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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.
With this, young members of the indigenous peoples are called to preserve the values and culture of their ethnic group, because they are on the verge of being forgotten. The youth is urged to continuously maintain and practice the cultural legacy they inherited from their ancestors. In their respective regions, indigenous peoples have their own system of law enforcement and peace maintenance. One great example of this is the Kalinga communities’ peace-oriented practice of Bodong.
The young generation of the Kalinga society believes that Bodong is a system of rules that brings about harmony and peace between two tribes, by letting them reach a bilateral agreement. According to a young male Kalinga folk, neighboring provinces like Abra also practice it. This substantiates the significant role of Bodong in Kalinga and nearby lands.
Interestingly, 2 out of 7 youths, from various tribes who were interviewed, already participated in the Bodong Process. One male participant admitted that he has seen a Bodong Process twice, in 2016 and 2018. “It is a common practice. We witness it because it is usually practiced,” he added. A female Kalinga community member also had the experience of attending a Bodong process when she was younger. According to her, peace pact holders must be qualified to lead the tribe in a peaceful and harmonious way. These leaders are usually men, but the majority of young Kalinga women believe that they can also be Bodong holders nowadays.
Similar to the indigenous customs and traditions that are handed down through word of mouth, Bodong is passed from generation to generation. That’s how the youth of Kalinga get to understand the Bodong process they inherited from the past. A male interviewee shared that he holds adequate knowledge of the Bodong process. A Pangat in their community, his grandfather informally educated him on the procedure. He later learned that the Bodong system of Kalinga is similar in every tribe.
Perceived by youth to still have relevance in this day and age, Bodong remains to be widely practiced and greatly valued in Kalinga communities. Upheld as a sacred covenant, it fosters cooperation between tribes and promotes the peaceful settlement of disputes. Another young female Kalinga, who is taking undergraduate study at the faculty of law, expressed, "I am a supporter of Bodong, even though I am studying law, for my perception at the moment I still believe the Bodong process and its effectiveness."
The Bodong serves as an instrument to serve justice and achieve a more culture-oriented legal process, as it is a simple, quick, and effective settlement for tribal conflicts. Hence, by all accounts, the process will continue to be observed and respected. “It is relevant and it is part of our history,” a Kalinga woman remarked. For Bodong to remain alive in the future, seeds of cultural knowledge must be planted and cultivated in the minds of the young generation.
The Kalinga youth, who were asked if they want to get themselves involved in the process, signified their interest. However, not all of them, the male interviewees specifically, wanted to be Bodong holders because of the huge responsibility attached to it. But they’re not totally closing the door if the community chooses them. Confident of their abilities, some female Kalinga youth conveyed their willingness to be peace pact holders and take an active role in other capacities.
The youth’s fervor on preserving their traditional practices and identity, especially the Bodong, brings hope to their indigenous communities. It ensures that their Kalinga values and culture are in safe hands because young and passionate people like them are there to nourish it.
31 October 2021