This is an original chant artfully composed and translated by Mrs. Estela Colanga Wanden, the beloved and passionate Coordinator of the Indigenous People’s Education (IPEd) Program from Bagnen, and performed with gusto by the parents of BES as a heartfelt welcome to their esteemed partners from BCU:
Kankanaey
Aheeey!
Gawis ay wakgat am-in
Owas di menlamlamnin
Agew nay sim-mingising
English
Aheeey!
Good morning everybody
Cold morning, nature's icy gentle touch
The sun emerged gradually
Mengasing nan u-ubbing
Nay asi da yayagking.
Joyful are the children
Skipping, frolicking, and playing.
Aheeey!
Intako men-iyaman
Nay dadlo ay inumdan
Agew di men-uubongan
Intako men-ag-ag gong
Ulnong di simpangabong
Aheeey!
Thank you, Almighty God,
Finally, the day has come.
A day of family bonds,
Sharing cultural stories spun,
For both IP and BCU, as one.
Aheeey!
Dadama ng ragsak mi
Ken dakayo ay bisita mi
Tulong yo ay nanumo
Nanapno si sursuro.
Mendawes nan binub-o
Basaen da nan lib-lo
Puonan day matago
Aheeey!
We are truly fortunate,
Blessed with books, a precious gift.
Knowledge within, we cherish,
A tool for generations to nourish.
Pursuing ambitions, we stand,
Navigating life hand in hand,
United with nations, we cope,
Guided by wisdom and hope.
Aheeey!
An-ak mi ay oskila
Esten yo ay mangbasa
Sin Tulong di mimistra
Nemnem yo et mabesa
Lumawa ng linglingka
Way laton kasiyana
Wadan enyo diploma
Ay matago isnan daga
Aheeey!
Anticipating our beloved learners
Guided by our teachers so dear
Read the books that expand your minds
Guiding you to success
and molding the way
For a better life and
sustainable progress
Aheeey!
O Apo ay Kabunian
Inka kad baniniyan
Bisita mi’y enumdan
Ili mi ed maudan
Amed mo bindisyunan
Biag da et masuntoan
Tay tulong dan ad-ado
Sayangdan ay sumsumbo.
Aheeey
Aheeey!
Oh, dear Lord, we ask and pray
Guide, and direct them (visitors) every day
Give them power and bless their way
Coming here is not easy
“Long Life! says Bagnen people
Cause more help is deserved by all
By other learners of every school.
Aheeey!