TABUK CITY, Kalinga – The Province of Kalinga highlighted one of the biggest events this year, the Bodong Congress, held from February 10–11 at the Kalinga Sport Center, as part of the 29th Kalinga Founding Anniversary and 5th Bodong Festival.
On the first day of the congress, Gov. James S. Edduba, Chairman of the Kalinga Bodong Congress, acknowledged all the participants who attended the event, coming from the different offices, elected officials, Bodong holders, and leaders from various subtribes in the province, including the city of Tabuk.
“Iyebkas ko iti panagyaman kadagiti amin nga nakipaset manipud panagplano inggana panagpatungpal na daytoy Kalinga Bodong Congress,” Edduba stressed.
The Governor highlighted that part of the Bodong Congress was the presentation and review of the amendments in the Pagta being followed as a local law in the province. The pagta have been amended to better suit the needs of the current generation.
Edduba said that the Bodong, with its sacred Pagta, embodies the essence of the Kalinga culture with its diversity of rights while embracing the unity of the people. He explained that for many years, the Pagta has served as a guiding light for justice, settled disputes, and fostered harmony in communities.
He was sure that the Bodong Congress would help the many tribes come together for peace, justice, and the preservation of their cultures.
According to Edduba, the Bodong Congress Task Force-which includes Kalinga lawyers, IPMRs, Bodong Holders, and elders-reviewed the Pagta with input from all relevant parties.
Additionally, he thanked the financial support from the Office of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan, headed by Vice Governor Jocel Baac, the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation, and Unity, and the Office of Congressman Allen Jesse Mangaoang for making the event possible since its inception.
He recognized the work of two former top officials of the province, namely Atty. Lawrence Wacnang and Atty. Macario Duguiang, who advocated, promoted, and taught the Kalinga Bodong System.
Officials from Tabuk City, namely IPMRs Martinez Vicente and Sandra Uyam, including Engr. Andress Ngao-I from the MBCC actively participated during the first day of the Bodong Congress. By Ian Jefrey Addatu
