Cash incentives provided to 6th Bodong drum and lyre performers; Gov. Edduba says this is to support learners

Tabuk City, Kalinga - Kalinga Governor James Edduba extended his support to the participating schools of the 6th Bodong Drum and Lyre competition at both the elementary and secondary levels, giving them P100,000 in cash incentives as means to encourage them to keep honing their talents.

“Uray saan unay nga dakkel ngem nu ipakita tayo ti suporta tayo kadagiti ubbing tayo, nu ipakita tayo ti appreciation tayo, marikna da dayta ken sayaaten da iti panagadal ken panagperform da. The best way to help our children succeed is to let them know we are there for them,” said the Governor in an interview. 

The drum and lyre competitions, which took place last week at the CARAA ground, is one of the highlight competitions of the biggest festival in the province. It is through this musical performance that young learners can show the vibrant culture and traditions of Kalinga and appreciation to the popular Ikalinga people who contributed to the popularization of the province through dance and music.

The competition's secondary level was held on February 13, 2025, with five participating schools showcasing their outstanding performances through their coordinated actions and enchanting musical compositions. Coming out on top of the performances was the Agbannawag National High School, which was hailed as the grand winner with a score of 94.67 percent. 

The school received P100,000 in cash prize from the PLGU, headed by Governor James Edduba, for being the champion. Other participating schools, which include the STS-Tabuk, STS-Balbalan, STCI, and STS-Lubuagan, also received cash prizes as runners-up. 

For the elementary level, which took place on February 14, it was also participated in by five schools from the various municipalities and city of Tabuk.

The contestants include the Agbbanawag Central School, Rizal Elementary School, Bulanao Central School, Mabilong Elementary School, and STCI. The elementary level was won by the Agbannawag Central School with a score of 97.80 percent, bringing home also a P100,000 prize money. 

The other contestants likewise received cash prizes for being the first runner-up, second runner-up, third runner-up, and fourth runner-up, respectively. 

All of the said participating schools for both the elementary and secondary levels, aside from their cash prizes, were given P10,000 incentives by Edduba as an appreciation for their hard work and sleepless nights of preparation. 

Edduba, in his talk during the awarding ceremonies, encouraged all the participants to continue doing their best in such competition and reminded them that in the heart of the people, they are all winners.

 “ Nalalaing kayo amin, champion kayo amin para kadakami” the governor stated.