SABANGAN, Mountain Province – The inauguration and blessing of the newly constructed open gymnasium, along with other completed projects which were funded by the provincial government and the groundbreaking ceremony for another project, the Improvement of Gayang Road, in Gayang, Sabangan, was held on June 5, 2024.
The ceremonial rites for these projects were led by Gov. Bonifacio C. Lacwasan, Jr. and Gayang Barangay Captain Leonardo S. Cacap. In attendance were Vice Gov. Francis O. Tauli, Board Members Johnson D. Bantog II and Ricardo M. Masidong, Jr., Sabangan Mayor Marcial C. Lawilao, Jr., Wabilyn Leanne M. Lomong-oy, representing Cong. Maximo Y. Dalog, Jr., and other Sabangan municipal and barangay officials. Moreover, the blessing of the open gymnasium was officiated by Rev. Fr. Stephen Pa Kit.
Engr. Roy S. Biangdan of the Provincial Engineering Office, who gave a brief background of the projects, said that the construction of the open gym amounting to 6 million pesos was an initiative of Governor Lacwasan with the support of the members of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan.
In addition, he said that the provincial government shelled out more than 20 million pesos for the implementation of several projects in the barangay which includes the seven million-peso-worth improvement of the Gayang provincial road, funded by the provincial government through a loan from the Land Bank of the Philippines. He continued that another 5 million pesos was allotted for the further improvement of the Gayang Road.
Other projects that were implemented by the provincial government in the barangay include the construction of pathways, constructions of access roads and river controls, improvement of the multi-purpose hall, and improvement of other provincial roads.
In his message, Governor Lacwasan said that the newly constructed open gym will serve as a venue for activities that require a spacious area during events. Aside from the open gym, the Governor mentioned that other projects, like the improvement of the Gayang Road, that were brought to the barangay, aim to provide easy access to the residents of the place.
“The continuous improvements of the roads within the place will allow the farmers to efficiently transport their farm produce and will also enhance the commuting convenience of the residents,” Lacwasan said.
Meanwhile, the members of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan who were present voiced their solidarity in supporting projects that aim to provide better lives and opportunities to their constituents. In addition, Vice Governor Tauli encouraged the Gayang community to partner with Sagada for the province’s eco-tourism industry, especially with the almost 100% concreting of their road from the National road.
For their part, Mayor Lawilao and Barangay Captain Cacap were one in expressing their gratitude to the provincial government for bringing many projects to their place. The residents also thanked the provincial officials through their intermission numbers.
Moreover, Lomong-oy, who delivered the message of Lone District Representative Dalog, acknowledged the good collaboration among the officials from the different local government units which is the reason for the continuous implementation of important projects in the remote barangays. By HENT