Kalinga celebrates culture of peace
The Kalinga people are grouped by different tribes and ethnolinguistic groups where they have strong connection to their lands and culture
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The Kalinga people are grouped by different tribes and ethnolinguistic groups where they have strong connection to their lands and culture
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TABUK CITY, Kalinga — Members of the different tribes of the Province of Kalinga showcase their culture of making peace during the 30th founding anniversary and 6th Kalinga Bodong (Peace Pact) Festival with festive dances blended with traditional sway and rhythms along the streets of Tabuk City, Kalinga Thursday.
“Bodong,” a Kalinga term literally meaning joining of hands symbolizing unity. It originated from the word “Podon” that connotes grip. “Bodong” is a peace pact between tribes, especially warring tribes to settle conflicts where aggrieved parties undergo healing and reconciliation and unite the people to leave in harmony. “Bodong” between tribes is being strengthened by “Pagta” or the unwritten rules and agreements to make the “Bodong” intact and stronger.
The Kalinga people are grouped by different tribes and ethnolinguistic groups where they have strong connection to their lands and culture. In their community are warriors ready to defend their territories and people and at times, conflict with other tribes cannot be avoided. To prevent escalation of hostilities between warring tribes, negotiations are being initiated by the elders and tribal leaders and “Bodong” is employed.
In giving tribute to their cultural heritage of “Bodong,” Kalinga celebrates the “Bodong” Festival alongside with the celebration of the province’s founding anniversary. This year is the 6th year of the festival and the 30th founding anniversary with the theme “Rooted in Culture, United in Progress” with the battle cry “Lumin-awa Kalinga” or a progressive Kalinga.
