Preserving the trove of Ilocos Norte

Ilocos has long been a trove of artistic and cultural treasures. Think of those old, majestic churches, those lines of ancient houses. Think of the nutritious flavor of pinakbet.

Ilocano culture, thankfully, is more vibrant than ever through the projects of the Kannawidan Foundation, an association established eight years ago by Metro Manila’s Ilocano residents to preserve Ilocos Norte’s arts and culture, thereby inspiring the younger generation to appreciate and draw pride from their roots and emulate the values of their ancestors.

The Kannawidan was born out of a desire (actually said to be more of an obsession) by Gula Monroy Valenciano and her artist-son, Atong, to build a museum that would showcase the incomparable history, culture and traditions of Ilocos Norte. Although Kannawidan has diversified its projects, the main thrust is the same.

The noble goal of maintaining the northern province’s heritage lives on as the Kannawidan recently held a well-attended induction dinner for its newly elected officers and board of trustees at the Manila Polo Club Main Lounge. Holding the torch for the new year are Rose Marie Balmaceda-Lazaro, president; Amparo Javier-Araullo, vice president; Evelyn de Leon-Ranada, secretary, Gasat Paz Oledan, treasurer; and Baby Villaluz-Doble, auditor. The new members of the board of trustees include Justice Wenceslao Agnir Jr., Georgia Balmaceda-Alviar, Daisy Mae Alviar-Asuncion, Atty. Antonio Bonoan, Justice Conchita Carpio-Morales and Lita Marcos-Roque, with Justice Buenaventura Guerrero as legal counsel. The council of advisers is composed of Kannawidan founding chair Francis Ablan, Rosie Mata Castro and Maximo Edralin Jr.

Since the auspicious first induction of officers during the 1994 Laoag City fiesta, the Kannawidan has conducted fund-raising activities that helped repair and begin a museum in the old Sarrat Catholic Church (which was ruined by a terrible earthquake) and also aided in the repair of the Aglipayan Church in Laoag. The association has likewise sponsored a well-participated high school oratorical competition during the Philippine Centennial celebrations in 1998, and helped out in holding the colorful and exciting Pamulinawen Dance Festival, the Ilocano equivalent of the Ati-Atihan, which always entrances visitors and locals alike during the Laoag City fiesta. The latter endeavor is the Kannawidan’s share in reviving the Pamulinawen and attracting attention – and hopefully tourists – to the unique loveliness of Ilokano folk dances.

The Kannawidan Foundation’s most eminent achievement, however, is the realization of the Valenciano mother and son’s long-held dream: that of opening an Ilocos Norte museum. With the commitment of Gov. Ferdinand Marcos Jr., Kannawidan’s driven members poured as much of their time, talent and treasure to the cause. After all the members’ efforts and years of waiting, the reward was all the sweeter when the Museo Iloko was finally inaugurated at the Tabacalera building near the provincial capitol in November 1999 under the Gamong Foundation of which the Kannawidan is a trustee.

Tireless as ever, the Kannawidan is busy at the moment with its luscious food festival, "Gamat, Bagnet ken Pakbet," which features what else but Ilocano cuisine, products and culture, plus the faces and hands behind them.

To the Kannawidan Foundation, its officers and board of trustees, congratulations and may you have a more fruitful new year!