05/06/2024
Read and React on the main post โค
๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐: ๐๐๐ฒ๐จ๐ซ ๐๐ฎ๐๐ฅ๐จ๐ง๐ '๐ฌ ๐๐ฅ๐ฎ๐๐ฉ๐ซ๐ข๐ง๐ญ ๐๐จ๐ซ ๐๐จ๐ง๐ญ๐จ๐'๐ฌ ๐๐๐ฌ๐ฎ๐ซ๐ ๐๐ง๐๐ ๐๐ง๐ ๐๐ซ๐๐ง๐ฌ๐๐จ๐ซ๐ฆ๐๐ญ๐ข๐จ๐ง
Bontoc, the capital town of Mountain Province, stands as a beacon of cultural heritage, nestled amidst the breathtaking Cordillera Mountains. As it strives towards progress, the present administration under Mayor Jerome Chagsen Tudlong has unveiled a comprehensive roadmap: "ENLANGAKHA: Achieving the Vision of A Dynamic Bontoc".
Mayor Jerome Tudlong is a visionary leader with a commitment of the municipalityโs progress. His administration is characterized by inclusivity, innovation, and strong sense of community engagement. From focusing on transparency and accountability, his administration has garnered trust and respect from the Bontoc citizens.
This essay explores the current administration's efforts and programs across Health, Culture, Infrastructure, Education, Youth Empowerment, Agriculture, and Partnerships, highlighting their commitment to enhancing public services, preserving heritage, improving infrastructure, advancing educational opportunities, empowering youth, modernizing agriculture, and fostering collaborative relationships for sustainable development.
Health
One of Mayor Tudlong's main goals is to build a healthy and safe community. A lot of effort has gone into improving health and nutrition in the municipality,this is seen in the better services at the barangay health centers and the support given to the barangay health workers through financial help and retirement benefits. The Municipal Health Office of Bontoc has won awards for its excellent services.
The Municipal Health Office under the guidance of Mayor Jerome Chagsen Tudlong, has been at the forefront of enhancing healthcare services across Bontoc, a cornerstone of the administration's commitment to public health and wellness. This dedication has not only significantly improved health services but has also garnered various awards and recognitions, evidences that the initiatives implemented are effective. Central to these health initiatives is the collaboration between the MHO and various stakeholders, which has been instrumental in extending comprehensive health services to the broader community. This collaborative approach ensures that all health programs are inclusive and addresses the specific needs of the residents in Bontoc.
Recognizing the pivotal role played by the Barangay Health Workers (BHWs) in the success of these health initiatives, the Sangguniang Bayan of Bontoc has enacted two ordinances that aimed in supporting these health workers. The first ordinance provides financial assistance to the Municipal BHW Federation, offering a acknowledgment of their invaluable service to the community. The second ordinance establishes a retirement incentive program for BHWs, this ensures their dedication and hard work are honored beyond their active service years.
The improvements in Bontocโs healthcare infrastructure are evident in the recent completion of upgraded health stations in the barangays of Can-eo, Mainit, and Samoki. These were made possible through the Health Facilities Enhancement Program of the Department of Health (DOH), which supports local government units in enhancing healthcare facilities. The Local Government Unit of Bontoc has also successfully secured additional funding for the enhancement of seven more barangay health stations. This funding will facilitate further improvements, ensuring that each health station is well-equipped to meet the growing healthcare demands of the community.
In addition, for public health and safety, the administration has conducted anti-rabies vaccinations, covering 3,495 dogs and cats to control and prevent the spread of rabies within the community. This initiative reflects the LGUโs commitment to comprehensive community health and safety measures.
Recently, a notable achievement in healthcare support was the recent acquisition of funds from the Office of President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos, Jr., specifically aimed at providing medical assistance to Bontoc residents. This funding, personally secured by Mayor Tudlong during his visits to Malacaรฑang Palace, underscores his commitment to enhancing the health and well-being of his constituents.
Cultural Preservation and Enhancement
The present administration has also demonstrated a steadfast commitment to preserving and promoting our rich cultural heritage, particularly through the restoration of the Maligcong Rice Terraces, which have suffered damage from past typhoons. These terraces are not only a source of agricultural pride but also a cultural landmark. The LGU successfully secured P5.5 million fund from the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) for its restoration. This initiative underscores a broader commitment to cultural preservation, which includes documenting the diverse cultural practices and traditions of Bontoc through the efforts of Tourism.
The Maligcong Rice Terraces has also received an international nomination for the UNESCO-Greece Melina Mercouri International Prize for the Safeguarding and Management of Cultural Landscapes. This nomination highlights the global significance of Bontocโs efforts in cultural conservation and offers an opportunity to showcase our cultural landscape on an international platform.
Education and Youth Empowerment
Education is a pivotal area of focus of the current adminstration, which actively supports both private and public educational schools within the municipality. The administrationโs commitment extends beyond holistic approaches that includes equipping the youth with essential skills through various training programs. These initiatives are designed to prepare young generation for future challenges and opportunities, fostering a well-rounded educational environment.
Moreover, the LGU provides financial assistance to deserving students, which is crucial in promoting educational accessibility and excellence. This support is not limited to academic pursuits alone but also includes backing for students who excel in sports and other competitions, representing Bontoc at various levels like the Provicnial Meet, CARAA Meet and National level. Such support aids in their personal development but also brings pride to the community by highlighting the talents and capabilities of the youth.
SK Involvement
The active involvement of the Sangguniang Kabataan from the different barangays of Bontoc also played a crucial role in shaping the community's development initiatives, demonstrating their commitment to fostering growth and enhancing the welfare of the community through different programs and collaborative efforts.
On December 16, 2023, the SKs from the four central barangays of the municipality actively participated in the "Save the Chico River Raffle Draw," an event organized by the Lang-ay Organization, Radio Natin, and the Provincial Government of Mountain Province. This initiative aimed to raise awareness about the importance of the Chico River as a crucial resource for e-Montanyosa and neighboring provinces. The SKs assisted the organizers by collecting and disposing of plastic bottles, demonstrating their commitment to environmental sustainability. Additionally, these SKs took part in a cleanup drive organized by Societas Scientia of MPSPC, which spanned from the last week of April 2024 to the first week of May 2024, further showcasing their dedication to community service and environmental care.
On January 6, 2024, all elected SKs of Bontoc, under the leadership of Mark Andaya, the SKF President, participated in the National Cleanup Drive. This was in response to a memorandum from the Department of Interior and Local Government, which directed all barangays to organize a Community Cleanup Drive. The success of this cleanup drive not only improved the cleanliness of the community but also served as a platform for raising environmental awareness and fostering partnerships and community engagement.
Another is the involvement of the 15 Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) treasurers was the success of the "Basic Bookkeeping Course for SK Treasurers" held recently. This training was vital for enhancing their financial management skills and covered comprehensive topics from journalizing transactions to analyzing financial statements. Their participation in the two-day course, which included a Training Induction Program through the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority Online Program, demonstrated their commitment to effectively managing government funds for youth initiatives. Mayor Jerome "Chagsen" Tudlong, Jr. praised this initiative as essential for empowering these young leaders to significantly contribute to community development.
The Sangguniang Kabataan of Talubin also played a pivotal role in enhancing emergency response capabilities through their active involvement in the three-day Basic Life Support training held from February 29 to March 2, 2024. On February 3, 2024, the SK Guina-ang conducted a Leadership Training themed "Leading with Purpose, Empowering Tomorrow's Leaders," In addition to their active participation in the training, they partnered with the All Saints Mission School (ASMIS) to enhance community service learning. SK Guina-ang also collaborated with school organizations to organize cleanup drives, demonstrating their dedication to environmental stewardship and community well-being.
SK Caluttit and Samoki have established free printing centers to assist students, enhancing their access to educational resources. Prior to this initiative, SK Caluttit also set up the first-ever reading center in Caluttit. The successful establishment of the Free Print and Reading Center stands as a testament to the determination and hard work of SK Caluttit and Samoki in providing accessible education and promoting literacy among the youth. These centers are poised to become hubs for learning and stepping stones towards a brighter future for the young generation.
These are just some of the activities and initiatives of the SK Bontoc that have helped in the development and enrichment of Bontoc. Through their dedicated efforts in environmental sustainability, educational support, and emergency preparedness, the Sangguniang Kabataan of Bontoc have demonstrated a strong commitment to fostering growth and improving the welfare of the community. Each project and program reflects their dedication to empowering the youth and building a resilient, educated, and environmentally conscious society. These initiatives not only address immediate community needs but also lay the groundwork for sustainable development and a promising future for Bontoc.
Peace and Order
In terms of safety and security, the Bontoc LGU has taken significant steps to enhance peace and order within the municipality. CCTV cameras were installed at critical locations, starting with the Bontoc Municipal Capitol. This initiative has been expanded to include the central business district, where additional CCTVs are set to be installed. These measures are part of a comprehensive safety strategy aimed at deterring criminal activities and enhancing the monitoring capabilities of law enforcement agencies.
The installation of CCTVs not only helps in maintaining law and order but also instills a sense of security among the residents and visitors, thereby making Bontoc a safer place to live, work, and visit.
Agriculture
Mayor Jerome Chagsen Tudlong has effectively utilized strong collaborations with various agencies and stakeholders to bring substantial benefits to the community, showcasing a proactive and partnership to local governance. Under his leadership, the Bontoc Local Government Unit, through the Office of the Municipal Agriculturist (OMAG), successfully secured an P8.8 million project funded by the Department of Agriculture. This funding supports local farmerโs organization in establishing a coffee processing facility, which aims to boost the local coffee industry by enhancing production capabilities and market reach.
In addition, the administration has been providing assistance to farmers and fisher folks. This includes financial aid, the distribution of fertilizers, animal feeds, various farm inputs, livestock, and essential fishing gear and paraphernalia. This support not only aids in immediate agricultural productivity but also ensures long-term sustainability and profitability for the local farming and fishing communities.
Moreover, the agricultural sector in Bontoc has been further strengthened by the implementation of 11 communal irrigation projects, collectively valued at more than 31 million pesos. Funded by the Department of Agriculture through the National Irrigation Authority (NIA), these projects significantly enhanced irrigation access, which is crucial for farming efficiency and expanding agricultural output.
Infrastructure development has also been a key focus, with various farm-to-market roads being developed with assistance from the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflicts (NTF-ELCAC), and the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH). These roads are vital for ensuring that agricultural products can reach broader markets efficiently, thereby boosting the local economy.
Partnerships
The current administration has also marked a strong emphasis on partnerships and collaborative efforts that have significantly contributed to local employment, community development, and enhanced public services. These partnerships span across various sectors and involve multiple stakeholders, including government agencies, educational institutions, and legislative offices, all working together to foster a supportive environment for the residents of Bontoc.
A key aspect of these collaborative efforts is the focus on employment facilitated by the Public Employment Service Office (PESO) in conjunction with the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE). Through initiatives like the Special Program for the Employment of Students (SPES) and the Government Internship Program (GIP), students and young professionals in Bontoc have been provided with valuable work opportunities that not only offer financial benefits but also impart crucial work experience.
Further expanding on employment support, according to the FB page of the municipality of Bontoc, the Tulong Pangkabuhayan sa Ating Displaced Workers (TUPAD) program has been a cornerstone project. With the combined efforts of the Bontoc LGU, DOLE, and the offices of Congressman Maximo Dalog, Jr., Senator Loren Legarda, Senator Angara, and Congressman Sandro Marcos, Jr., the program has successfully benefited 1,362 individuals. TUPAD aims to provide temporary employment to displaced workers, helping them to regain financial stability.
Furthermore, the Bontoc LGU has also partnered with the Mountain Province State Polytechnic College (MPSPC) to integrate fresh graduates into the workforce through the KALAHI-CIDDS Cash-for-work program managed by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD). This program has strategically placed new graduates in various educational institutions and government offices across the municipality.
The administration has eyes also for the vulnerable sectors of the community, such as Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) and victims of calamities. Various livelihood opportunities have been provided to these groups, that they receive the support needed to lead productive and independent lives. Additionally, following the devastating fire incident on April 11, 2023, in Barangay Poblacion, the Bontoc LGU, in collaboration with DOLE and the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), distributed livelihood kits to the affected individuals and families, aiding in their recovery and rehabilitation.
Mayor Tudlong has also been innovative in addressing the infrastructure needs of the community. One of his flagship programs has been the installation of solar lights in the barangays, an initiative that began last year with a budget of P6.3 million from the Bontoc LGU coffer. This project not only enhances community safety but also promotes sustainable energy solutions. The success of this initiative is set to continue with an additional P1.8 million allocated from the Seal of Good Local Governance Incentive Fund, received for being an SGLG Awardee in 2023, which will further expand the installation of solar lights across more barangays.
Mayor Tudlong, the Sangguniang Bayan, including the Sangguniang Kabataan and government agencies, have propelled Bontoc towards a future of resilience and prosperity. Through the different initiatives in health, cultural preservation, education, agriculture, and partnerships, his administration has fostered a dynamic community. From enhancing healthcare infrastructure to promoting youth empowerment, every endeavor reflects a commitment to progress. Collaborative efforts with various stakeholders have amplified the impact, ensuring sustainable development. Mayor Tudlong's blueprint for Bontoc's resurgence stands as a testament to effective governance, positioning the town as a model for others to emulate. As Bontoc continues to evolve, Mayor Tudlong's legacy of inclusivity and innovation will remain integral to its journey towards a brighter tomorrow, where heritage thrives, opportunities abound, and the community flourishes in unity.
