“It took me 12 years to finish college because of tribal war”: Gov. Edduba urges 27 iKalinga Navy graduates to be a force to end tribal conflict

TABUK CITY, Kalinga — “It took me 12 years to finish college because of tribal war.”

Governor James S. Edduba shared this personal experience as he urged 27 newly trained Philippine Navy personnel from Kalinga to use their influence to discourage tribal conflict and promote peace in their communities.

Edduba made the appeal during the Provincial Government’s flag-raising ceremony on October 12 at the Kalinga Sports Center in Bulanao, Tabuk City, where the 27 iKalinga graduates of the Philippine Navy’s Sailor Basic Course (SBC) Class 78 “Salaknib Diwa” were recognized.

The governor said he personally experienced the impact of tribal conflict, including its effect on his education.

“Daytoy koma ket, kasla personal personal experience, siak gamin ket biktima ti epekto ti tribal war. It took me 12 years to finish college and part of that ket panggep ti tribal war. Maysa ak nga talaga affected,” Edduba said.

His account came amid the continuing conflict between the Butbut and Tulgao tribes in Tinglayan, which has affected communities and prompted government and security interventions.

Edduba told the new Navy personnel that tribal conflict can affect not only those directly involved in a dispute but also their families, children and other members of the community whose education and future may be disrupted.

He challenged the graduates, as young professionals and members of their respective communities, to discourage their relatives and fellow youth from actions that could trigger or prolong tribal conflict.

“Sunga kadakayo, dakayo ti mangirugi nga professionals nga usto ko man didjayen ta agkakabsat tayo ti profession, agkakabsat tayo ti Kristiyano, agkakabsat tayo ti pagi-inasawa, agkakabsat tayo bodong. Dakayo koma ti mangdiscourage kadagiti kakailyan yo…Usto daytan, madi dayta. Sunga, kadakayo nga uubing, kadakayo nga professionals ekketan tayo,” he said.

Edduba pointed out that Kalinga communities are interconnected through professional relationships, Christian faith, marriage and bodong, the traditional peace pact system.

He urged the graduates to use these connections to strengthen peaceful relations rather than allow tribal disputes to divide communities.

Carry Kalinga values in military service

Aside from his appeal for peace, Edduba reminded the graduates to carry their Kalinga identity and traditional values wherever their military assignments take them.

He highlighted Paniyaw, Ngilin and Bain, and encouraged them to practice "attom," or patience, in dealing with colleagues and people from different backgrounds.

“Kas kadangiti inbagami kadagiti kakadwa yo in academic, uniformed personnel, importante launay ket haan yo nga lapitan uray sadino ti ayan yo diay values tayo nga taga Kalinga, diay tallo (Paniyaw, Ngilin, and Bain), ngem ada ti makiupat kanun tata, include yo kanu ti attom (patience) nga kunada. Pangaasi yo to haan yo nga lipatan dagita,” Edduba said.

The 27 graduates came from Tabuk City and the municipalities of Tanudan, Pinukpuk, Lubuagan, Rizal, Pasil and Tinglayan.

Their recognition marked their completion of the Philippine Navy’s Sailor Basic Course, after which they are expected to continue their duties as members of the Philippine Navy.

For Edduba, however, their role goes beyond military service. He urged them to become examples of professionals who reject tribal violence and help ensure that younger generations do not suffer the same disruptions to their education and future that he experienced.