TABUK CITY, Kalinga — The Provincial Government of Kalinga officially launched this week the codified Pagta, the written version of the province’s traditional Bodong or peace pact system.

The ceremony was held at the Kalinga Sports Center and attended by Governor James Edduba, local officials, tribal elders, and community members.

The Bodong is a long-standing agreement between tribes or sub-tribes to prevent conflict and settle disputes peacefully. For generations, these rules were passed down orally.

The new 137-page Pagta document puts these customary laws into writing to help preserve them and guide future leaders.

Mr. Edduba said the codified Pagta will complement national laws and serve as a bridge between indigenous practices and the formal justice system. He described it as a step toward protecting Kalinga’s culture while strengthening peace and order in the province.

The document was prepared through years of consultations involving the Kalinga Bodong Council of Elders, the Matagoan Bodong Consultative Council, the Provincial Legal Office, Kalinga State University, the Public Attorney’s Office and the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples.

During the launch, traditional chants such as the “Uggayam” were performed, highlighting the cultural importance of the event.

Officials said the written Pagta will serve as a lasting guide to maintain unity, resolve disputes and preserve Kalinga’s heritage for future generations. — Artemio A. Dumlao

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