Kalinga “Road to Trail Challenge”: Join the adventure on Sept. 14

Tabuk City, Kalinga- With the success of the Lumin-awa Trek held every Bodong Festival, another trailing event is set to happen in Kalinga this coming September—the first-ever Road to Trail Challenge. 

Said event aims to promote healthy living, public service, and tourism of Kalinga and is scheduled to take place on September 14, 2025 as part of the 125th Philippine Civil Service Anniversary and World Tourism Day 2025.

The challenge, according to the organizers, is more than a race, it is a way to remind, especially government workers, that being active and healthy helps them serve others better. 

“...the challenge is more than just a run—it’s a movement that reminds not only our Lingkod Bayanis but every individual that embracing an active lifestyle is key to personal wellness and quality service to others…More than a race, this challenge is a call to rediscover Kalinga’s rugged beauty, ignite community pride, and embrace a healthier, more resilient lifestyle,” the post reads. 

Supporting the challenge are key security forces—the 103rd Infantry Battalion led by Jimrhic B. Obias, GSC (INF) PA, and the Tabuk City Matagoan Police led by PLTCOL Benson B. Macli-ing. 

The 103rd Infantry Battalion, accordingly, helped shape the route and overall logistics of the challenge, while Tabuk City Matagoan Police will ensure safety and order every step of the way. 

The stakeholders have already conducted two meetings affirming their commitment to ready a meaningful and well-prepared trail. 

Building on the legacy of the well-loved Lumin-awa Trek held every Bodong Festival in February, the Road to Trail Challenge aims to ‘sustain’ two major trail events in Kalinga every year, further cementing the province’s growing reputation as a home of nature-driven celebrations. 

The Kalinga Road to Trail Challenge is organized by the Provincial Government (Kalinga PLGU) through the office of the Provincial Human Resource Management Officer (OPHRMO), headed by Ms. Grace M. Kidang-Flores, and the Office of the Provincial Administrator—Tourism Services, led by Supervising Tourism Operations Officer Lorraine A. Ngao-i. 

Said offices are working together with the Sinaunang Ugat, a private group promoting local trails represented by Mr. Vincent Dalanao, to make sure that the event will be fun, well-organized, and meaningful to all participants. 

The event organizers are inviting public servants, runners, adventurers, or simply those who want to experience Kalinga’s natural beauty in a new way to join the challenge.