TINGLAYAN, Kalinga – Mayor Charles A. Abay assured the people and officialdom of the municipality that he will dedicate himself to genuine public service and work tirelessly for the progress of the locality.
In his inaugural message after taking his oath of office, Abay claimed that the faith bestowed by the people on him gave the ceremony its true meaning.
He lauded the previous administration of Mayor Sacrament Gumilab for planting the seeds of progress and stability that must be nurtured and help grow.
“This new chapter is not about political colors or affiliations, it is about one community with one shared future. The elections are behind us; now it is time to govern together as one people. We will lead not only for those who supported us, but for every resident of Tinglayan. We recognize the good that has been done. We will continue and strengthen programs that serve our people well,” Mayor Abay stressed.
In health, education, agriculture, infrastructure and social services, he honored the progress that was made and that his administration will work for its continuity as progress is not the legacy of one leader, it is the right of every citizen.
He claimed that he will lead with continuity where needed and reform where required.
“Our vision for Tinglayan in the next three years is rooted in the values that matter most, transparency, participation, integrity and good governance,” Abay said.
His administration envisions a modern, responsive and people-centered local government, one where public services are delivered not only efficiently but also with fairness, courtesy, and compassion as services must be fast, fair and friendly and always accessible to those who need them most.
Abay emphasized that his administration will not govern from behind a desk but they will go beyond their offices and visit every barangay aside from listening before deciding, and they will consult with the people before crafting policies and programs that affect their daily lives.
“Above all, we will work to ensure that no one is left behind, regardless of vocation, background, or status. Every voice matters. Every family counts. Every barangay deserves to feel the presence of honest, accountable and inclusive leadership,” Abay said.
Abay said that one of his top priorities is to establish better health facilities within the municipality capable of serving all the residents since people should no longer have to travel to Lubuagan, Bontoc or Tabuk City for urgent care as doing so costs not only money but sometimes, lives, thus, by improving the local health infrastructure and services will bring critical health care to home.
However, he stipulated that health is not just about facilities as it begins with a clean environment that is why the local government will strictly enforce its solid waste management programs since a clean Tinglayan is a healthy Tinglayan.
In terms of peace and order, Mayor Abay said that the same is the foundation of progress since a peaceful community is a progressive one, thus, the local government will closely work with the PNP, DILG and all law enforcement agencies as well as with the tribal elders and leaders to maintain law and order in all barangays. By Dexter A. See
