TABUK CITY, Kalinga – The Kalinga Bodong is no longer recognized solely as a traditional peace pact among tribes but has also gained recognition from Philippine courts and legal experts abroad because of its effectiveness in resolving conflicts, according to Board Member Atty. Christopher D. Donaal.
Donaal made the statement during the August 5 meeting of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan Committee on Rules and Ethics at Kalinga State University (KSU), where lawmakers and stakeholders discussed a proposed ordinance that seeks to provide incentives to qualified Bodong holders for their role in preserving the province's indigenous peace system.
Explaining his support for the proposed measure, Donaal said the Bodong is more than a cultural tradition. He described it as an indigenous system of restorative justice that has long helped settle disputes, restore relationships, and prevent conflicts from escalating into court cases.
He shared that he had previously presented the Kalinga Bodong before Supreme Court justices in the Philippines and judges from New York, where he explained how the indigenous practice serves as an effective community-based approach to justice.
“Actually, daytoy practice tayo (Bodong) ket haan laeng nga recognized iti korte ti Philippines but also outside the Philippines. Di napanak nag lecture idiay Supreme Court. Inpakita mi ti Supreme Court justices... judges ti New York nu anya ti kinapintas na ti Bodong tayo as a form of restorative justice,” Donaal said.
According to Donaal, the recognition reflects the enduring value of Kalinga's indigenous justice system, which continues to foster peace among tribes and significantly reduces the number of disputes that reach the courts.
“Daytoy ti kapintasan nga ugali tayo nga taga Kalinga, naidumduma. Sunga, nu agjudge ka ditoy, suertem ta basbassit ti kaso because of daytoy Bodong tayo,” he added.
Proposed incentives for Bodong holders
The discussion formed part of the committee's deliberation on a proposed ordinance authored by Provincial Indigenous Peoples Mandatory Representative (IPMR) Micheal Karel Sugguiyao titled, "An Ordinance Providing Incentives to Bodong Holders in the Province of Kalinga for the Celebration and Preservation of the Bodong System, Appropriating Funds Therefor, and for Other Purposes."
The proposed ordinance aims to formally recognize the contribution of qualified Bodong holders by granting incentives for their continuing efforts in preserving the Bodong system and promoting lasting peace among Kalinga tribes.
During the hearing, committee members and representatives from various sectors offered recommendations and proposed amendments to further strengthen the measure before it is endorsed for legislative action.
As of this writing, the proposed ordinance remains under review by the Sangguniang Panlalawigan.
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