Bontoc, Mountain Province – The regular session of the Sangguniang Bayan was held earlier today, March 10, 2024, bringing together members of the council to discuss legislative matters, including community welfare, local projects, and key resolutions aimed at advancing the municipalityโs development in the central barangays of Bontoc.
Before delving into the dayโs agenda, the legislative council ratified the proceedings from the regular March 3, 2024 session. Arising from the previous minutes was a letter from the Mayor requesting a Sangguniang Bayan resolution authorizing the Local Chief Executive to enter into a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA).
Also there was a letter from Dr. Lichelyn Nasungan, faculty researcher of the Mountain Province State University, to present her research study titled: โSpecies Richness and Riparian Vegetation of Upper Chico River in Bontoc, Mountain Provinceโ. This tackles species and conservation list species with habits near Mountain Province State University. This study is important because it highlights the riverโs role as a biodiversity hotspot, a natural buffer against erosion and flooding, and a foundation for sustainable resource management in Bontoc and the wider Mountain Province. It provides baseline ecological data crucial for conservation, cultural heritage, and long-term development planning.
The meeting also addressed a letter from Ms. Diana Pindog, ACT-Area Coordinator, DSWD-CAR, requesting a copy of a resolution approving the prevailing labor rate used by the municipality for the programming of municipal projects.
Among the key items on the agenda were several requests from Mayor Jerome “Chagsen” Tudlong, Jr. These included a request for a Sangguniang Bayan Resolution affirming the Local Government Unitโs commitment to ensure the full implementation and completion of various subprojects under the Philippine Rural Development Project (PRDP).
Also included was a request for the enactment of a Sangguniang Bayan Resolution authorizing the Municipal Mayor to enter into a Memorandum of Agreement with the Provincial Government Unit of Mountain Province.
Additionally, a request was made to amend Sangguniang Bayan Resolution No. 523, S. 2025 replacing the term(s) โrenaming/renameโ with โconverting/convert/conversionโ in conformity with Budget Circular No. 2028-3 dated July 30, 2018 and to include justification for the conversion. Another request sought the enactment of a resolution authorizing the Municipal Mayor to enter into a Memorandum of Agreement with the Maligcong Tour Guide and Homestay Owners Association for the acceptance of the developed products of various barangays, which will serve as marketing materials for the Bontoc Tourism Industry.
Further, the meeting discussed the draft resolution sponsored by Vice Mayor Eusebio Kabluyen, entitled: โA Resolution Respectfully Requesting the Honorable Congressman Maximo Y. Dalog, Jr., of the Lone District of Mountain Province to Allocate Funds to Finance the Construction of a Sabo Dam Across the Chico River Downstream of Three Hundred Meters from the Poblacion-Samoki Jumbo Bridge, Bontoc, Mountain Province, in the Amount of Two Hundred Million Pesos (P200,000,000.00).โ
The session also tackled a draft ordinance introduced by SB Member Benedict Odsey II, titled “An Ordinance Promoting and Developing Organic Agriculture in the Municipality of Bontoc, Providing Funds Thereof, and for Other Purposes.โ
The council reviewed the Committee Report No. 52 of the committee on Human Resources subject: Mayorโs letter endorsing the request of the Municipal Disability Affairs Office, Ms. Maria Codeo, on the renaming of the Municipal Disability Affairs Office (MDAO) to Municipal Persons with Disability Affairs Office (MPDAO)
With various requests and resolutions brought forward by the Mayor and Barangay officials, along with the proposed ordinances by the Sangguniang Bayan, it is evident that efforts are being made to address the needs and concerns of the people.
The dedication and commitment of the local government officials were evident throughout the session, showcasing their strong passion for public service.
