‘Bodong Festival is a testament to our unity… time to look forward to the future with hope and determination’—Atty. Danzel Langkit

Tabuk City, Kalinga—Kalinga Board Member Atty. Danzel Langkit, in his welcome remarks during the kick-off of the 6th Bodong Festival on February 3, 2025, took the opportunity to reflect on the profound significance of said event while urging iKalingas to look forward to the future.

“This event (6th Bodong Festival) is not just a commemoration of our rich history, but a testament to the unity, strength, and progress of our beloved province,” the legislator underscored while mentioning some of the developments that happened to Kalinga in recent years.

According to Langkit, the Bodong festival symbolizes the province’s enduring cultural heritage and how the iKalingas engaged in diplomacy and conflict resolution through mutual respect and understanding.

Through Bodong many conflicts between tribes have been solved and relationships of tribal communities strengthened.

“The Bodong is not just a ritual or tradition; it is a legacy that carries with it the principles of peace, cooperation, and unity. It has bound the different tribes of Kalinga, transcending personal and territorial differences, and fostering a strong sense of unity,” he explained.

As the importance of the Bodong Festival increases over time, the board member reiterated the significance of progressing with the same solidarity and collaborative work that the Bodong represents.

“As we gather here today, let’s pause to consider the progress we’ve made as a province, while also anticipating the future with optimism and resolve," he added.

Langkit then urged all iKalingas to utilize the festival as an opportunity to contemplate their achievements, recognize their struggles, and reaffirm their dedication to a more promising future.