Tribe reinstalls anti-Chico dam heroes monument

By Peter A. Balocnit

TINGLAYAN, Kalinga -- Bugnay folks here reinstalled the monument of the anti-Chico Dam local heroes in its original place along the national highway across Bugnay village while awaiting funds for development of its proposed relocation site.  

The dismantled monument of Macli-ing Dulag, Pedro Dungoc and Lumbaya Gayudan was restored during the Day of Valor accorded to them by the Butbut tribe on April 9, to honor and commemorate their martyrdom.
The three local leaders sacrificed their lives while battling to prevent construction of the proposed Chico River dam during the Marcos regime.

The monument erected in 2017, stands on the highway overlooking Bugnay.

It was dismantled in January this year since it encroached on the road right-of-way.  

"Habang awan pay ti pondo ti pannakaiyakar ti monument ket rebbeng na lang nga isubli mi tapnu haan nga aglati ti steel panel ti monument. Nu addan tu ti pondo na ti pannakaiyalis na ket santu maiyakar,"(While there is no fund yet for the relocation of the monument, it is but proper that we reinstall it so that its steel panel will not rust. It there would be funds already, then it would be relocated) Bugnay Barangay Chairman Rober Dumpao said.

Upper Kalinga District Engineering Office Assistant District Engineer Teodoro Owek said they have prepared a plan with the perspective of the monument to be built on a hill above Bugnay village and across the Chico River.

“We will present the plan, maybe with the Provincial Advisory Council or the Sangguniang Panlalawigan for the sourcing of funds,” he said, adding that DPWH is willing to help in its implementation. – PIA Kalinga