Tabuk City MATAGOAN FESTIVAL: Gov. Edduba urges Tabukeños to stay united

Tabuk City, Kalinga - As Tabuk City reaches its 75th year, Kalinga Governor James Edduba sent a message of jubilation at the same time a reminded to the people regarding their shared journey—from humble beginnings to becoming a growing city of unity and culture. 

The governor’s message came as Tabuk celebrates its 75th Founding Anniversary and Matagoan Festival this June, 2025.

Tabuk became a municipality under the then Sub-Province of Kalinga-Apayao on June 16, 1950, and officially recognized as a city on June 23, 2007, through Republic Act No. 9404.  This was temporarily revoked but it was eventually confirmed as a component city in 2011. 

The Matagoan Festival, which began in 2002, highlights Tabuk’s role as a city of life, or a place where different Kalinga tribes and migrants live in harmony. Today, the city is seen not only as a center of culture but also of progress, where its people continue to honor tradition while embracing change.            

In heartfelt message posted in his Facebook page, Edduba said that the annual celebration is not just a look back at Tabuk’s past or success but as a way of honoring the city’s strong cultural roots and ongoing journey toward development.

Edduba added that the events are important to ‘sustain Kalinga cultural heritage and embrace progress.’ 

The governor then praised the efforts of both past and present leaders and citizens who helped shape what Tabuk is today, highlighting how the city has grown through the unity and hard work of the iKalingas. 

That unity, according to him, paved the way for Tabuk to become a ‘great city of life’ where peace and cooperation thrive. 

“Tabuk City has come this far due to the collective efforts of all its leaders and people, demonstrating the capability of the iKalingas to build a great city of life where people can come together in harmony and work together towards development,” he added. 

As the city continues to rise, the father of the province reminded the iKalingas of the values that must be preserved—peace and faith in God and the Kalinga core values of Paniyaw (respect for others), Ngilin (taboo or sacred observance), and Bain (shame and honor). 

These values, he said, have protected the Kalinga identity for generations.  

“...may its inhabitants (people of Tabuk) keep in their hearts the culture of peace, the belief in God, and the values of Paniyaw, Ngilin, and Bain that have kept generations of iKalinga from forgetting their identity,” he said. 

Concluding his message, Edduba hopes the celebration continues to inspire the people to continue to unite and contribute to the city's positive change, saying, “I pray that the celebration of Tabuk City and the holding of the Matagoan Festival continue to inspire others to contribute to its positive change.” Asenso Tabuk. LUMIN-AWA Kalinga! ”.