7th Bodong Festival Kicks-off: Municipalities and the city showcase rich Kalinga culture

Tabuk City, Kalinga – The 7th Bodong Festival and 31st Founding Anniversary of Kalinga officially kicked off on February 2 at the Capitol Park, featuring presentations from the province’s municipalities and city that showcased Kalinga’s diverse and rich cultural heritage.

On the said date, iKalingas, led by Governor James Edduba and Vice Governor Dave Odiem, along with local officials, gathered to formally open the 7th Bodong Festival and 31st Kalinga Founding Anniversary.

Among the highlights of the event were the cultural presentations prepared by the different towns and the city in the province, each portraying Kalinga practices and traditions through music, dance, and movement. These performances brought to life this year’s theme: “Naindaklan nga Kultura, Isu’t Bileg iti Kalinga.”

The Municipality of Balbalan depicted the early life of Kalinga ancestors; Pasil showcased the protection of life, property, and the environment as a means of survival; Rizal highlighted methods of food production in farming and fishing, including food gathering from the forest; Tinglayan portrayed the influence of early missionaries in the town; and Tanudan presented the Kalinga ethos, which serves as the moral guiding principles of the iKalingas.

Meanwhile, Pinukpuk highlighted Kalinga healing practices and indigenous medicines; Lubuagan featured indigenous scientific methods; and Tabuk City showcased customary laws and governance in maintaining peace and order, with emphasis on respect in human relationships.

Apart from the cultural performances, the opening ceremony included an ecumenical service where religious leaders from various sectors came together to pray for the province.

The kick-off ceremony, graced by Department of Agriculture Undersecretary Arnold Atienza, concluded with the presentation and sashing of the eight Miss Kalinga 2026 candidates.

Meanwhile, various events are lined up for this year’s Bodong Festival, including the Lumin-awa Trek (February 5–7), Kalinga Treasures Fair (February 6 and 9), Kalinga Slow Food at the Provincial Capitol, Concert at the Park (February 11–15), Chico River White Water Rafting (February 10), Diddiga Cultural Parade and Elementary Drum and Lyre Competition (February 12), Float Parade and High School Drum and Lyre Competition (February 13), Search for Miss Kalinga 2026 (February 13), and the Laga Fashion Show (February 14), among others. Festival activities will run until February 17.