LUNA, Apayao—As an audience, what comes to mind and what would be your behavior when a respected PNP Provincial Director claims to have experienced to be a mother?
The crowd of around 430 mostly women including Apayao Representative Eleanor Bulut-Begtang were surprised and caught “off-guard” with the unexpected introductory statement of PSSupt. Felix Dayag during the 2017 Provincial Women’s Month Celebration here on March 23, 2017.
As the keynote speaker, Dayag, the current PNP Provincial Director of Apayao acknowledged his apprehension how he as a “man” will address the crowd knowing that the celebration is particularly for women and that the said occasion is their special moment. However, after a while, he was relieved after he reminisced the past.
“Ako ang panganay sa labing-isang magkakapatid. Kunak ti bagik, napadasak met iti nagbalin nga ina,” Dayag recollected in his introduction.
Dayag claimed it is hard to be a mother, thus, he understands the feeling of being one. “Siyak gamin iti nagay-aywan kadagiti kakabsat ko idi ta kanayon nga awan dagiti naggannak mi. Ni inang ko kanayon nga sumursurot ken tatang ko no mapan agtrabaho.”
Officials from the Local Government Units (LGUs) of Apayao together with the heads and employees of the National Line Agencies (NLAs) acknowledge the instrumental contributions of Dayag in sustaining peace and order in the province. He has earned respect from high ranking officials as well as from the ordinary citizens due to his humility and being approachable.
The 2017 Provincial Women’s Month Celebration was participated by the seven (7) municipalities of Apayao in which there were lectures and program advocacies from the different NLAs and the PDRRM Office. There were also contested events such as: souvenir making contest at “tagisan ng galing at talino”
With this year’s Women’s Month celebration theme, “We Make Change Work for Women,” Dayag focused on the good result of having good working relationship between men and women in pursuit of economic, social, cultural and political developments. He also recognized the role of men in women’s advocacies in ending any violence against them in the society.
“I also realized that without man, woman would not be created and definitely would not be here. That is why with all your advocacies, the support of men is really important for you to realize them. Perhaps one of the reasons why you have chosen me as your speaker is to encourage all men to support your advocacies,” Dayag pointed out.
He also acknowledged the contributions of Congw. Bulut-Begtang and taking her as an example in women’s crucial role in the development of the society.
“Nowadays, women are competitive and empowered in all aspects of life. A wonderful example is our Congresswoman whom I believe is the prime mover of all the advocacies of women in the Province of Apayao,” Dayag stressed.
As to give emphasis to the need for women to be protected, Dayag reiterated many times that violence should be stopped. He challenged the crowd in making the province free from violence. “This is very important because women play a vital role in the progress of Apayao. As President Duterte said, let us preserve the present for the future. This fight should not be fought by women alone, but by the aid of men, by all,” he concluded.
Dayag who will be retiring on May 24, 2017 is on non-duty status starting this April 3, 2017 which coincides with the turn over ceremony at the Police Regional Office Cordillera at Camp Bado, Dangwa, La Trinidad, Benguet. He will be remembered with his relentless campaign against illegal drugs wherein the Province of Apayao was declared drug-cleared province on February 13, 2017 in Kabugao during the celebration of the Apayao Day in which PNP Regional Director PCSupt. Elmo Sarona was the guest speaker.
One notable achievement of Dayag is the decrease of crime in the Province for 2015-2016 by 14.92%. Also through his leadership, eight (8) top most wanted persons along with other 48 wanted persons were arrested last year. He will be missed for his unassuming disposition in leading his men as well as his friendly ways of dealing with his visitors including media personalities.
By GERRIAHZON S. SEBASTIAN
