‘Daytoy ket saan laeng nga competition but also a celebration of unity, discipline, resilience, and our shared identity as one Kalinga…’ - Gov. Edduba on Kalinga Prov’l Meet 2026 opening

Tabuk City, Kalinga – With the opening of the 2026 Kalinga Provincial Meet on January 14, Governor James S. Edduba emphasized that the Kalinga Sports Festival is being conducted not only to test strength and speed but also to remind every iKalinga of who they are and what binds them together as one people.

In an interview with Guru Press Cordillera, Edduba explained that the annual provincial sportfest is a symbol of unity and shared identity, where discipline, resilience, and cultural values are strengthened through sports.

He stressed that the provincial meet is more than a contest of athletic skills; it is a celebration of being one Kalinga, saying,

“Daytoy ket saan laeng nga competition… but also a celebration of unity, discipline, resilience, and our shared identity as one Kalinga.”

As the event’s kick-off approaches, Edduba called for the support and participation of his constituents for the province’s young athletes and their coaches, so that the games would be more meaningful.

“Kakailyan ken kakabsat, on behalf of the Provincial Government of Kalinga, dawatek man ti suporta yo para iti mas naragragsak ken nasay-sayaat nga panaka-isayangkat ti 2026 Kalinga Provincial Meet ditoy probinsiya tayo.”

For the athletes, he reminded them to uphold the iKalinga values of ngilin, paniyaw, and bain, both on and off the field. He also expressed hope that the event would inspire future athletes to follow the path of iKalinga sports icons such as SEA Games gold medalist Jean Claude Saclag and Olympian Hergie Bacyadan.

The governor then commended the host town, Pinukpuk, headed by Mayor Jimmy B. Dasayon, the organizers, local officials, and all those working behind the scenes to ensure that the event would be successful and safe for everyone.

Ending his message, the father of the province invited locals and visitors alike to visit Pinukpuk—not just to witness the sports activities but also to discover its rich culture, natural attractions, indigenous products, and warm hospitality.

According to an earlier report from the Department of Education (DepEd) – Kalinga, this year’s Kalinga Provincial Athletic Meet will bring together 3,099 delegates from the province’s seven municipalities: Balbalan, Tinglayan, Pinukpuk, Pasil, Tanudan, Rizal, and Lubuagan.

On January 13, the delegates began arriving at their designated billeting areas, specifically in Barangay Taga, Pinukpuk, where they will stay for the duration of the games.

Apart from sports activities, local Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in the province will display and sell their products, including handicrafts, woven fabrics, accessories, food items, and agricultural produce.

According to Office of the Provincial Governor, the trade fair is part of the provincial government’s efforts to promote sports tourism, support local livelihoods, and boost the provincial economy.