LAGAWE, Ifugao – The Ifugao provincial government adopted Secretary Gatchalian of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) as its son and the conferment was done by the DSWD Cordillera Regional Field Office (RFO-CAR) Regional Director Leo L. Quintilla, and witnessed by local officials of the province led by Governor Jerry U. Dalipog and Vice-Governor Glenn Prudenciano. The adoption was made possible through the Ifugao Sangguniang Panlalawigan Resolution No. 2023-182 under the Committee on Indigenous Peoples Affairs and Cultural Heritage.
The adoption is a manifestation of Ifugao’s honor, appreciation, and gratitude for the Secretary’s support to the province.
Meanwhile, Sec. Gatchalian accepted the distinction and committed to live by the qualities associated with Amtalaw.
The adoption ceremony was conducted in line with the signing of Sustainable Livelihood Program’s Specific Implementation Agreement (SLPSIA) and ceremonial turn-over of the lot donation from the province.
The SLPSIA signing was done for the implementation of the Sustainable Livelihood Program-Payapa at Masaganang Pamayanan (PAMANA) in the identified conflict-vulnerable areas in the province. This agreement is seen to further strengthen collaborative activities and commitment of the provincial government, the DSWD RFO-CAR and the 9 municipal governments of Aguinaldo, Alfonso Lista, Asipulo, Banaue, Hingyon, Hungduan, Lamut, Mayoyao, and Tinoc.
Meanwhile, the provincial government also turned over the donated lot to the DSWD RFO-CAR with an area of 1,038 square meters located at Brgy. Cadel, Poblacion, Lagawe, Ifugao for the construction of a Satellite Warehouse and SWAD Ifugao Office.
“We are always grateful for the continuous support provided by our partners in the local government units. With the forging of various agreements, we are looking forward to better service delivery and program implementation in the province of Ifugao,” Quintilla said. By Nerizza Faye G. Villanueva