By Rose Frejane Cruz Comanda
TABUK CITY, Kalinga, Philippines — Kalinga province will once again showcase its rich indigenous heritage, unity, and cultural identity in its 7th Bodong Festival in February.
With the theme “Naidaklan nga Kultura, Isu’t Bileg ti Kalinga”, the celebration will feature various cultural, tourism, sports, and community events.
The celebration will kick off on February 2, with performances showcasing indigenous life, environmental conservation, traditional food production, traditional health practices, and customary governance, according to organizers.
Concurrent with the said day will be the Bodong Treasure’s Fair, which will feature creative and indigenous products; Concert in the Park from February 10 to 14; the Bodong Agro and Tourism Fair on February 12; and the Miss Kalinga Coronation Night on the same day, with eight candidates representing the city and municipality of the province.
Among the main highlights are the Lumin-awa Trek IV from February 4 to 6, which will traverse cultural and ecological routes in Lubuagan and Tinglayan, the Unoy Festival and Batok showcase in Tinglayan, and the Diddiga Cultural Parade and Showdown on February 12, featuring the longest bahag and giant ginamat displays.
There will also be sports and special events, including the First Governor’s Cup–Third Level National Shootfest from February 12 to 15, drum and lyre competitions for elementary and high school students on February 13, and the grand civic float parade and anniversary program on February 14.
Also scheduled are the Philippine Military Academy Silent Drill and the Philippine Army Parachute Team display, along with a Slow Food Experience and concerts featuring local artists.
Community-focused activities include the “United for Health” initiative on February 16 at the Kalinga Sports Center, offering dental and medical services, circumcision, and mental health awareness.
The Department of Agrarian Reform will also distribute Land Title Certificates and Certificates of Condition along with Mortgage Release on February 17, while the Lumin-awa Blood Donation Drive, targeting 300 donors, will be held on February 20.
Additional tourism and cultural activities such as white-water rafting, bike fest, off-road 4×4 challenge, Laga Show, and infrastructure turn-overs, including the Poswoy Bridge, are yet to be announced, and schedules and locations will be announced.
The provincial government invites tourists to witness the historic coming together of indigenous people from different towns to showcase their respective cultures and traditions on this occasion.
