CITY OF TABUK, Kalinga — The province of Kalinga celebrates its silver founding anniversary on February 14, and to mark its significance, organizers have set the play of a thousand gongs with thousand banga dancers.
Governor Ferdinand B. Tubban said the event is dubbed ‘Awong Chi Gangsa, Agtun Chi Banga’ (Call of the Gong, Carrying the Pot).
Performers would come from all municipalities of the province symbolizing the unity and solidarity of the Kalinga people.
The ‘call of a thousand gongs’ was first performed during the province’s founding anniversary in 2014. This time, a thousand banga dancers are joining to make the event more exuberant.
Adding pageantry and fun to the celebration are the ethnic street dance competition, Miss Kalinga pageant, Kalinga treasures fair, Pasil Slow Food, concert and other festivities.
Side by side with the Kalinga 25th anniversary celebration is the 4th Bodong Festival that recognizes and promotes the ‘Bodong’ or peace-pact, its accord of peace among tribes since time immemorial.
One highlight of the celebration is the actual bodong rites between two tribesto establish their pact of peace.
The 3-day festivities end evening of February 14 with the Valentine fellowship and concert, capped by fireworks display at the provincial capitol grounds.**JDP/LL-PIA CAR, Kalinga
