“Saan Laeng a Pamparagsak ti Mata, nu diket simbolo ti kinapintas ken panagmaymaysa”: VG Odiem says Kalinga’s First Float Parade reflects the province’s beauty and unity

Tabuk City, Kalinga – Stressing that the activity was intended to reflect the province’s identity and not merely to entertain, Vice-Governor Dave Odiem expressed gratitude for the successful conduct of Kalinga’s first-ever float parade, which he earlier proposed to adopt as a tourism-centered concept for this year’s Founding Anniversary celebration.

The float parade took place along the streets of Bulanao, Tabuk City, followed by a formal program at the CARAA Grounds on February 13, 2026. Various festivals and tourist attractions from the seven municipalities and lone city of Kalinga were showcased during the event.

Speaking before iKalingas, visitors, and invited guests during the program, Odiem emphasized that the initiative was conceptualized to highlight the culture, creativity, and shared pride of the people of Kalinga.

He explained that while the parade captured public attention through colorful presentations, its deeper purpose was to affirm the province’s heritage and collective strength. According to him, the event demonstrated that Kalinga is capable of organizing cultural activities that promote local traditions while actively engaging communities.

“Ammok nga excited kayo amin, ammok met nga nasurprise kayo ta nakita tayo amin nga kaya tayo met nga taga-Kalinga ti mangisayangkat iti Float Parade. Dagiti floats ket saan laeng a pamparagsak ti mata no di ket agbalin a simbolo tapno makita ti kinapintas ti komunidad tayo, mangipakita ti kinapateg ti tradisyon ken kinabaknang ti turismo, ken kinaimportante ti nainsigudan nga ug-ugali ken panagmaymaysa tayo nga umili,” Odiem stated.

He continued, “The floats symbolize more than just celebration, as they reflect the beauty of Kalinga communities and the unity of the iKalingas. It is not just a festivity; it is a celebration of creativity, identity, culture, and unity.”

It can be recalled that during a meeting held on January 9, 2026, Odiem suggested conducting the float parade ahead of the 31st Founding Anniversary and 7th Bodong Festival to further promote the province’s tourism industry and encourage community participation.

Kalinga’s first-ever float parade was won by the municipality of Tanudan, headed by Mayor Jaedicke Rhoss Dagadag. Meanwhile, Lubuagan was named first runner-up, while Balbalan placed second runner-up.

The winners were officially announced on February 14, when the province marked its 31st Founding Anniversary.