P75,000 incentive to qualified Kalinga Bodong holders proposed; ordinance under SP review

TABUK CITY, Kalinga — Qualified Bodong holders in Kalinga may soon receive a one-time ₱75,000 financial incentive under a proposed ordinance now being reviewed by the Kalinga Sangguniang Panlalawigan.

The measure, entitled "An Ordinance Providing Incentives to Bodong Holders in the Province of Kalinga for the Celebration and Preservation of the Bodong System, Appropriating Funds Therefor, and for Other Purposes," was introduced by Provincial Indigenous Peoples Mandatory Representative (IPMR) Micheal Karel Sugguiyao.

As of this writing, the proposed ordinance remains under deliberation by the provincial board headed by Vice Governor Atty. Dave Odiem.

Preserving Kalinga's peace pact tradition

The proposed ordinance seeks to preserve the Bodong system by recognizing and supporting the traditional leaders entrusted with maintaining the indigenous peace pact.

The Bodong system is the Kalinga people's traditional peace covenant and conflict resolution mechanism. It serves as a binding social agreement between tribes, helping prevent conflicts, strengthen inter-tribal relationships, uphold customary laws, and preserve peace and order in indigenous communities.

Under the proposed measure, it is declared the policy of the Provincial Government of Kalinga to preserve, protect, and promote the Bodong system as an important cultural heritage and an effective traditional mechanism for conflict resolution, social stability, and peace-building.

The ordinance recognizes that supporting Bodong holders also helps preserve one of Kalinga's most enduring indigenous institutions.

Who qualifies?

The proposed incentive is not intended for everyone claiming to be a Bodong holder.

Under the measure, beneficiaries must be officially recognized Bodong holders for a specific ancestral domain by both their respective Indigenous Cultural Community (ICC) and the Kalinga Bodong Council.

They must also be conducting a recognized Bodong celebration, including Surdip (Lonok), Inom, Ligad, or Dornat.

Surdip, or Lonok, marks the initial ceremony where wine is first shared to symbolize the beginning of the relationship.

Inom is the formal celebration where the Buguis define territorial boundaries and confirm the provisions of the Pagta, or peace covenant.

Ligad refers to the formal transfer of stewardship of the Bodong, while Dornat signifies the renewal of dormant relations and the strengthening of existing peace agreements.

₱75,000 financial assistance

Qualified Bodong holders will receive a one-time financial assistance of ₱75,000 to help cover expenses for traditional rituals, food, hospitality, and other requirements associated with the celebration.

In addition to the financial incentive, the ordinance also proposes logistical assistance from the Provincial Government, including the use of provincial facilities, sound systems, and transportation, subject to availability.

The measure further provides for coordination with the Philippine National Police during Bodong celebrations to help ensure peace and public safety.

To recognize their contribution to maintaining peace among tribes, qualified Bodong holders will also receive a Certificate of Recognition from the Office of the Provincial Governor.

Application process

Under the proposal, Bodong holders who wish to avail of the incentives must submit a written request to the Kalinga Bodong Council at least 45 days before the scheduled celebration.

The application must be accompanied by a certification from the concerned Barangay or Municipal IPMR, Punong Barangay, or Municipal Mayor.

₱5 million annual funding proposed

To sustain the program, the ordinance proposes that funding be sourced from the annual Kalinga Bodong Development Fund.

The draft also directs the Governor to include ₱5 million annually in the province's Annual Investment Program for the implementation of the incentive program, subject to government budgeting and auditing rules.

Still under review

The proposed ordinance remains pending before the Kalinga Sangguniang Panlalawigan, where board members may still introduce amendments before it is considered for approval on final reading.

If approved, the measure will be transmitted to Governor James S. Edduba for appropriate action in accordance with the Local Government Code of 1991.

This version is more concise, removes repetition, fixes grammatical errors (such as "aims to recognize Bodong holders... through incentives is now under review"), and emphasizes the ₱75,000 incentive, while clearly explaining that the ordinance is intended to preserve the Bodong system as Kalinga's traditional peace-building institution.