In a momentous event highlighting the ASC Pamasindayaw celebration, Dr. Marita R. Canapi, Commissioner of the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) and Chairperson of the Apayao State College (ASC) Board of Trustees, was formally declared an Adopted Daughter of the Province of Apayao through Provincial Resolution No. 60 series of 2025.
Read by ASC College & Board Secretary Dr. Nobleza C. Sadao, the SP Resolution, authored by Hon. Vincent S. Talattag and Hon. John Anthony S. Amid, was passed by the Apayao Provincial Board on March 11, 2025.
The celebration, held at the EKB Auditorium, ASC Luna Campus on March 18, marked a significant cultural milestone as Dr. Canapi participated in the adoption rites. She was clothed in traditional Isnag attire, signifying her honorary adoption into the Apayao community. With the assistance of Marinel Ginez, representative of the Office of Cong. Eleanor Bulut-Begtang, and Hon. Tessie Bulsao, an IP member and Sangguniang Bayan member of Pudtol with NCIP representatives, Dr. Canapi was adorned in the Badiyu (blouse), Aken (tapis), Bahakat (belt), and Laddung (headpiece), a traditional outfit that symbolizes her new place in the Apayao family.
In her heartfelt response, Dr. Canapi expressed her gratitude for the honor, saying, “Ako po ay anak na ng Apayao. Kaya kailangan kong gawin ang katungkulan ng isang anak,”. She also reaffirmed her commitment to supporting ASC’s continued growth and the development of education, research, and extension programs in the province.
As part of the adoption ceremony, Dr. Canapi was bestowed the Isnag name “Nindu,” a title that embodies her loving and kind-hearted nature, further strengthening her bond with the people of Apayao. This meaningful gesture highlighted the respect and admiration the community holds for her dedication to the advancement of education and her unwavering support of ASC’s goals.
The ceremony was attended by key figures including ASC President John N. Cabansag, who delivered the welcome remarks, and distinguished guests such as Atty. Septon A. Dela Cruz, CHED-CAR Regional Director, President Ricmar P. Aquino, of Isabela State University, and President Joy Grace P. Doctor of Kalinga State University.
Ms. Marinel Ginez, speaking on behalf of Representative Bulut-Begtang, expressed optimism that Dr. Canapi’s leadership would help ASC achieve its long-term goal of becoming a university.
“Rest assured, Commissioner, that the Provincial Government of Apayao, through my office, will continue to support the dreams and aspirations of ASC as we have done for the past 27 years,” she said.
The celebration also featured a stunning showcase of Apayao’s cultural heritage, with the traditional playing of the gongs, Isnag dance, and song renditions. A symbolic toast, the Isnag Community Dance, and the heartfelt “Welcome to the Family” song led by the ASC Chorale marked the warm embrace of Dr. Canapi into the Apayao community.
In a poignant conclusion, the evening ended with the singing of “Auld Lang Syne,” followed by a fellowship dinner as guests and the ASC family celebrated the deepening connection between Dr. Canapi and the people of Apayao.
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/INFO UNIT
