TABUK CITY, Kalinga – Senator Ramon “Bong” Revilla Jr. was the guest of honor and speaker during the 74th Founding Anniversary and 23rd Matagoan Festival on June 24, 2024, at the Tabuk Peoples Gym.
The senator was represented by his youngest son, Ramon Vincent Revilla, who is also a current board member in the Second District of Cavite.
He informed the crowd that the senator was unable to attend the event in person due to an injury, but was watching the event online.
The senator extended his gratitude to the people of Tabuk for inviting him to the festival and gave a brief message via video conference during the program.
Ram Revilla addressed his audience, highlighting some of the laws his father authored in the Senate, such as increasing the chalk allowance for teachers from PhP5,000 to PhP10,000 annually under R.A. No. 11996, known as the Kabalikat sa Pagtuturo Act.
In addition, he highlighted the newly enacted law, RA No. 10868, as amended, otherwise known as the Centenarian Act of 2016. The amendment aims to give incentives to seniors after reaching their milestone age of eighty (80), eighty-five (85), ninety (90), and ninety-five (95).
Consequently, centenarians or those who are one hundred (100) years old will continue to receive the PhP100,000 cash benefit from the Philippine government.
He also highlighted another law passed that grants more benefits to senior citizens under R.A. No. 10645, otherwise known as the Expanded Senior Citizens Act.
Senator Revilla, while on live conference said he plans to visit the city soon and he promised financial assistance to the city through his initiatives.
During the foundation program, Ram Revilla was adopted by the city, led by Mayor Darwin Estrañero and Vice Mayor Dick Bal-o, through a resolution as a son of Tabuk named “Alindayo,” a peace loving tribal chieftain from the Tobog Tribe, original tribal community in Tabuk.
The foundation was also attended by top officials of the province, including Kalinga Lone District Representative Allen Jessie Mangaoang and Governor James Edduba, as well as other provincial and city officials, city government employees, Kalinga provincial employees, and different government and private institutions.
This year’s theme is “Journey to the City of Life,” which started on June 10 and continues until the end of the month. By Ian Addatu