“Agrugi tayon nga agplano”: Gov. Edduba orders early preparations for 2027 Cordillera Festival of Festivals in Kalinga

TABUK CITY, Kalinga — Governor James S. Edduba has called for early preparations for the 2027 Cordillera Festival of Festivals, with Kalinga set to take over hosting duties from Baguio City after five years.

Speaking during the provincial government’s flag-raising ceremony on October 19, Edduba said the provincial planning office should assign a team to coordinate preparations with the tourism sector to ensure the province is ready for the regional cultural gathering.

“Agrugi tayon nga agplano,” Edduba said, stressing the need to begin planning and preparations early for next year’s event.

He said Baguio City had turned over the hosting responsibility to Kalinga during this year’s festival on October 17, while Department of Tourism-Cordillera Regional Director Jovie indicated the agency’s support for the province’s hosting.

“Daytoy ket Baguio ti naghohost for the last five years,” Edduba said, noting that Kalinga would now take its turn in hosting the annual celebration of Cordilleran culture.

The festival brings together cultural presentations from the region’s six provinces and two cities, showcasing their traditions through their respective festivals.

This year’s participating festivals included Abra’s Kawayan Festival, Apayao’s Say-Am Festival, Benguet’s Bindiyan Festival, Baguio City’s Panagbenga, Ifugao’s Gotad-ad Ifugao, Mountain Province’s Lang-ay Festival, Kalinga’s Tachok-Salip Festival, and Tabuk City’s Gabbok Festival.

Kalinga’s hosting in 2027 will place the province at the center of the regional celebration, giving it an opportunity to showcase its cultural heritage and welcome delegations and visitors from across the Cordillera.