Kalinga adopts DSWD Secretary Gatchalian as son, seals honor with name ‘Dulliyaw’

Tabuk City, Kalinga – Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Secretary Rexlon Ting Gatchalian was formally announced as an adopted son of Kalinga and conferred the honorary name “Dulliyaw” during the Mangili Night held on February 4, 2026, at the Davidson’s Hotel in Bulanao, in recognition of his leadership, service, and dedication to marginalized and Indigenous communities.

The conferment was formalized through Sangguniang Panlalawigan Resolution No. 2026-043, citing Gatchalian’s values of integrity, service, and commitment to public welfare—qualities that deeply resonate with Dulliyaw, a revered Pangat or tribal chief known for wise and honorable leadership rooted in tradition and peace.

During the ceremony, Gatchalian received traditional Kalinga tribal attire, symbolizing his acceptance as a son of the province and his shared responsibility to uphold the culture, values, and aspirations of the Kalinga community.

In his message, the secretary expressed his gratitude and said he was honored to be embraced as a son of Kalinga. He assured residents that they now have an ally in the Cabinet, always just a phone call away.

“Napakalaking karangalan na ngayong gabi, aampunin ninyo po ako bilang anak ng inyong dakilang probinsya. At kaya naman sabi ko kay Gov. James, merong taga-Kalinga sa Gabinete. Lagi kong tatandaan na ang adoptive province natin ay kailangan na kailangan ng atensyon at tulong. Gusto ko ring tandaan ninyo na you have an ally in the Cabinet—an advocate. I’m always a phone call away,” he said.

Gatchalian also urged residents to treat the DSWD office as an extension of the Kalinga Capitol and promised that the province will remain a top priority in the department’s programs.

“Ituring ninyo po na annex ng Kapitolyo ng Kalinga ang DSWD office. Whatever you need, ang instruksyon ng Pangulo ay tutulong at tutulong po kami. Sisiguraduhin namin na pagbalik namin sa central office ng DSWD, nasa top of our list ang Kalinga—lagi po kayong kabilang sa prayoridad sa paghubog ng mga programa laban sa kahirapan,” he said.

Through this recognition, the Provincial Government of Kalinga affirmed that Gatchalian is now one with the iKalingas and covered under Bodong customary laws, as a sign of deep respect and gratitude for his continued and renewed commitment to the province.