URBIZTONDO WINS PANGASINAN FOLK DANCE CONTEST

URBIZTO

Lingayen- - -Folk dancers from the municipality of Urbiztondo have emerged champions for Dayew: Pangasinan Folk Dance Competition which was held at the Sison Auditorium as one of the highlights of the 436th Agew na Pangasinan celebration on April 5.

The group, composed of local government unit (LGU) employees depicted the distinct culture of Pangasinan community through their lively interpretation of Maliket a Polka, a native dance which originated from Brgy. Estanza in Lingayen that gives honor to Sto. Nino, its patron saint.

Gov. Amado T. Espino, Jr. congratulated the group as he commended other participating LGUs for their effort to join hands with the provincial government in resurrecting and preserving the dying arts and culture of Pangasinan.

“These are the things close to my heart,” the governor said, adding that the present administration has worked hard to revive the lost grandeur of the province. “Ngayon hindi na tayo tinatawag na Pangalatok kundi Pangasinense,” he added.

An advocate of history, arts and culture, Gov. Espino led Pangasinenses in the march towards tracing their historical and cultural identity that started with researching on the founding date of the province in 2010.

Encouraging the elders to inculcate in the hearts and minds of every young Pangasinense the love of one’s roots, the Governor stated that patronizing the local folk dances is one of the best ways of preserving Pangasinan culture.

Expressing happiness on how local culture has evolved under his administration, Gov. Espino urged Pangasinenses to join hands to continuously promote homegrown songs, dances, and poetry especially among the youth.

Runner ups for the folkdance competition are as follows: Municipality of Bugallon (1st runner-up), Municipality of Sta. Barbara (2nd runner-up), and Municipality of Binmaley (3rd runner-up).

Aside from trophy, the champion group brought home P100,000 cash prize while runner-ups received P75,000, P50,000 and P40,000 respectively.

Winners were determined according to the following criteria: Performance (Projection)-30%, Choreography-20%, Technicality and Execution- 20%, Interpretation-10%, Stage Impact-10%, Audience Impact- 10%.
Non-winning municipalities were given P20,000 each as consolation prize.
/Ruby R. Bernardino
/Photos by MVSadim