‘Ti kultura tayo ket isu ti biyag tayo, isu ti kinatatao tayo—isu ti panakabigbigan… isu iti iparabor tayo dagiti sumaruno nga henerasyon’ – VG Odiem urges iKalingas to honor culture and heritage as f

Tabuk City, Kalinga – As the 7th Bodong Festival and the 31st Founding Anniversary of Kalinga officially kicked off on February 2, 2026, at Capitol Park in Bulanao, Vice Governor Dave Q. Odiem called on iKalingas to honor the province’s traditions, values, and heritage.

Odiem believes these are the very reason of the resilience and progress of the province and its continuing advancement despite the various challenges it faces.

Speaking before various stakeholders, including Governor James S. Edduba, other provincial and municipal officials, and Department of Agriculture Undersecretary Arnold Atienza, Odiem emphasized that the province’s culture is not merely a reflection of its past but the foundation of its unity, resilience, and identity.

“…ti (bileg ti) Kalinga ket saan nga gapo ti material nga kinabaknag no di ket babaen ti panangbiag iti kultural ken naindaklan nga ugugali nga isu ti puon iti panagkaykaysa tayo. Ti kultura tayo ket isu ti biag tayo, isu ti kinatao tayo—isu ti panakabigbigan a kas maysa nga iKalinga, ken isu met laeng ti maiparabor tayo kadagiti sumarsaruno nga henerasyon,” he said.

The vice governor also urged communities to preserve and pass on Kalinga’s rich cultural practices—including traditional dances, music, rituals, weaving, and the revered Bodong peace pacts—to future generations.

Odiem reminded attendees that each event is not merely a festivity but a testament to Kalinga’s enduring spirit and collective identity.

“Ket bayat ti panagragsak tayo iti daytoy nga piyesta ket laglagipen tayo nga dagitoy kultura tayo ket isu ti kompas iti panagserbi ken panagturay. Ti kultura tayo ket isu ti rangtay nga mangiturong tapno agtultuloy ti kinadur-as ken kinaurnos iti Kalinga,” he said.

Meanwhile, the month-long celebration features various cultural presentations, rituals, and community events designed to showcase the province’s artistic and cultural heritage. Residents and visitors are encouraged to take part in the festivities and embrace the province’s values of unity, respect, and cultural pride.