BONTOC, Mountain Province –Mayor-elect Jerome “Chagsen” Tudlong, Jr., assured that his incoming administration will sustain the existing programs of the present administration and will introduce new, creative, and innovative programs and services that are beneficial down to the grassroots- the community.
Tudlong who was voted by the town’s electorate to succeed outgoing third-termer Mayor Franklin Odsey by noon of June 30, 2022, laid out the plans of the incoming administration focusing on his battle cry “Continuing the Vision for a Dynamic Bontoc” –a vision that exhibits progress for all and not just for a few.
The incoming mayor promised to take into priority the much-needed potable water distribution system that will guarantee equitable distribution of water to all the households, especially in the four central barangays. He added that metered water distribution system for households and establishments is also being considered, but bringing a sufficient supply of water to the end-users is the utmost priority.
Tudlong relayed that among the new and innovative programs is the installation of solar lights in all the 16 barangays of Bontoc and the procurement of necessary logistics such as medicines and first-aid equipment to be readily available in Barangay Health Stations (BHS), especially in the outskirt barangays of Bontoc. For the solar lights, he said that these will be installed on the national highways and main pathways in the barangays as part of the preventive measures on the commitment of crimes and for the safety of the constituents.
Aside from being environmentally friendly, the use of solar lights, he said, will also be economically beneficial as there is no need to pay for the electric bills.
He guaranteed that more programs and projects with regard to health; sustainable preservation and protection of the environment; youth development; education; senior citizens; disaster risk reduction and management; and social services will be implemented.
The incoming mayor added during Municipal Peace and Order Council (MPOC) meetings which are held quarterly with the venues in the identified barangays, the Bontoc LGU through the concerned offices will bring their services to the community aside from the attending the meeting such as the collection of Real Property Taxes (RPT), vaccination and immunization, technical assistance to organizations, social services programs, and among others. According to Tudlong, this approach shall help the constituents save time and money going to the Bontoc Municipal Capitol to transact.
Further, Tudlong mentioned that the decisions to be made by the next set of municipal officials will be always based on the good of the majority or many, and not only for a few.
“We will introduce new, creative and innovative programs to spur social and economic growth while we adhere to public service with an emphasis on integrity, competence, and transparency, “he remarked.
Likewise, he rallied for unity, support, and teamwork from the elective officials, all stakeholders, and the Bontoc community and set aside political differences to bring Bontoc to greater heights.
“I appeal to everyone, let us join hands and let our voices resonate with the collective aspirations for our Bontoc Ay Kalalaychan. For at the end of the day and ultimately, it requires collective action to seek solutions to emerging problems that our municipality may face, “ Tudlong emphasized.
