Assembly launches Hiri Lagatoi

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By Alphonse Porau
THE Hiri Lagatoi Oalabada Taoata built for the 2016 Hiri Moale Festival was launched at Pari village yesterday.
Chairman of the Motu Koitabu Assembly Opao Fo’o Udia thanked the villagers during the launching for the commitment shown to build the Lagatoi for this weekend’s festival.
He said it showed that Pari villagers were preserving the tradition and culture of the Hiri people.
“I am privilege and honoured to see the commitment shown in completing the Lagatoi,” he said.
“This is a sign of fulfilling the agreement between the people of Pari and the festival committee, and also shows that you still preserve the culture and tradition of Hiri.”
Udia said the assembly decided to have the  Hiri Moale Festival this year after cancelling last year’s. The Lagatoi will be a feature of the festival this weekend in Port Moresby.
“The festival commences on Friday and the Lagatoi will show the real identity of the people of this land,” he said.
“Our language is recognised by the constitution and with that, it is a must we must have this festival. The festival is for all of us.”
Udia urged everyone in Port Moresby to participate in the festival as it was not only for Motu Koitabuans.