BONTOC, Mountain Province – Senior citizens took the seat of the municipal elected officials and department heads of the municipal government for a day on October 2, 2023 as part of the celebration of the Filipino Elderly Week every October 1-7 of every year.
Bontoc Mayor Jerome “Chagsen” Tudlong, Jr., who welcomed the senior citizens who were assigned to the different offices earlier, acknowledged the value and contribution of the senior citizens in the community with their wisdom, love, and invaluable experiences. He added that the elderly are a source of wisdom and strength for everyone.
“I encourage you all to say “I love you” to our senior citizens and make them feel cherished and valued. Your love and appreciation mean the world to them,” the mayor remarked.
Likewise, he assured the continuous support of the municipal government to all the undertakings of the senior citizens.
“Together, we can make a difference and ensure that our seniors continue to live their lives with respect, love, and admiration,” Tudlong further stated.
Alex Ofo-ob took the seat of Mayor Tudlong while Brynner Bandonill replaced Vice Mayor Eusebio Kabluyen for a day.
Sitting as Sangguniang Bayan members for a day were Esther Daoas, Mary Chomapoy, Edith Chaokas, Mariano Wayyas, Nelly Codmor, Jerry Bangoy, William Gaston, Pilar Cayabas, Manuel Mara, Belinda Galo, and Florence Yawan.
Other senior citizens who took over as department heads for a day were Sangguniang Bayan Secretary Marjorie Dizon, Municipal Treasurer Ruby Mangagley, Municipal Assessor Dominga Martinez, Municipal Accountant Christine Gulian, Municipal Budget Officer Clarita Langpawen, Municipal Planning and Development Officer Virginia Gacusana, Municipal Engineer Delia Kinao, Municipal Health Officer Alma Kiat-ong, Municipal Local Civil Registrar Rosemarie Falancy, Municipal Administrator Edna Awangan, Municipal Agriculturist Helen David, Municipal Social Welfare and Development Officer Feliza Fangsilat, and Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Officer Cecilia Bantic.
It is to be noted that under the Senior Citizens Code of Bontoc, all selected senior citizens shall act as Senior Citizens Officer for a Day (SCOFAD) in all elective (including ex-officio) and appointive (heads of offices including the Sangguniang Bayan Secretary) positions with a salary grade of at least 24. Thus, the SCOFAD-Mayor shall be entitled to an incentive of PhP2, 000, Vice Mayor – PhP1, 750.00, Sangguniang Bayan member – PhP1, 500, and Department Head – PhP1, 500.
