‘Paniyaw Is Our Strength’: Mayor Dagadag calls on iKalingas to live by Core Values

Tabuk City, Kalinga — Tanudan Mayor Jaedicke Rhoss Dagadag, President of the League of Municipalities of the Philippines (LMP)–Kalinga, reminded iKalingas to embody the province’s core values, particularly “Paniyaw.”

Dagadag made the statement during his address at the kick-off ceremony of the 7th Bodong Festival and 31st Kalinga Founding Anniversary on February 2, 2026.

Speaking before the iKalingas, Dagadag emphasized adherence to “Paniyaw” — a set of sacred taboos, prohibitions, and moral restrictions dictated by Kabunyan, which people are expected to follow to avoid punishment from the Creator. He explained that observing Paniyaw also strengthens the other two core values, Ngilin and Bain.

“Ket ammuk nga datayo amin nga taga Kalinga ket adda daytoy nga awit-awit tayo. Daytoy ket minana tayo pay kadagiti ninuno tayo nga daytoy iti kapintasan nga ugali. Nu adda kanyam daytoyen ket kumpleto daytan. Adda ditan diay bain ken ngilin,” he said.

Dagadag also expressed confidence that local officials in Kalinga possess this value, saying:

“Ket naragsakak nga mangibaga kadakayo kakailyan nga taga Kalinga nga dagitoy lideres tayo ket adda met Paniyaw da. Amin met ket adda Paniyaw mi. Isu ngarud nga agpro-progressive wenno lumin-lin-awa iti Kalinga ta gapu dayta nga kaugalian.”

He further stressed that these core values should be taught by parents to their children, just as forefathers and elders did, to ensure their continuity across generations. He added that this not only preserves culture but also helps maintain peace and order in the province.

On behalf of the municipal mayors of Kalinga, Dagadag also called on the people to remain united in pursuing the vision of Kalinga’s ancestors and leaders for a more progressive province.

“As one body upholding a common vision and mission, let’s keep in our hearts the saying, ‘United we stand, divided we fall.’ It is through unity that we shall achieve our shared dream of a peaceful and progressive province,” he emphasized.