Women for Peace
Unbeknownst to Carina then, her extraordinary courage and resolute stance to revive a very expensive peace had made her the first woman peace pact holder, not only of Kalinga, but also of the whole Gran Cordillera. Petite as she physically stands, her valor, conviction, and strength of character are bigger than anyone could ever imagine. Carina personifies an empowered woman, who is ever ready to make big sacrifices if only to give her tribe members the peaceful and secure life that they deserve.
Carina has become the source of inspiration for many people in her tribe, including her own beloved children. For her daughter Juanita, Carina has proven that in Bodong and elsewhere in life, women are not consigned to the kitchen. Women play enormous roles in conflict resolution and achieving peace. They possess assets and skills that are valuable in negotiating and restoring amity. They are cool-headed and could adjust in almost all situations since they can control their minds and emotions. In addition, when women speak amidst a pool of men, the latter would almost always lend their ears to the former as Kalinga men accord women great respect.
It’s no secret that women have historically faced greater barriers than men when it comes to fully participating in their respective community. In Kalinga, being the leader of a tribe was once a male-dominated role but has drastically become gender-equal task through the test of time, and the story of Irene has proved worthy of not just being a peace pact holder but also a chieftain to her tribe.
Irene Addamo, of the Sumadel tribe in Bulo, Tabuk City, Kalinga, holds a peace pact between her ethnic community and the Lubo tribe of Tanudan. She whole-heartedly inherited the title of Nangdon si Bodong (peace-pact holder) following the death of her husband in 2002
Confident in their abilities and certain of their power, women take on numerous roles in society. Taking up space and achieving great feats have been their primary ways of proving that they are worthy of esteem and are empowered to handle responsibilities, especially in leadership. This holds true to Elena, a peace pact holder in Kalinga, who illuminates her light to lead her land toward a peaceful life.
Designated by elders of the Biga tribe with a unanimous decision, Elena Baglinit holds a peace pact between her indigenous community and the Tanglag tribe in Lubuagan, Kalinga.
Justice in the Philippines is often associated with formal courts, legal statutes, and structured proceedings. However, in Kalinga, ...
Every February, the mountainous province of Kalinga in the Cordillera region of the Philippines comes alive with color, music, and culture...
There are rugged hills to climb, unique flavors to devour, history to review, picturesque scenery to capture, people to appreciate; Kalinga is waving...
There was a time when people would deliberately presume that the rugged mountainous terrains of Kalinga were home to vicious warriors...
A fundamental tenet in the iKalinga worldview is the deep respect and courtesy accorded to women, who are regarded as life-givers and peacemakers...
Located within the mountainous zones of the Cordillera Administrative Region, the province of Kalinga adheres to political structures cultivated by their culture. In their society, harmony rules and amity prevails. Kalinga is home to forty-six (46) ancestral domains (bugis), separated by clearly drawn borders. Amidst the diversity in the province, communities are governed by unifying political systems structures embedded in folkways and mores. Found at the core of these legislative, executive, and judicial patterns are the law of peace and order.
Conflicts between clans and troupes can either lead to unresolved tension or settled agreement. For the communities of Kalinga, the latter is more preferred and their desire to clear up disputes is manifested in Bodong. Bodong is a bilateral agreement between two groups, both seeking a harmonious relationship with each other. In the process of resolving their struggle, both parties abide by these steps in forging Bodong.
Conflicts between clans and troupes can either lead to unresolved tension or settled agreement. For the communities of Kalinga, the latter is more preferred and their desire to clear up disputes is manifested in Bodong. Bodong is a bilateral agreement between two groups, both seeking a harmonious relationship with each other. In the process of resolving their struggle, both parties abide by these steps in forging Bodong.
For so long, indigenous people have been struggling as they strive to preserve their ancestral lands, protect their native language, and promote their dying culture. With the widespread liberalization around the globe, the norms and indigenous people are threatened to be displaced, making them more susceptible to insecurity and discrimination. Along with this hostile condition, ethnic people, specifically women may seem to drown in the world where men seem to dominate in every career aspect.
Decked with its rich cultural heritage, Kalinga women seemingly mirror an exhibit of gold; incomparable and matchless. Perhaps one of their defining features is seen beyond their nakedness covered by their tradition of adorning their skin with lace-like tribal patterns and intricate textiles. But if people think that this is what Kalinga women only offer, they are still yet to behold a gripping reason why it is an exhibit of such.
The exponential growth of numerous innovations and developments has convinced many that the seed of values and culture indigenous peoples have nourished for generations is slowly dying. The influx of external influence and mobilization of local folks to pursue education or work is believed to cause this phenomenon.
In any Kalinga occasion, food plays a vital role in making the moment as worthwhile and meaningful as possible. Food has always been an integral part of the Kalinga culture as the latter exhibits itself in the variety of dishes served during important occasions. One occasion where the Kalingas showcase their rich culinary tradition is during the culmination of a successful establishment of bodong following a long and tedious negotiation.
Bestowed with beauty and grace, women are esteemed by many. But beyond that respect ascribed to them, they have so much more to offer than good looks and lovely gestures, because they can achieve great feats with their power and strength.
Before the emergence of modernized civilization, headhunting was once regarded as a noble pursuit and symbolized bravery for the natives. Hence, headhunters became the identity interlinked with the natives of this landlocked province. It was then a warrior society that accorded tattoos as status symbols awarded to warriors which men respected and as these warriors earned tattoos, women's admiration was earned as well. But it’s not all violence and tribal wars that prevail most in this pristine land, there’s more than meets the eye!
