Kalinga’s adopted daughter

Gracing Kalinga last week for the second Bodong Festival and 23rd founding anniversary of the province, Ilocos Norte Governor Imee R. Marcos was honored by the Sangguniang Panlalawigan of that province as an “adopted daughter of the province of Kalinga” through Resolution No. 2018-025.
Being named an adopted daughter or adopted son of Kalinga is a provincial tradition and is in consonance with customary ethnic practices of Kalinga.

According to the resolution, it is a recognition bestowed upon “personages who have singularly endeared themselves and contributed outstanding services to the people.”

Governor Marcos in particular, was given the name “Laggunawa,” meaning, “a beautiful and strong daughter of a tribal chieftain.”

“Sakto yung pangalan ko, anak daw ng chief – kaya I’ll have to live up to that name. Sabi nila… This ideal is what you should grow up to, so I must become Laggunawa,” she said.

Sons and daughters of the province are granted certain privileges, including protection under the umbrella of the Kalinga Peace Pact institution or the Bodong Justice System “Proto-Pagta.”

Governor Marcos shared, “I am deeply honored by this endowment and I will treasure this resolution.”

She also urged the opening of tourism routes from Ilocos Norte to the Cordilleran Region, “sapagkat ang nakikita lagi ay yung coastal – La Union hanggang Ilocos Norte… There’s a very, very rich culture here at kitang-kita na iisa ang ating kultura whether upland, midland, or lowland.

“Kinakailangan na si Apo Whang-od ay maging National Living Treasure,” she added, referring to the aging mambabatok (traditional tattooist) of Tinglayan, Kalinga. She stressed how tourism could be an avenue for better promotion and thus preservation of culture.