February 11, 2025 – The vibrant province of Kalinga marked its 30th Founding Anniversary and 6th Bodong Festival with a special event honoring the invaluable contributions of farmers, cooperatives, and business groups. The event started with a parade followed by a short program held at the Kalinga Sports Center, the celebration highlighted these sectors’ crucial role in driving the province’s economic growth, fostering unity, and preserving its cultural heritage.
Board Member Antonio Bakilan, representing Vice Governor Jocel C. Baac, delivered the welcome remarks, expressing deep appreciation for the dedication and resilience of Kalinga’s farming communities. “Kalinga thrives as an agricultural province because of our farmers, cooperatives, and businesses, whose efforts sustain and uplift the entire province,” Bakilan said.
Vice Governor Baac echoed this sentiment, calling farmers the backbone of the province’s economy. “The hard work of our farmers feeds families, supports industries, and strengthens our communities. We also commend our cooperatives and businesses for their commitment to collective progress and economic stability,” he stated.
Congressman Allen Jesse C. Mangaoang lauded the rapid progress of Kalinga, emphasizing the balance between tradition and innovation. “Maibaga tayo nga napasingkedan ti probinsya tayo gapu kadakayo,” he said, thanking farmers, cooperatives, and businesses for their critical roles in Kalinga’s success. He reiterated the importance of inclusive development, ensuring no sector is left behind in the province’s growth.
Governor James S. Edduba also expressed his gratitude to all the guests and participants, emphasizing the strong partnership and shared vision driving Kalinga’s progress. “Kalinga farmers, cooperatives, and business groups are the lifeblood of the province,” he remarked.
Atty. Jennelyn M. Dawayan, DA RFO-CAR Regional Executive Director, represented Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel Jr. In her address, she conveyed Secretary Laurel’s message of support for Kalinga’s development efforts.
“Kalinga is a leader in agricultural innovation and production, particularly in rice farming. Its productive lands not only sustain local communities but also significantly contribute to national food security,” Atty. Dawayan said. She assured the continued support of the Department of Agriculture, including advanced initiatives like agricultural drones and value-adding programs for local products.
CDA Assistant Secretary Santiago Lim gave the keynote speech; he took the stage to highlight the vital role of cooperatives in Kalinga’s progress. He noted that Kalinga has one of the highest cooperative memberships in the country relative to its population, a testament to its people’s collaborative spirit.
“Kalinga has set the bar for cooperative-driven development. I look forward to the day when Tabuk City becomes the first cooperative city in the Philippines,” Lim stated.
The celebration was a fitting tribute to the resilience, innovation, and hard work of Kalinga’s farmers, cooperatives, and business leaders. It underscored the importance of partnerships between these sectors and the government in driving sustainable development.
As Kalinga looks ahead, the unity exemplified during the 30th Founding Anniversary and 6th Bodong Festival serves as a beacon of hope and progress. With collaboration at the core of its endeavors, the province continues to forge a path toward inclusivity, sustainability, and prosperity for generations to come.
