From separation to solidarity: Kalinga and Apayao seek annual reunion during founding rites

Tabuk City, Kalinga – Officials of Kalinga and Apayao are moving to institutionalize an annual reunion as part of their founding anniversary celebrations, reviving the shared spirit of the two provinces more than three decades after their separation.

The proposed gathering aims to strengthen cultural ties, promote solidarity, and honor their common history as one province, with leaders from both sides expressing hope that the reunion will become a regular tradition celebrated alternately in the two provinces.

Kalinga Governor James S. Edduba made the announcement during the Laga Show held on February 14, 2026, at the Kalinga Sports Center in Capitol Hills, Bulanao, as part of the province’s founding anniversary and Bodong Festival celebration.

In his message, Edduba underscored the importance of preserving the bond between the two provinces, as officials from Apayao joined this year’s celebration. In a show of reciprocity, the governor, along with other Kalinga officials, plans to participate in Apayao’s future commemorations.

“…ket dagitoy met kakabsat tayo nga taga-Apayao, they wanted to come tapnu maki-celebrate met kanya tayo ken tapnu nu next met nga celebration, datayo met nga opisyales from Kalinga ti mapan kanyada. Thirty-one years ago, ket nagsina ti ili tayo, so ti kayat da kuma ket every year ket adda kuma reunion tayo as once one province,” he said.

The governor added that setting a specific day each year for the reunion would help sustain the relationship between the two local governments and their people. He noted that the plan is supported by officials from both sides who wish to retain the spirit of being one province.

“That is why – isu diay kunkuna ni Vice Governor [of Apayao] Kyle Bulut-Cunan – hopefully ma-arrange diay annual reunion, tapnu adda maysa aldaw nga i-set tayo nga agsisinnublat nga umay. Ket napintas unay nga plano dayta ket dagitoy kakabsat tayo from Apayao ket ma-retain diay spirit as one province,” he added.

As the province marked another year of its founding, leaders expressed optimism that the planned Kalinga-Apayao reunion would not only commemorate the past but also strengthen cooperation and unity in the years ahead.