United for Kalinga: BM Kitongan urges peace, progress, and cultural preservation at 7th Bodong Fest Kick-Off

Tabuk City, Kalinga — During the grand kick-off program of the month-long celebration of Kalinga’s 31st Founding Anniversary and 7th Bodong Festival, Board Member Emilio T. Kitongan reminded the residents that the event is more than celebrations of culture as this is also a time for unity and reflection among iKalingas.

Kitongan said shared identity and the importance of culture cannot be ignored or set-aside in addressing present challenges.

In an interview with Guru Press Cordillera, Kitongan described the theme of the events, “Naidaklan nga Kultura, Isu’t Bileg ti Kalinga,” as a reflection of how culture continues to shape Kalinga’s identity, guiding communities to remain strong despite social and economic challenges.

“Under the meaningful theme, ‘Naidaklan nga Kultura, Isu’t Bileg ti Kalinga’ — Magnificent Culture, That Is the Strength of Kalinga — we proudly honor our rich heritage as the true source of our identity and resilience,” Kitongan said.

According to Kitongan, traditions such as the age-old Bodong system and other cultural practices of Kalinga remain relevant today, serving as the foundation of peace, cooperation, and respect among communities across the province.

He pointed out that long before modern systems of governance, the iKalingas were already practicing peace-building through the bodong, traditional arts, and communal stewardship of the land. These, he said, continue to bind communities together and serve as a reminder that peace begins at the grassroots level.

“Our timeless bodong peace pact, traditional arts, gong music, and care for our land and environment continue to unite us and give us strength, even amid today’s challenges,” Kitongan added.

Recognizing the role of every iKalinga, the board member urged residents to learn and value their roots while calling on elders to continue guiding the younger generation. He stressed that preserving culture is a shared responsibility that ensures continuity and harmony in the province.

The provincial legislator also encouraged his constituents to remain united, describing unity as essential in building a better future for Kalinga and noting that development must go hand in hand with peace.

“As a board member, I call on every Kalinga — from the youth to our elders — to keep cherishing and protecting this precious legacy. Let us work together to build a more progressive, peaceful, and prosperous Kalinga for the next generation. Long live Kalinga! Magnificent culture — that is the strength of Kalinga,” he said.

Board Member Emilio Kitongan has been an active author and proponent of provincial ordinances that seek to protect and uplift the welfare of the Kalinga people in tangible ways.

In recent sessions of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan, headed by Vice Governor Dave Odiem, Kitongan has pushed for several measures focused on social support, youth empowerment, and institutional strengthening.