Sapangbato, Angeles City — Mayor Carmelo “Jon” Lazatin II led the vibrant 2nd Ayta Day celebration held at Sitio Target, Barangay Sapangbato, highlighting his administration’s commitment to inclusivity and Indigenous Peoples (IP) empowerment. The event brought together Ayta communities, local officials, and stakeholders to honor and celebrate the culture and contributions of the Ayta people.
This year’s celebration was notably more community-driven. For the first time, Ayta leaders and residents actively planned and executed the program, with support from the Angeles City Government and the Angeles City Tourism Office (ACTO). This marked a significant milestone in ensuring that Indigenous voices lead their own cultural narratives and festivities.
Mayor Lazatin, alongside Indigenous Peoples Mandatory Representative (IPMR) Carlos P. Salvador and Sitio Target Integrated School Principal Rendon B. Coloma, joined Ayta leaders from Sitios Bliss, Sapangbato, Balaraw, and Babo. Their presence affirmed the local government’s close collaboration with IP communities in Angeles City.
The program featured traditional contests such as pana (archery) and sulbatana (blowgun), as well as demonstrations of Ayta culinary heritage like binulo cooking. Indigenous performances added vibrancy to the occasion with symbolic dances such as sayaw unggoy, sayaw palaka, sayaw langaw, sayaw matubag, sayaw ligawan, and sayaw pasasalamat.
A cultural highlight of the celebration was the Lagu ning Ayta pageant, where eight contestants showcased traditional attire and heritage. The city also recognized two newly licensed Ayta social workers—Isaias Baclay and Marie Carmela David—for their contributions to social development within their communities.
The event aimed not only to celebrate Ayta heritage but also to deepen public understanding of biodiversity and cultural identity within Indigenous communities. Mayor Lazatin stressed that fostering cultural pride among younger generations is vital to preserving Ayta traditions for years to come.
Mayor Lazatin reiterated his administration’s commitment to inclusive governance, stating that genuine representation begins with empowering Indigenous voices. He affirmed continued efforts to integrate IP perspectives into city planning, cultural programs, and grassroots development projects across Angeles City.
Source: Angeles City Information Office
