FEATURE: An iTanudan Teacher’s Tribute to Tradition: The story behind the 2026 Bodong Festival Logo

Tabuk City, Kalinga – Behind the vibrant and deeply symbolic logo of the 2026 Kalinga Bodong Festival is an iTanudan educator whose artistry brought the province’s heritage to life.

Spike Pugao, a teacher at St. Tonis College Incorporated and a resident of Lay-asan, Tanudan, emerged as the winner of the first-ever Bodong Festival Logo Contest. His design stood out for its powerful depiction of Kalinga’s rich culture, highlighted by the incorporation of the lubay—a traditional women’s earring that symbolizes beauty, identity, and heritage in Kalinga.

Pugao’s masterpiece weaves together elements of the province’s eco-tourism destinations, cultural traditions, and the unity of its people, reflecting the diversity and vibrancy that define Kalinga.

“Naging inspiration ko yung ganda ng ating kultura, kaya I planned to make a logo na lahat ng tradisyon at kultura natin ay may representasyon o simbolo para pag nakita ng mga tao ito, makikita din nila ang ating makulay na kultura. Isa sa mga ginamit ko talaga ay ang lubay, yung traditional na earring ng mga kababaihan para i-represent niya ang kagandahan ng tradisyon, kultura at practices natin katulad ng Bodong,” he shared with GURU Press Cordillera.

Determined to meet the deadline, Pugao revealed that he worked on the logo every day after his classes in January 2026. His dedication paid off—not only earning him the top prize and a cash incentive from the Provincial Government—but also the honor of having his creation serve as the official emblem of the 6th Bodong Festival and 31st Kalinga Founding Anniversary celebration held in early February.

The Municipality of Tanudan, led by Mayor Jaedicke Rhoss Dagadag, commended Pugao for his creativity and artistic vision, recognizing his contribution to preserving and promoting Kalinga’s cultural identity through visual art.