New Zealand-based ikalingas and yApayaos mark Kalinga-Apayao Day with pride and unity

Huntly, New Zealand – New Zealand-based iKalingas and iApayaos came together in a vibrant display of culture and solidarity as they marked Kalinga-Apayao (KAAP) Day on February 7, 2026, at the Huntly Memorial Hall—proving that even far from their ancestral homeland, kakailyans remain deeply connected to their roots and to one another.

What began as a small birthday gathering of iKalingas in 2021 has since grown into a full-fledged annual celebration.

How KAAP Day Started

KAAP Day, according to organization president Rex Catalig Dalimag, 36, from Lubo and Taloctoc, Tanudan, traces its beginnings to September 29, 2020, when members of the Kalinga community first met to establish a support system abroad.

“September 29, 2020 ti damo nga nagme-meet ti iKalingas ken diay first Kalinga Day celebration ket di February 7, 2021,” Dalimag recalled, during which the organization elected its first set of officers.

The first president, Mr. Albert Balag-ey—originally from Mt. Province but raised in Bulanao and married to an iTanudan—led the early efforts to organize the community.

“Nag-elect kami ti first set of officers mi ket ti first nga president mi garud ket ni Mr. Albert Balag-ey—taga Mt. Province ngem dinmakkel idiay Bulanao ken naki-asawa ti iTanudan. Diay first meeting ket idiay Cornwall Park, Auckland—inmay piman ti kakailyan from Tanudan, Tinglayan, Balbalan, Pinukpuk ken Pasil,” he said.

The second Kalinga Day followed on April 9, 2023. By the third celebration on February 4, 2024, members agreed to formally include iApayaos, recognizing that they had always been part of the gathering. From then on, the event became known as KAAP Day.

“… diay pang-third celebration en santu kami nag-agree nga inayon ti iApayaos tan every Kalinga Day ket adda piman umay nga iApayao—kailyan met latta isuda isunga diay third celebration en ket nagbalin nga Kalinga-Apayao Day, di February 2024. Ken same year metlang nga addan new set of officers manen—ket the following year, idiay ak metten nga inpatugaw ti kakailyans a kas pangulo ti organization—inggana 2026,” the president said.

The fourth celebration took place on February 8, 2025, at the Clevedon Community Hall in Papakura, marking the first year of Dalimag’s presidency.

The 2026 KAAP Day Celebration

Carrying the theme “Binnadang”—a Cordilleran value that emphasizes unity, compassion, and mutual assistance—the 2026 celebration showcased cultural performances and various competitions, including a fashion show featuring authentic inabel garments.

“Diay Binnadang metlang—mangipakita ti panagmaymaysa tayo, panagiinnayat ken panagtitinnulong kas agkakailyan. Our activities ket isu latta nga kaugailan—ag-present amin nga munisipyo, ado contests like fashion show ken dadduma nga kaugailan tayo,” Dalimag said.

Dalimag further emphasized the importance of passing down iKalinga customs and traditions to the younger generations, saying, “… sapay kuma ta itultuloy tayo nga isuro ti kaugalian tayo ti ubbing tapnu haan nga paukaw ti tradisyon ken kultura tayo ket isu met ti isuro dan met ti annak da.”

Under its evolving leadership, KAAP continues to strengthen bonds among kakailyans while fostering pride in Cordilleran identity.

Through music, dance, and fellowship, the 2026 KAAP Day stood as a testament that distance may separate them from their homeland, but unity and cultural pride keep the Cordilleran spirit thriving in New Zealand.