PUDTOL, Apayao – 22 punong barangay and 154 barangay kagawad of the municipality took their oath of office last November 27, 2023, at the EKB Gymnasium in Poblacion in this town.
Congresswoman Eleanor C. Bulut-Begtang swore in the officials in a ceremony which reminded the new leaders of their functions and the expectations of the people of them.
Board Member Kyle Mariah Chelsea Bulut-Cunan, Provincial Administrator Atty. Edmar C. Pascua, and Pudtol Mayor Hector Reuel D. Pascua, alongside other officials from the provincial and municipal government, were also present in the event.
Pascua, in his talk, congratulated the newly elected barangay officials, emphasizing the important role they play as a vital link between the barangays and the local government. He underscored the significance of considering the community’s opinions, urging them to be responsive to the needs of their constituents.
Meantime, Bulut-Begtang echoed the call for dedicated service and the imperative to sustain positive progress within the community.
The congresswoman highlighted the elected officials’ responsibility to represent and uplift the welfare of their constituents, urging them to perceive the development and progress of the municipality as intricately connected to the prosperity of each barangay.
“Masapol nga iti pinagserbim, e-sustain mo iti kinapudno ken kinasayaat. Itatta nga aldaw insapata tayo iti sango kadagiti kakailyan tayo kasta met ken ni Apo Dios nga agserbi tayo nga sipupudno. Nagasat tayo ditoy Pudtol ken iti probinsya tayo ta maysa nga natalna nga lugar ‘tuy lugar tayo. Agdadanggay dagiti opisyales tayo ket daytuy kuma met dagiti ipakita tayo kadagiti kabaranggayan tayo. Siak mamatiak nga iti development ken progreso iti maysa nga munisipyo ket aggapo iti barangay,” said the congresswoman.
Bulut-Cunan, for her part, provided practical advice, urging the barangay officials to review their duties and responsibilities.
Kyle added that conducting barangay consultations and openness of barangay offices to address requests are a must. The legislator also encouraged the officials to actively participate beyond mere session attendance and regularly present their accomplishments.
“Review your duties and responsibilities well. Always do barangay consultations. Huwag po kayong mahiya na lumapit kay Mayor, kay LNB President, sa amin, kasi very open po ang office namin sa mga request ninyo. Sa ating mga kagawad, sana hindi lang po tayo taga-attend ng session para sa attendance, dapat adda met laeng iti accomplishments tayo nga mai-present every quarter. Have a heart that listen, listen as a representative of not just one interest but an interest that will benefit all constituents,” Bulut-Cunan concluded.
The provincial government, during the event, extended a generous financial assistance of PhP50,000to each of the 22 barangays in Pudtol as an added funding for their Christmas event, project or program they may wish to conduct in their area. By M Legazpi