The Bodong is a territorially-based bilateral pact of non-aggression between Kalinga tribes, the objective of which is to maintain peace and stability within their territories and create bonds of amity, with the end view that members of each tribe may live and flourish in prosperity.
This peacebuilding and dispute settlement mechanism between Kalinga tribes is hailed by many as a vital aspect of Kalinga society considering the functions it plays in bringing about peace and stability. However, some look at it as a backward practice due largely to the retributive penalties attached to the transgressions of the pagta or the rules of Bodong. Recent developments have nonetheless been integrated in most pagtas, which made the penalties more humane or acceptable.
Because of its unique functionality and normativity, Bodong has become the subject of many studies, and a substantial amount of research has been conducted regarding its effectivity and structure. However, there is a dearth of scholarly work discussing the roles Kalinga women play in the system. This is thus the gap that we, the researchers, aim to fill. We are of the view that that the reason behind this is that Bodong has been dominated by men for centuries, so most of the previous studies were focused on their roles. Moreover, we are also of the view that less interest is shown not only to the roles of women in Bodong, but to Bodong in general, because younger Kalinga generations are becoming less and less aware of its processes due to their exposure to mainstream justice systems—a phenomenon resulting from globalization and migration.
Recent accounts nonetheless show that women have been gradually integrated into the Bodong process, specifically on aspects that require dialogues and negotiations. Kalinga women now perform important and critical functions in Bodong. In view of these developments, we deemed it important to examine and document the roles of women in Kalinga dispute settlement and peacebuilding efforts through this capstone project. We believe that documenting women’s participation in Bodong can raise awareness among Kalinga communities and the public as regards the important roles of Kalinga women in Bodong.
This capstone project was guided by the core principles of co-creation, co-production and co-benefit. These principles were reflected in the local partners’ direct inputs during the planning and implementation phases of the project. In addition, opinions and concerns of the other culture bearers, which include the Kalinga elders, peace pact holders, Kalinga youth, and local and national government representatives, were thoroughly considered in each phase of the project cycle.
The researchers hope that this capstone project can serve as a platform to:
1. Assert women’s leadership in grassroots conflict resolution and peacebuilding efforts.
2. Benefit the people of Kalinga whose tradition of Bodong is highly regarded as an integral part of their daily lives.
3. Benefit women peace pact holders and other women who participate in Bodong in other capacities, who have broken the stereotype that being part of the Bodong justice system is a man’s duty.
4. Inspire younger generations of Kalinga women to become leaders in their communities.
5. Motivate women from other indigenous groups to participate more proactively in dispute settlement mechanisms within their respective communities.