KABUGAO, Apayao – The Province of Apayao commemorated the Provincial Founder’s Day earlier today, May 18, in honor of the late Elias K. Bulut, Sr. (EKB), the founder and father of the province, on what would have been his 85th birthday.
The tribute program was held in Barangay EKB, named in his honor, and saw attendance from officials led by Governor Elias C. Bulut, Jr., and Congressman Eleanor C. Bulut-Begtang, alongside representatives and employees of the Provincial Government of Apayao (PGA), National Line Agencies (NLAs), and Local Government Units (LGUs).
Governor Bulut expressed his gratitude to all who participated in remembering and honoring his father’s contributions to the province.
Major General Audrey L. Pasia, Commander of the 5th Infantry Division of the Philippine Army, delivered the keynote address. In his speech, he emphasized the deep and lasting impact of EKB, which will influence future generations.
“He stood his ground and made himself known in Congress. Buti nalang mayroong isang EKB na ginamit ng Panginoon para magkaroon ng lalawigan ng Apayao,” MGen Pasia said.
He likewise highlighted EKB’s resistance against the New People’s Army (NPA), which he identified as the catalyst that sparked Apayao’s development. “Kasama ng mga kasundaluhan ay lumaban at tumutol sa mga komunista. Kasama at kabalikat po nating lahat sa pagtahak natin sa pagpapalaya ng Apayao,” he added.
Moreover, the General underscored the continuing legacy of EKB and the mutual desire for peace in the province. “The legacy of the father lives on to the younger generation. Ayaw naming may namamatay na NPA. Ayaw naming may namamatay na sundalo. At the end of the day, it’s Filipinos killing Filipinos. This killing must be stopped. Huwag po nating bibiguin si EKB sa kanyang hangarin para sa Apayao. Patuloy tayong magtulungan. Awan iti mangisakit iti Apayao nu di metlang taga Apayao” he concluded.
On the other hand, Congressman Bulut-Begtang challenged the yApayaos to continue working together to realize EKB’s vision, noting that other provinces have widely recognized and admired the province’s unity and ongoing progress.
During the tribute program, the Department of Social Welfare and Development launched the Ayuda sa Kapos ang Kita Program (AKAP) in Apayao. This program aims to assist Filipino minimum wage earners, such as Barangay Tanods, Lupon Tagapamayapa, and Day Care Workers, who are grappling with the impact of high commodity prices or inflation. Furthermore, payouts were disbursed for Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers (TUPAD) program beneficiaries in Kabugao. The Provincial Health Office (PHO) likewise conducted a Project BUTSY Medical Mission, while preparations for constructing the Tourism Information and Display Center commenced with a ceremonial groundbreaking.
In 2017, the Sangguniang Panlalawigan enacted an ordinance authored by Board Member Mailah Haylee Ballesteros, declaring the late EKB as a provincial hero and the great founder and father of the province of Apayao, and designating May 18, his birthdate, as the Founder’s Day. By JCM
