The entire provincial government of Kalinga was involved in the Kalinga Day celebration this February. The PLGU (provincial local government unit) chose the theme “Indigenous culture is the strength of Kalinga”. There is truth in the theme of Kalinga Day (or Kalinga Founding Anniversary), but we must clarify what about indigenous culture should be referred to as the strength of the province.

The image of indigenous culture and the means to develop it as promoted by the Provincial LGU leads to the commercialization, sale and utilization of culture as business and tourist attraction. This is the direction taken by the major activities held during Kalinga Day. For instance, a Laga Fashion Show was held to promote local weaving, alongside exhibits of the longest g-string (bahag)and biggest traditional skirt (tapis).

The true strength of the indigenous culture of the province lies in its positive and progressive traditions. Foremost is the unity forged by the the tribes in order to defend land, life, livelihood and resources, reaching until armed struggle. Another positive tradition is the sympathy and assistance given to members of the tribe who are impoverished, sick, nursing mothers, children and the elderly who are unable to work. There is also cooperation between tribes (for instance, among peace pact or bodong holders) and between communities. This is the progressive indigenous culture embodied by Macliing Dulag and Daniel Ngaya-an in their defense of the Chico River against the evil intention of Ferdinand Marcos Sr. to construct a series of dams along this River.

Another aspect of indigenous culture that should be promoted are the methods for increasing food production, primarily rice, alongside the advancement of these methods. Tabuk has long been recognized as the ‘Rice Granary of the Cordillera’. This was achieved through an agricultural system that relies on the unity and organization of the community according to a common calendar from the start of planting until harvest. Many indigenous rituals and dances are anchored to this agricultural cycle. These should not be used merely as entertainment for tourists.

If the local government officials would like to leave their mark in the hearts and minds of their provincemates, they should strive to promote the progressive aspects of indigenous culture. They should defend the land and resources of the people. They should stand against widespread and non-stop land conversion, large-scale mining such as Makilala Mines and dams for hydropower businesses. They should prioritize farmers support programs that will increase food production that is not tied to imported commercial farm inputs. They should support an educational system that teaches the youth to appreciated the importance of ancestral land and the need to care for the land. They should work to inculcate awareness of the noble role of the Kalinga and Cordillera people in the history of struggle against the colonizers and the Marcos dictatorship, in the consciousness of the youth.

Promote and further develop the progressive and revolutionary indigenous culture of Kalinga!
Defend land, life, livelihood and resources!
Let culture serve to advance the National-Democratic Revolution until Socialism!