“If we want Bodong to survive, we must involve our children”: Atty. Dickpus pushes cultural education for future generations

FEATURE

LUBUAGAN, Kalinga — In an age where technology, globalization, and modern influences continue to shape the lives of young people, Kalinga cultural advocate Atty. Charisma Ann Dickpus believes that preserving the province's rich heritage can no longer be left solely to elders and cultural practitioners. Instead, she says, it must become part of what children learn in school.

Following the Bodong celebration held on June 6 and 7, 2026, in Mabilong, Lubuagan between the Lubuagan and Pangol tribes, Dickpus renewed her call for the integration of the Bodong, Pagta, and Kalinga cultural values into the educational curriculum, emphasizing that cultural knowledge is just as important as academic learning.

“Knowledge can open doors to opportunity, but values determine how we use those opportunities. Schools teach us what to know. Culture teaches us how to live. A truly educated person is one who possesses both knowledge and character,” Dickpus said.

For generations, the Bodong has served as more than a peace pact among tribes. It has been a foundation for conflict resolution, social order, mutual respect, and unity among Kalinga communities. Embedded within it are the values of Paniyaw (respect and honor), Ngilin (moral restraint and accountability), and Ba-in (care and concern for others)—principles that continue to guide how people relate to one another, raise families, and serve their communities.

According to Dickpus, teaching these values in schools would help strengthen character formation, responsibility, cultural identity, and good citizenship among learners. More importantly, it would ensure that future generations understand not only the traditions of their ancestors but also the wisdom behind them.

The advocacy gained greater urgency following the passing of two of Kalinga's most respected cultural icons, Cirilo "Sapi" Bawer and Alonzo "Kesu" Saclag, whose lifelong efforts helped preserve Kalinga music, dances, oral traditions, and indigenous knowledge.

Dickpus noted that while cultural performances and festivals remain important, preserving culture goes beyond showcasing dances and traditional attire.

“The Bodong governs relationships among tribes, but peace and good relations are sustained only when people live by the values of Paniyaw, Ngilin, and Ba-in. These principles reflect timeless moral teachings—our responsibility before God, our responsibility to ourselves, and our responsibility to others,” Dickpus explained.

The Kalinga culture advocate also proposed that future Bodong celebrations begin with discussions on the Pagta, the body of agreements and principles that form the foundation of every Bodong.

“The dances celebrate our culture, but the Pagta preserves our peace. Before we celebrate the covenant, we must first understand it,” Dickpus explained.

For Dickpus, the integration of cultural education into schools offers benefits that extend far beyond heritage preservation. It can help young people develop a stronger sense of identity, deepen their appreciation of their roots, encourage respect for indigenous institutions, and promote peace and social responsibility.

The former Lubuagan mayor turned Bodong advocate warned that when cultural knowledge is not passed on, communities risk losing not only their traditions but also the values and systems that have helped sustain harmony for generations. Without cultural understanding, younger generations may become disconnected from their history, identity, and the indigenous wisdom that shaped their communities.

In a rapidly changing world, Dickpus believes cultural education is not about looking backward but about ensuring that future generations remain grounded as they move forward.

“If we want our culture to endure, we must teach it. If we want the Bodong to survive, we must involve our children and the youth,”the lawyer added.

For many Kalingas, the message serves as both a reminder and a challenge: preserving culture is not only the responsibility of elders—it is a shared responsibility that begins with educating the next generation.