BODONG FESTIVAL 2026 in Kalinga: Major shift to be expected

Tabuk City, Kalinga — The Planning Committee of the 2026 Kalinga Founding Anniversary, chaired by Provincial Administrator Teddy Gullay, announced a major shift in next year’s Bodong Festival and Founding Anniversary celebration.

The announcement was made during the 4th Quarter Management Committee Meeting on November 17, 2025, where the group unveiled a diversified plan that will distribute key events across multiple municipalities to boost cultural promotion, tourism, and local participation.

According to the planning committee, the new approach will decentralize events previously concentrated in Tabuk City, with the municipalities of Tinglayan, Balbalan, and Lubuagan identified as hosts for signature cultural activities.

“We noticed kasi dati diba amin ket ditoy Bulanao lang, so ngayon, dina-diversify na natin. And yun nga, we are trying to put up some activities in Tinglayan; Balbalan will also post a campaign. But we are still waiting for further updates—in Lubuagan also for the Laga Fashion Show. Hoping na yung mga turista, pupunta sila sa mga places na ’to para may promotion and engagement ang Kalinga as a whole,” Secretary of the Planning Committee Isah Dabilyn Bitanga said.

The committee emphasized that spreading the festivities across municipalities will strengthen cultural engagement and open income opportunities for more communities, especially since the limited budget requires stronger reliance on private partners and sponsorships.

One major consideration in the new setup is the welfare of children, who in previous celebrations experienced discomfort and health risks during crowded parades held under unpredictable weather conditions. To address this, the 2026 celebration will prioritize well-scheduled and more focused activities instead of large, strenuous processions.

“Isa pang main na ina-address natin diyan is yung strain sa mga children before, na dahil sa mga parades ay madami sa mga children natin ang nadedehado—given nga yung activity, the weather, and the crowd during the festivity. So focus na tayo on scheduling the events and concentrated na ang mga activities natin,” Bitanga added.

Among the festival’s major highlights is the “Diddiga di Kalinga” set for February 12, with Department of Tourism Secretary Ma. Esperanza Christina Garcia Frasco expected to attend after expressing interest in witnessing the cultural showcases firsthand.

As for the Ms. Kalinga pageant, it will be fully privatized, with prizes funded by participating sponsors. Each municipality is expected to field at least one representative.

As the province prepares for its milestone celebration, the committee aims to anchor all events on the proposed theme “Naidaklan nga Kultura, Isu’t Bileg ti Kalinga,” underscoring the collective effort to preserve heritage while strengthening local tourism and community engagement.