‘Kalinga holds a special place in my heart’ - Sen. Loren Legarda during 6th Bodong Festival

Tabuk City, Kalinga - Philippine Senator Loren Legarda extended her greetings to the province of Kalinga for its 30th Founding Anniversary and 6th Bodong Festival, saying “Kalinga holds a special place in my heart”.  

Legarda paid special attention to various cultural projects/initiatives that she worked on with the Kalinga people over the past years.

In her message shared by the province’s Information Office, one of those initiatives she mentioned is the 'Dayaw' series, a cultural project that highlights the legacy of various indigenous communities in the country in which Kalinga was one of those chosen to be included. 

The Dayaw, which was championed by Legarda along with her chief writer Floy Quintos, is an award-winning documentary series with the fundamental mission to promote Filipino indigenous culture and heritage by documenting significant indigenous traditions, practices, and ways of life.

Kalinga’s participation in this project, according to Legarda, is a testament to the province's vibrant artistic heritage. 

“... We have highlighted the artistry of Kalinga's cultural bearers, such as Alonzo Saclag, a Gawad sa Manlilikha ng Bayan awardee, and the traditional folk song Salidumay,” she recalled.

As for the significance of the 30th Kalinga Founding Anniversary and the 6th Bodong Festival, the lawmaker said the celebration is ‘an honor of the milestones of governance and the Kalinga people's strength, resilience, and vibrant culture.’

The Bodong, or Kalinga’s traditional peace pact, has been a cornerstone of the province’s culture, and Legarda emphasized its enduring relevance, saying, ‘The Bodong is a reminder that harmony and mutual respect can triumph over division, a principle that resonates with the collective aspirations of Filipinos.’ 

For Legarda, the values of peace, unity, and reconciliation embodied by the Bodong are critical to the country’s growth, especially in today’s complex and often divisive society. 

The legislator also praised Governor James Edduba and the Ikalinga artists for consistently showcasing the province’s rich culture at the National Arts and Crafts Fair through artworks. The Kalinga’s creative expressions are given a platform for joining these fairs. 

The senator’s message concluded with a call to action, urging all Ikalingas to remember the values of the Bodong (dialogue, cooperation, and good faith), which were preserved over the generations.

 Being a national leader, Legarda explained that these values are essential not just for Kalinga but for the entire nation, particularly in achieving peace and unity. 

“As we celebrate today, let us remember the wisdom of the Bodong—the value of dialogue, cooperation, and good faith. Manjamana! Isang luntiang Pilipinas sa ating lahat!,” she concluded.