‘Sapi’ Bawer laid to rest; Kalinga pays tribute with ₱100K assistance and citation

Tabuk City, Kalinga - The Provincial Government of Kalinga paid tribute to renowned cultural bearer Cirilo “Sapi” Bawer, honoring his lifelong dedication to preserving Kalinga traditions through a Resolution of Commendation and ₱100,000 in financial assistance for his bereaved family.

The tribute was led by Acting Governor Dave Odiem together with Board Members Emilio Kitongan, Chester Alunday, Alfredo Dangani, and Mark Rainier Duguiang, as well as Aira Kissa Edduba representing Governor James Edduba. 

During the burial on Sunday, June 7, in Lubuagan, the Sangguniang Panlalawigan members and the governor’s representative personally presented Resolution No. 2026-211 and the financial aid to Bawer's family in recognition of his invaluable contribution to the preservation and promotion of Kalinga culture. 

The copy of the resolution, obtained by Guru Press Cordillera from a legislative staff member, described Bawer as a "highly respected Kalinga elder, Pangat (chieftain), educator, cultural advocate, and bearer of indigenous knowledge whose life was devoted to the preservation, promotion, and transmission of Kalinga culture and traditions to future generations". 

As cited, Bawer is widely recognized as a pioneer in the preservation and promotion of Kalinga dances, music, rituals, oral traditions, and cultural practices and became a valued resource person on the Kalinga value system and indigenous heritage.

The resolution also noted that he co-founded the KAYAW Cultural Group in 1967 together with Sister Aurora Zambrano "with the mission of reviving and showcasing the culture, rituals, music, songs, dances, and way of life of the Kalinga and other Cordillera peoples". 

The local legislators likewise recognized that he was "the first to introduce the Cordillera Suite to the Bayanihan Philippine National Folk Dance Company, thereby helping bring the rich cultural traditions of the Cordillera peoples to national and international audiences." 

The resolution further stated that as an educator, ethnographer, mentor, and culture bearer, he "tirelessly taught traditional dances, music, indigenous instruments, weaving traditions, rituals, and cultural values to students, artists, researchers, and cultural organisations." 

Describing his death as "a profound loss not only to his family and community but also to the entire Province of Kalinga", the provincial board said the province's cultural identity and pride were strengthened through his lifelong service and commitment to preserving the legacy of the Kalinga people. 

Recognizing these contributions, the Sangguniang Panlalawigan unanimously approved the resolution, expressing honor and gratitude to Bawer while extending its deepest sympathy and condolences to his family. 

Aside from the commendation from the SP, the PLGU also granted P100,000 in financial assistance to the bereaved family as a gesture of appreciation for his lifelong dedication to preserving Kalinga heritage. 

For many Kalingas, however, Bawer's greatest legacy lies not in awards or recognition but in the traditions he helped preserve, the cultural knowledge he shared, and the pride in identity he helped instil among generations of Kalingas.