TABUK CITY, Kalinga – Governor James S. Edduba declared the opening of the 29th Kalinga Founding Anniversary and 5th Bodong Festival during the grand kick-off ceremony on February 5 at the Capitol Park signaling the start of the much-awaited month-long festivity with the theme: “Empowered Communities and Enriched Heritage: LUMIN-AWA KALINGA.
Steeped with traditional rituals and ceremonies, the event started off with the traditional “Patatag”, a ritual held to dispel negativity and invoke blessings; followed by an ecumenical service led by the different religious denominations in the province.
Elected provincial, municipal, city officials, and Indigenous People’s Mandatory Representatives demonstrated the solidarity among the different tribes in the seven municipalities of Kalinga and its capital Tabuk City with their participation in the community dance to the tune of indigenous music performed by the KSU Senior High School students, and culminating with the “Taug” or ceremonial toast.
Kalinga lone district representative Allen Jesse C. Mangaoang gave a message of solidarity through his representative Regino Wacas; while Sangguniang Panlalawigan member Mark Aldrich Diasen delivered the welcome remarks of Vice Governor Jocel C. Baac.
Officials and employees of national line agencies were present during the kick-off, as well as the Sangguniang Panlalawigan members, municipal and city council members led by Mayor Alfred “Chao-ig” Malannag Jr. (Pasil); Mayor Sacramento Gumilab (Tinglayan); Mayor Joel Tagaotao (Lubuagan); Mayor Almar Malannag (Balbalan); Municipal Administrator Blair Casiw, representing Rizal Mayor Karl Baac; Municipal Councilors Helen Gacadan and Rizalin Ludan-Laurentino representing Tanudan Mayor Jaedicke Ross Dagadag; Sangguniang Panlalawigan member Shirlynne Dasayon-Alunday, representing Pinukpuk Mayor Irving Dasayon; Tabuk City Acting Mayor Dick G. Bal-o, and Acting City Vice Mayor Lucretina Sarol. By PIO Tabuk
