Effectiveness of Bodong as an Alternative Dispute Resolution: A Glimpse of Kalingas' Peace Framework

Abstract

Bodong, a peace pact, evolves from the customs and traditions of the Kalingas. It discloses indigenous people's cultural identity, heritage and integrity that were painstakingly developed with the passing of the time. This study investigated the effectiveness of bodong as an alternative dispute resolution that reflects the peace framework of the community in dealing with crimes and tribal-related offenses in the province of Kalinga, Philippines. With 305 respondents composed of local officials, court employees, law enforcers and tribal leaders, findings significantly confirm bodong as an effective system of enforcing peace because it does not in a way oppose to the realms of existing laws. Thus, for bodong system to sustainably advance social security and economic stability of culturally diverse tribes, key stakeholders should constitute bolder steps in coming up with success indicators on the intensive education campaign regarding the provisions of pagta not only to binodngans but also to non-binodngans.