This year’s Pampanga Day celebration was more significant and meaningful as a special day was specifically devoted for the indigenous peoples, the first time ever in the history of the province’s 440 years of observance of its founding anniversary.
Dubbed Aldo ding Katutubo, the second day of the week-long celebration which has for its theme “Kulturang Pagyamanan,Balayan a Pakamalan” showcased the dancing, singing and oratorical talents and skills of nine indigenous peoples who vied for the Mutya ng Katutubo contest.
Provincial Social Welfare and Development Officer Elizabeth Baybayan said that it was Governor Lilia G. Pineda herself who pushed for the inclusion of the event for indigenous peoples in the Pampanga Day celebration as she firmly believes that they are an integral part of the province past, present and future development.
Baybayan said that the governor wants to preserve the culture and heritage of the IPs alongside the development of their upland barangays in areas of education, livelihood, health, water supply, and tourism.
She shared that the chief provincial executive has been consistently supporting and promoting the development and welfare of the IPs since she was the municipal mayor of Lubao when Mt. Pinatubo erupted 20 years ago.
All nine candidates of the Mutya ng Katutubo from upland barangays of Porac, Mabalacat and Floridablanca showed the close to 500 IP participants their talents on cultural dancing, singing and acting.
The contest was complete with all the trimmings of a regular beauty pageant as the contestants paraded in their native costumes, casual attire and answered questions of the board of judges.
Marifa Casupanan of Porac town who won the Miss Congeniality award was crowned Mutya ng Katutubo for 2011 and received a trophy and P6,000 cash prize.
Icelyn Abuque, also of Porac, emerged as first runner-up and best in talent and won for herself cash prize of P4,000 followed by Queen Rose Marie Sibal of Mabalacat as second runner-up and best in production number with P3,000 cash prize.
Other winners were Ederlyn Apang of Floridablanca, best in casual indigenous and Miss Photogenic with P2,000 cash prize; Lahar Joy Bacani also of Floridablanca, best in indigenous costume and Miss Punctuality with P2,000 cash prize; Jenica Margarito of Mabalacat, best in ramp and P1,000 cash prize; Maya Sevilla, also of Mabalacat, Miss Maiden Hope and P1,000 cash prize; Jessica Mendoza of Floridablanca, darling of the crowd and P1,000 cash prize; and Jenny Santos of Porac, Miss Winsome Smile and P1,000 cash prize.
Board Member Salvador Dimson Jr. was the committee chair of the event while Board Member Monina Laus, Provincial Legal Officer Atty. Cecil Andin, Luningning Vergara of the Public Employment Services Office (PESO), Bessie Makabali of the Provincial Library, Royce Pring of the General Services Office and Nicollete Henson, 2011 Miss Philippine World comprised the board of judges.
Criteria used in judging include score on pre-pageant, 25 percent; indigenous costume, 15 percent; casual indigenous attire, 15 percent; beauty, 15 percent; talent, 20 percent, and audience impact, 10 percent.
Baybayan attributed the success of the event to the overwhelming support of concerned officials of the government including the Philippine National Police, Air Force and 703rd Army Infantry Brigade especially Board Member Laus who treated the candidates with a tour and dinner. She also mentioned that the PhilCraft donated beauty products while the Century Resort Hotel in Angeles City has committed a free-overnight stay for the Mutya winner.
Board Members Tarcicio Halili, Trina Dizon and Dr. Nicolas Capulong of the Department of Education also graced the said special day of the katutubos, she ended. (Pampanga PIO)
