CITY OF TABUK, Kalinga (PIA) - -Students from the higher educational institutions in the province spearheaded by the Kalinga State University staged in February 8 the first Bodong Student Summit at the Kalinga Sports Center.

Elders and provincial officials who delivered messages were one in calling for the students, youth and younger generations to sustain “Bodong” as a cultural heritage, respect it as a tradition, practice it as the way to peace and live by its Pagta (by-laws).

It is noted that whenever there is severance of the bodong, students are affected since their studies are disrupted because of fear of being possible targets of revenge.

The Bodong Student Summit  was highlighted with portrayal of the process of the Bodong, Salidummay and Uggayam Competition, Painting and Search for Student Bodong Ambassador.
    
Bryan Gaddawon Taluyan and Neredith Ongyao Abannag of Kalinga Colleges of Science and Technology emerged as  winners in the 1st  Kalinga Bodong Ambassador and Ambassadress Search.
 
The event was sponsored by the Office of the Congressman as part of the celebration of the 28th Kalinga Founding Anniversary and 4th Bodong Festival.

KSU President Eduardo Bagtang proposed to the Provincial LGU through the Office of the Indigenous Peoples Mandatory Representative to the Sangguniang Panlalawigan to declare February 8 every year thereafter as "Bodong Student Summit" and providing funds thereof. (JDP/PAB-PIA CAR, Kalinga)