Inmate-made ‘Tala ng Pag-asa’ is Kalinga's entry in national lantern-making contest

Tabuk City, Kalinga – Inmates of Tabuk District Jail Kalinga will be representing the province to the Malacanang Palace’s "Isang Bituin, Isang Mithiin: A Nationwide Parol-Making Competition", the Provincial Tourism Office of Kalinga relayed Tuesday, November 22.

The contest is spearheaded by the Office of the President, in collaboration with the Department of Interior and Local Government.

Provincial Tourism Officer Lorraine Ngao-i said the entry named as ‘Tala Ng Pag-Asa’ is a creation by female Kalinga inmates made out of indigenous materials locally found in Kalinga.

The ‘parol’, along with other entries from various provinces in the country will be evaluated on November 22 and winners will be announced on December 3, 2022.

The first prize winner will be given P100,000, the second prize – P75,000, and the third prize – P50,000.

Tabuk City District Jail explained it was named ‘Tala ng Pag-asa’ since it symbolized not only their ray of hope of having a better life in the future but also a hope for the country that after all the difficulties Filipinos faced, a bright future still lies ahead.

“The entry, "Tala Ng Pag-Asa," serves as a reminder of one of life's most important lessons. And even in the most trying circumstances, hope motivates us to move forward and take chances to improve our lives,” Tabuk District Jail said.

What’s behind the design of the entry?

Indigenous and local materials were used in designing the Christmas lantern to showcase the culture and unique traditions of the province.

Said materials include the "Chong-ak" red rice, mongo beans, white beans, coffee beans, corn, and tiger grass, and a "silambituwon" or star-patterned indigenous textile called "LAGA" - the province's weaving tradition passed on from mothers to daughters for generations.

“Known locally as "bituwon", it is a representation of high honor, power and authority, and is treated with great respect, hence can only be used by the "kachangyan" (affluent families) of Kalinga in the olden days,” the office said.

“The word "LUMIN-AWA", at the back side of the star, is the Province's term-based Executive-Legislative Eight Point Agenda. "Lin-awa" is a local term which means "At peace": At peace with God, at peace with nature, at peace with life, and at peace with fellowmen,” the office added.

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