanaey) – This is the link to the video of this song:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_OtPvVOhhyE&t=2s

Nu masinsinop tako, masinop, masinop

Nu masinsinop tako, naragsak tako

Gayyem mo, gayyem ko, gayyem ko, gayyem mo

Nu masinsinop tako, naragsak tako.

No Masinsinop Kito

(Ibaloy)

Nu masinsinop kito, masinop, masinop

Nu masinsinop kito, endagsak kito

Kajem mo, kajem ko, kagem ko, kajem mo

Nu masinsinop kito, endagsak kito.

The More We Get Together

(English)

The more we get together, together, together

The more we get together, the happier we are

Cause your friends are my friends, and my friends are your friends

The more we get together, the happier we are.

About the Author:

  Jonie W. Leung is a devoted public school teacher who serves his community with passion and dedication. Committed to lifelong learning, he strives to become a more effective public servant in his role as an educator. Currently pursuing his doctorate at Baguio Central University, he has the opportunity to journey alongside Dr. Genevieve Kupang, Dean/Faculty of the Graduate School and a contributor to Pressenza, as a fellow lifelong learner.