BONTOC, Mountain Province – The 15 Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) Chairpersons in this capital town have elected Mark Branford Andaya as the Municipal SK Federation President, securing him a seat as an ex-officio member of the Sangguniang Bayan.
Andaya won eight votes over his two opponents who were also nominated for the position during the SK Federation Orientation and Election on November 14, 2023, at the Mayor’s Conference Hall of the Municipal Capitol.
Meanwhile, SK Chairperson of Tocucan, Grant Hill Cattle, was proclaimed the Vice President after winning against one candidate.
Other officers that were proclaimed were: Beverly Kam-mon Tuma-ak of Maligcong as the Secretary; Elmer Zuñiga Jr. of Gonogon as the Treasurer; Marcelo La Madrid of Talubin as the Auditor; Clarence Ing-inga Can-eo as the Public Relations Officer; and Denis Kongoy of Samoki and Christian Fongao of Mainit as Sergeant at Arms.
Prior to the election, the 15 SK Chairpersons underwent the SK Federation Orientation facilitated by Municipal Local Government Operations Officer Lourdes Claire Peel, Local Youth Development Officer-Designate Ross Kiat-ong, and Civil Society Organization (CSO) Representative Anton Zaren Nasungan.
Bontoc Mayor Jerome “Chagsen” Tudlong, Jr., who administered the Oath-taking of the SK Federation officers on the same day, highlighted their crucial role in shaping the future of our community by representing the interests and aspirations of our youth.
“I encourage you to approach your duties with enthusiasm, integrity, and a deep sense of responsibility. Your ideas, initiatives, and passion will undoubtedly play a vital role in building a stronger, more vibrant community,” he said in an interview.
Meanwhile, Andaya advocated for programs that encourage the active participation of young people in local governance and community development, as well as initiatives that focus on improving education and skills development and supporting campaigns on health awareness, mental health, and fitness programs.
The Board of Election Supervisors was composed of MLGOO Lourdes Claire Peel, Election Officer Virginia Chokowen, and Local Legislative Staff Officer II Coy Abel Pachingel.
Meanwhile, the Panel of Observers were Municipal Treasurer Lourdes Austria, Saint Vincent’s School – Elementary Department School Principal, Christopher Che-es, Sr., and Bontoc Municipal Police Station Chief of Police, PMAJ Pedro Tactay.