Wabag Town will come alive for the Second Annual Take Pii Festival and Eco-tourism Conservation Exhibition, starting tomorrow, the 11th to the 13th of October at Kopen Village, located just outside of the township. This Festival is an opportunity for the people to celebrate their unique cultures, showcase tourism products and services to show goers that will include both domestic and international tourists. This Second Cultural Festival will coincide with the Official Opening of Haus Man (Traditional Engan Men’s House) as well as a Cultural Research Center, that will be used to showcase cultural objects/artifacts and other tourism products. The Chairman of this Cultural Show, explained the significance of it. “The cultural festival has three objectives, is to facilitate access for all to culture, promote cultural diversity and foster independent thinking in young people towards culture, 18-year-olds in particular.” The Kopen Take Pii Cultural Festival boasts a uniqueness, as there will be a lot of demonstrations, alongside the displays of cultural and tourism products. I t is also expected to enhance socio-economic activities, curb escalating law & order issues, address Gender Based Violence, Inclusivity, Disabilities and other forms of Discriminations in the community. The organizers are encouraging the youth in the area, to actively participate in these activities to create an enabling and conducive environment. Enga Governor Sir Peter Ipatas, National Cultural Commission, PNG Tourism Promotion Authority and other relevant stakeholders will be in attendance to the cultural festival and eco-tourism exhibition. The hosting of the festival is to implement National Cultural Commission’s Cultural Policy 2022-2032 which aims to protect, preserve and promote indigenous cultural resources which are on the verge of phasing out due to Western influences. “On this note, I thank Enga Provincial Government, NCC, PNGTPA and other development partners and stakeholders for supporting such cultural festival,” Mr. Lale said. The 3 day show will begin with the opening of the Cultural Research Center and will feature traditional singsing, counting, sports, courtship, eco-tourism conservation and bilum exhibition, rituals, crafts, sand painting and string band performances.