Tabuk Bodong council accepts women members

By Larry Lopez

TABUK CITY, Kalinga – The MatagoanBodong Consultative Council here, which is instrumental in settling tribal wars and conflicts, has installed five women as members in what was formerly a men’s domain.

The new women members representing the four sub-districts of the city are: Carolina Malapit representing Southern Tabuk; Angel Baruzo – Eastern Tabuk; EufrinaBuslig – Northern Tabuk; Elizabeth Taway and Basilia Marrero - Western Tabuk.

The membership of the women came when Women’s Month was being celebrated.

City information officer Oliver Gacuya said the five were installed into office last week with 21 male members, making the composition of the MBCC to 26.

Organized in 2001 as arm of the municipal government in the resolution of conflicts among tribes here, the MBCC has been instrumental in restoration of severed peace pacts and settlement of cases involving members of tribal communities.

Documentation was made about the peace program of the MBCC and in 2009, the council earned national distinction and was awarded GalingPook Award, a national citation given by Malacanang to exemplary performers.

The nomination of the women to the Bodong Council is considered as breakthrough in the peace program of the City since women have no place in decision making pertaining to resolution of conflicts in the Kalinga culture.

But seeing the exemplary role of women leaders in various sectors in the country today and be it here, the Council decided to include women members, Gacuya said.