A song for generations: Tanudan hymn wins final SP approval, giving the town a lasting symbol of its identity

FEATURE

What began as a humble songwriting contest entry nearly a decade ago has now become a lasting symbol of the municipality of Tanudan.

On Tuesday, July 7, the Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) of Kalinga formally approved the ordinance adopting the Tanudan Hymn, completing the final legislative requirement for its implementation and giving the municipality an official song that reflects its history, culture, and aspirations.

The approval, made during the Provincial Board's 30th Regular Session presided over by Vice Governor Atty. Dave Odiem, marked the culmination of years of local efforts to give Tanudan a hymn that its people can proudly call their own.

The ordinance had earlier been reviewed by the SP Committee on Rules and Ethics chaired by Board Member Atty. Christopher Donaal before receiving the unanimous approval of the provincial legislators.

From a songwriting contest to history

For composer Jocelyn Dulagan, the approval was the realization of something she never imagined when she wrote the lyrics in 2017.

Then a public school teacher and now the Indigenous Peoples Mandatory Representative (IPMR) of Tanudan, Dulagan composed the hymn as her entry to a municipal songwriting competition held on June 25, 2017.

She said she carefully followed the prescribed standards for composing a municipal hymn, hoping only to create a song worthy of representing her hometown.

"It was June 25, 2017, when I joined a contest. I was still a teacher at that time. Now, I am the IPMR after succeeding my elder sister. I followed the rules in composing the hymn. I never imagined that it would eventually reach the Sangguniang Bayan and be presented for adoption," Dulagan shared.

After receiving recognition in the competition, the composition eventually reached the Sangguniang Bayan of Tanudan, which passed an ordinance adopting it as the municipality's official hymn.

The ordinance, entitled "An Ordinance Adopting and Declaring the 'Tanudan Hymn' as the Official Hymn of the Municipality of Tanudan, Prescribing Its Mandatory Singing During Official and Formal Functions, Activities, and Programs of the Local Government Unit of Tanudan, and Providing Penalties for Violations Thereof," was later forwarded to the Provincial Board for review, as required under the Local Government Code.

A melody that tells Tanudan's story

More than just a ceremonial song, Dulagan said the hymn tells the story of Tanudan and the people who have shaped it through the years.

Every verse was carefully crafted to capture the municipality's breathtaking landscapes, rich cultural heritage, enduring traditions, and the unity of its people. The lyrics also pay tribute to the leaders who helped build the community while inspiring future generations to continue working for its progress.

"I described the physical features of the municipality of Tanudan, including its beautiful spots such as the rice terraces, as well as our culture and traditions. The hymn also honors the leaders we have had in Tanudan and reminds us of what we should do to make our town more progressive," Dulagan added.

A lasting symbol of unity and pride

With the Provincial Board's approval, the Tanudan Hymn now stands as more than an official municipal composition.

It becomes a shared expression of identity that will be sung during official ceremonies, civic gatherings, and local celebrations—reminding every iTanudan of the municipality's heritage, values, and collective aspirations.

For years to come, the melody that once began as a competition entry will echo through schools, government halls, and community events, carrying with it the story of Tanudan and the pride of the people who call it home.