KABUGAO, Apayao – The appointed barangay officials of the newly created Elias K. Bulut Administrative Barangay named after the founding father of Apayao had readily accepted the challenge to uphold the legacy of their beloved leader, father and their hero, the late Mayor Elias K. Bulut (EKB).
Although new and considered to be inexperienced, barangay officials swore to maintain the good image that the founding father of Apayao has left and to advocate goodwill in favor of the Iapayaos.
Governor Elias C. Bulut, Jr. administered the oath taking ceremony of the said newly appointed barangay officials just after the enactment of ordinance and the declaration of the creation of the said EKB Administrative Barangay on February 12, 2017 at Buyucan, Kabugao, Apayao.
Gov. Bulut expressed his heartfelt gratitude to all the people of Apayao who never cease to acknowledge the generosity and kindness of his father.
“It is an honor for the family Bulut to witness how the Iapayaos recognize the contributions of my father by way of naming an Administrative Barangay after him,” Gov. Bulut said.
The creation of EKB Administrative Barangay is in line with the celebration of the 22nd Founding Anniversary of Apayao and also an offshoot of the popular clamor, desire and aspirations of the inhabitants, mostly indigenous peoples from the various Sitios in Barangay Lenneng, Kabugao with the favorable recommendation of the Sangguniang Bayan of Kabugao.
The name accorded to said administrative barangay is in honor of the late Mayor Elias K. Bulut who made possible the long cherished dream for an independent Apayao. Through Republic Act 7878, EKB who was still the Congressman at time successfully lobbied for the separation of Kalinga and Apayao in 1995. This has brought unprecedented infrastructure, social and economic development in the province of Apayao. This is highlighted with the road connecting lower Apayao to upper Apayao via Paco Valley. He passed away on December 5, 2015.
Hon. Jeofrey Blas, Chairman-Committee on Barangay and Community Affairs, authored the creation of EKB Administrative Barangay which will undoubtedly bring developments to the said locality through enhanced delivery of basic services.
The Provincial Government of Apayao through the leadership of Governor Elias Bulut, Jr. supports the creation of administrative barangays and grants financial assistance to the existing administrative barangays which will soon include the EKB barangay.
There are already about six (6) administrative barangays which include the EKB in the Province of Apayao since its separation in 1995 from the Province of Kalinga.
The consistent creation of administrative barangays is in consonance with the desire of Governor Bulut in ensuring and supporting a more progressive and local government units in the Province.
By GERRIAHZON S. SEBASTIAN
