“Distance should not separate us from our roots and responsibility” — BM Kitongan to BIBAK Malaysia

TABUK CITY, Kalinga — Distance should never weaken a Cordilleran’s connection to home. Instead, it should inspire them to stay rooted in their culture, support one another, and continue serving the communities they came from, said Kalinga Board Member Emilio T. Kitongan.

Kitongan shared the message as he joined Governor James S. Edduba and fellow Cordillerans during the 14th anniversary celebration of BIBAK Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, and the Search for Ms. BIBAK 2026 on August 30.

The celebration brought together Cordillerans living in Malaysia to honor their shared culture, traditions, and identity.

For Kitongan, however, the gathering was more than an anniversary celebration. It was a reminder that living far from the Cordillera does not have to weaken the bond among Cordillerans or their connection to the communities they left behind.

He said working abroad may take Cordillerans thousands of kilometers away from their hometowns, but it should never make them forget where they came from or the people who remain at home.

“Uray adayo tayo iti lugar a naggapuantayo, saan koma a mapukaw ti pananglagip tayo iti Cordillera. Ipakita tayo nga adda latta ti panagkaykaysa ken panangpateg tayo iti naggapuantayo,” Kitongan said in an interview with Guru Press Cordillera.

Keeping Cordilleran roots alive abroad

BIBAK Kuala Lumpur brings together Cordillerans in Malaysia from Benguet, Ifugao, Mountain Province, Apayao, and Kalinga, providing them with a venue to reconnect, celebrate their heritage, and strengthen their sense of community.

Kitongan said such gatherings are important in keeping Cordilleran identity alive among those living abroad.

He also stressed the need to pass on Cordilleran culture and traditions to younger generations, particularly those who may have grown up outside the region.

“Napateg unay dagitoy a selebrasion ta makatulongda iti panangpagtalinaed ti kultura ken tradisyon tayo. Uray sadino ti pagnaedan tayo, masapul nga maipasa tayo kadagiti agtutubo ti kina-Cordilleran tayo,” he said.

For Kitongan, however, preserving Cordilleran identity goes beyond cultural celebrations.

He said the same unity and pride in their heritage should inspire Cordillerans to extend help to their communities whenever they can.

“Saan laeng a panangipateg iti kultura ti responsibilidad tayo. No adda kabaelan tayo, masapul met nga makatulong tayo iti ili ken kadagiti kakailian tayo. Uray adda tayo iti sabali a pagilian, adda latta ti pagrebbengan tayo iti naggapuantayo,” he added.

Kalinga strengthens ties with Cordillerans abroad

The participation of the Kalinga delegation further strengthened the ties between the provincial government and iKalingas and other Cordillerans living in Malaysia.

Governor Edduba served as guest speaker during the anniversary celebration, bringing the presence of the Kalinga provincial government closer to iKalingas abroad.

He was joined by Kitongan, former Pasil Mayor Alfredo Malannag and his wife, Ritchel Malannag, and Agtu’n Chi Banga musical director Mauricio Patongao.

Their participation underscored that the connection between Kalinga and its people does not end at the borders of the Philippines.

For Kitongan, the gathering was a reminder that being away from home does not mean being disconnected from it.

Wherever they may be, he said, Cordillerans can continue to carry their identity, support one another, and contribute to the communities that shaped them.

“Ti distance ket saan a rason tapno mapukaw ti panagkaykaysa tayo. Sadino man ti mapanan tayo, itultuloy tayo ti panangipateg iti nagtaudan tayo ken ti panagserbi iti komunidad,” Kitongan said.