‘Digdiga is proof that harmony is possible when respect, dialogue, and solidarity guide our life’ - Vice-Gov. Odiem during cultural showdown in Kalinga

Tabuk City, Kalinga – During the Digdiga Cultural Showdown on February 12, 2026, at the Kalinga Astrodome, iKalingas were urged by Vice-Governor Dave Odiem to take pride in their traditional practices, noting that these customs prove Kalinga remains united despite its diversity.

Held as one of the main events of Kalinga’s 31st Founding Anniversary and 7th Bodong Festival, the Digdiga Cultural Showdown featured performances from the province’s seven municipalities and lone city, as well as representatives from three major ethnolinguistic groups.

The festivities began with a vibrant procession from the Bulanao Rotunda to the Kalinga Sports Center, where participants showcased their unique cultural heritage before provincial officials, visitors, invited guests, and the Kalinga people.

In his message during the opening program, Vice-Governor Odiem said the Digdiga is more than a mere spectacle—it is a celebration of Kalinga’s identity. He emphasized that while the province is home to more than 40 sub-tribes, they coexist harmoniously as one people.

Thus, he said, iKalingas should be proud of their identities, as these ancestral roots serve as the foundation of their “enduring resilience.”

“More than being a performance, it is the heartbeat of Kalinga culture. As we witness the vibrant presentations of our different tribes, we are reminded that diversity can truly thrive in peace. This cultural show is proof that harmony is possible when respect, dialogue, and solidarity guide our life. It is a call to remember who we are as a people and what we must continue to do as one. Let us be proud,” Odiem added.

Alongside Odiem, Governor James Edduba and other local officials also attended the event and welcomed Department of Tourism (DOT) Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco, the invited guest speaker.

Following the presentations, the officials joined the performers in a “unity dance,” a powerful gesture that reinforced Odiem’s message of a strong and undivided Kalinga.