Gov. Edduba urges Kalinga to protect culture alongside environment: “Part of our culture is the music that we do and the garments that we wear”

TANUDAN, Kalinga — Governor James S. Edduba has called for the protection of Kalinga’s cultural heritage alongside its forests, rivers and other natural resources, warning that the province’s traditional music, garments and Indigenous knowledge also need protection as technology rapidly changes how cultural works are created and shared.

Edduba made the call during the culmination of the Season of Creation and Indigenous Peoples’ Month 2026 on October 10 at the Tanudan River in Barangay Taloctoc, Tanudan.

“So it's good nga madaman nga idis-discuss da dayta nga ordinance and hopefully it will come out tapnu haan lang nga aglawlaw tayo ti protektaran tayo nu di ket protektaran tayo metlang dagiti kultura tayo—number one launay daytoy kultura tayo,” Edduba said.

The governor was referring to proposed provincial measures aimed at protecting traditional textile designs and local music creators.

He said cultural preservation should go beyond safeguarding physical heritage and should include the music, garments, creative works and traditional knowledge passed down through generations.

“And part of our culture is the music that we do and the garments that we wear,” Edduba said, noting the provincial government’s efforts to contribute to the protection of both the environment and Kalinga culture.

Edduba raises concern over AI-generated music

Edduba also raised concerns about the growing use of artificial intelligence in music, particularly the possibility that AI-generated versions of local songs could gain popularity while original works of Kalinga artists receive less attention.

“Iparit tayo metlang kuman dagiti AI-generated nga music en tani isu metten ti puma-popular ket mabaybay-an dagiti kukwa tayo nga creation ti artists tayo,” he said.

He welcomed discussions on the proposed measure, saying it could help protect the work and livelihood of local musicians and other cultural workers.

The issue comes as technology makes it increasingly easy to reproduce, modify and adapt musical works. Edduba said the province needs to explore ways to protect original compositions and ensure that local artists are not displaced or overlooked.

The proposed measure remains under legislative consideration.

Environment and culture linked

While highlighting cultural protection, Edduba also reaffirmed the provincial government’s commitment to environmental conservation.

“We will continue to support initiative that protects our forests and watershed, promote responsible waste management and encourage our community to become an active steward of our common home,” he said.

The Season of Creation is an annual Christian observance from September 1 to October 4 that promotes reflection and action for environmental protection. In Kalinga, the observance was institutionalized through Provincial Ordinance No. 2025-027, authored and sponsored by Board Member Camilo T. Lammawin Jr.

Edduba said caring for the environment is also an expression of gratitude for God's blessings.

“Ket dapat lang nga isu ti aramiden tayo ta isu metlang ti pammadayaw tayo ken  Apo Diyos nga mangmangted ti bendisyon ken datayo,” he said.

The Tanudan River gathering reflected the connection between environmental protection, faith and Indigenous culture. The symbolic release of fish fingerlings highlighted the importance of protecting waterways and aquatic resources, while the traditional Tupay ritual led by Provincial Indigenous Peoples Mandatory Representative Michael Karrel Sugguiyao highlighted Indigenous cultural practices.

Edduba called on religious leaders, Indigenous elders, local officials, young people and other stakeholders to make environmental and cultural protection a continuing responsibility.

“So let this celebration be more than an occasion, let it be renewed promise to care for our environment, respect our heritage, strengthen our faith and serve one another,” he said.

For Edduba, protecting Kalinga's heritage therefore means preserving not only its natural resources but also the music, clothing, knowledge and creative traditions that define its people.