PCG Vancouver joins Benguet Society of BC in celebrating the culture of Benguet Province at Adivay 2025

12 AUGUST 2025, BURNABY, BC. Last 09 August 2025, PCG Vancouver joined the leaders and members of the Benguet Society of British Columbia (BSBC) in celebrating Adivay 2025 at Burnaby Fraser Foreshore Park. Vice Consul Marco Harder attended the event on the Consulate’s behalf.

“Adivay” is a word from the Ibaloi language meaning “gathering” or “coming together”. Traditionally celebrated in Benguet during November, Adivay is an annual event celebrating the province’s founding through cultural displays, traditional performances, and showcases of agricultural produce and industries. BSBC’s Adivay 2025 featured booths from all the thirteen (3) constituent municipalities of Benguet, with each booth showcasing products from their municipality and providing a sampling of local delicacies to the festival’s attendees.

In his remarks, Vice Consul Harder expressed the Consulate’s appreciation for BSBC’s efforts to keep the culture of the various peoples of Benguet province alive and well in Canada, emphasizing that such regional expressions prove that the Philippines is  a “culture of cultures” and that this diversity is the source of our strength as a nation.Benguet is a Philippine province in northern Luzon comprised of thirteen (13) municipalities, namely: Atok, Bakun, Bokod, Buguias, Itogon, Kabayan, Kapangan, Kibungan, La Trinidad, Mankayan, Sablan, Tuba, Tublay, and the independently administered city of Baguio. Known as The Salad Bowl of the Philippines, Benguet is known for its production of upland vegetables. It also is home to Mount Pulag, the third-highest mountain in the Philippines, and the 26th-highest peak of an island on Earth.

Coming together at Adivay 2025 (from left to right): Mr. Bruce Ganase (BSBC), City of Burnaby Councillor Maita Santiago, MLA Rohini Arora of Burnaby East, Dr. Khristine Carino, Mr. Clifford Belgica, and Vice Consul Marco Harder. (Photo by PCG Vancouver)