Ilocos Norte Governor Imee R. Marcos was honored by the Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Kalinga as a "daughter of the province of the province during the gracing of Kalinga's second Bodong Festival and 23rd founding anniversary.
Governor Marcos was given the name Laggunawa which means, "a beautiful and strong daughter of a tribal leader".
"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. I am deeply honored by this endowment and I will treasure this resolution"
According to provincial tradition of Kalinga, being named a daughter of Kalinga is a customary ethnic practices which is a way of recognizing a person "who have singularly endeared themselves and contributed outstanding services to the people".
See also: PNP Chief Ronald Bato dela Rose, adopted son of Bontoc Mountain Province
Sons and daughters of the province are granted certain privileges, including protection under the umbrella of the Kalinga Peace Pact institution of the Bodong Justice System "Pro-Pagta".
Governor Marcos 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,"
She also supports the call for Apo Whang-od, the aging traditional mambabatok (tattooist) of Tinglayan Kalinga to be included as a National Living Treasure.
source: BBM FB Page
