BONTOC, Mountain Province – The newly elected officers of the Bontoc Municipal Employees Union (BMEU) officially took their oath of office on March 11, 2025.
The oath-taking ceremony was administered by Mayor Jerome “Chagsen” Tudlong Jr., at the Mayor’s Office of the Bontoc Municipal Capitol.
Leading the new set of officers is President Zenith Rose Dalog from the Office of the Municipal Mayor. Serving as Vice President is Ross Kiat-ong from the Local Youth Development Office. Cyprine Chilem of the Human Resource and Management Office assumes the role of Secretary, with Marilyn Aquino from the Office of the Municipal Mayor as Assistant Secretary. The Treasurer is Nora Falolo from the Human Resource and Management Office, while Jenny Veer Cabfit from the Municipal Treasury Office takes on the position of Assistant Treasurer. Arlan Rod Amatic from the Office of the Municipal Accountant serves as the Auditor, with Vilma Lubang, also from the same office, as the Assistant Auditor. Handling public relations is Alpine Killa-Malwagay from the Office of the Municipal Mayor – Information Unit, assisted by Grail Acoking from the Office of the Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Officer.
The election took place on February 14, 2025, during the union’s Annual General Assembly. The newly elected officers are committed to advocating for the welfare of all members, reinforcing the union’s role as a vital communication bridge between employees, management, and local officials regarding workplace concerns.
During the ceremony, Mayor Tudlong emphasized the importance of employee unions, highlighting their role in giving workers a collective voice. He underscored that unions facilitate negotiations for better wages, benefits, working conditions, and job security, which are essential for ensuring fair treatment and fostering a balanced dynamic between employees and employers.
Representing the employees from the first level are Lambert Kisofen Jr. from the Municipal Assessor’s Office and Jo Ann C. Sagandoy from the Office of the Sangguniang Bayan. For the second level, the representatives are Shirley C. Nalibsan from the Office of the Municipal Treasurer and Oliver Gacusana from the Municipal Health Office. These representatives serve in committees or mechanisms related to personnel actions like the Personnel Selection Board, Grievance Committee, PRAISE Committee, and other decision-making bodies that impact first and second-level employees. By Shannon Anthea S. Pagaduan
