2026 Bodong Festival to feature grand float parade; VG Odiem pushes for tourism-centered concept

Tabuk City, Kalinga – A float parade showcasing Kalinga’s rich culture, heritage, and creativity is set to highlight the upcoming 31st Kalinga Founding Anniversary and 7th Bodong Festival, following a proposal by Provincial Vice Governor Dave Q. Odiem to adopt a tourism-centered concept for the activity. Participating municipalities, organizations, and business establishments will be encouraged to prepare colorful and culturally inspired floats to mark the province’s month-long celebration.

During the first general meeting on January 9, 2026, held at the Grand Zion Hotel in Bulanao, Odiem suggested that the float parade be conducted ahead of the main celebration on February 14 to allow ample time for judging, public viewing, and wider community participation.

He proposed that the activity be organized as an open competition and categorized into big and small float divisions to accommodate both local government units and private entities.

“Diyay ti kasla suggestion mi kuma nga adda ti float parade before February 14, maybe 13 ti morning. Ket i-categorize tayo garud kuma tapnu, from big floats to medium float parades—kasla ken dagitoy munisipyo kuma, we will encourage them nga sumali under the big floats while dagitoy organizations or business establishments ket mapan da diay category nga babassit. And then we suggest kuma nga half day ti parade and will be an open competition,” he said.

Under the proposed setup, Odiem emphasized that float designs should highlight each participant’s unique tourism assets and cultural identity, while organizations and business establishments may also use the opportunity to promote their platforms.

“…daytoy float parade kuma—nu kaspagarigan ket nu Tinglayan, i-portray da diay tourist attraction da idiay nga Sleeping Beauty; as for Lubuagan, i-portray da met diay laga or weaving da, kasdiay kuma ti kasla concept na daytoy float parade tayo. Uray dagitoy business establishments nga willing nga mangi-advertise ti platforms da,” he added.

The vice governor further proposed collecting a registration fee from participants to help increase the prize fund, with winning entries earning the opportunity to compete in or be featured during the main events on February 14.

To maximize public engagement, the legislator also suggested that the floats remain on display after the parade, allowing festival-goers to view them up close and take photos.

Meanwhile, other festival-related activities were also discussed during the meeting, including possible schedule adjustments for cultural performances such as the Diddiga Cultural Parade and Showdown and the Drum and Lyre competitions. These adjustments were cited due to concerns over participant safety and weather conditions as factors in revising the schedules.

The proposed float parade is expected to add vibrancy to the annual celebration, reinforcing Kalinga’s cultural pride while promoting tourism through creative and community-driven presentations.