TABUK CITY, Kalinga – Local officials are bullish on the city’s robust development that is forthcoming following the gains that the local government was able to achieve during the trying years of the COVID-19 pandemic.
In his anniversary message, Mayor Darwin C. Estran֮ero said that the city’s initial gains over the past several years was achieved through the support of the residents, thus, he called on the people to walk by his side to achieve greater development opportunities for Tabuk in the future.
“Your support serves as the pillar of the city. You and I share the same concern for a prosperous and peaceful Tabuk City. The development and care of the city and its environment remains our top agenda,” Mayor Estran֮ero stressed.
He pointed out that the development foundation that was laid out during his first term in office is now slowly coming out to fruition.
Among the significant projects that were undertaken by the city include the repair and rehabilitation cum construction of the city hall building which is almost completed with the installation of an escalator and elevator that will provide convenience to the people transacting business with the different offices; the construction of the new legislative building which is now occupied by the councilors and their staff; the construction of farm to market roads in all 43 barangays with more or less 73 kilometers more or less; the ongoing construction of the new and modern Bulanao public market; the establishment of a new rural health unit with medical staff at Agbannawag within the premises of the city’s isolation center and laboratory unit and evacuation center; the put up of the modern abattoir at Appas and the construction of the P85 million new police station that was constructed at the city-owned property in Laya East where the funds came from the Public Safety Savings and Loans Association, Inc. (PSSLAI).
He disclosed that there are also people from other places who responded to his earlier call to come to the city and invest their monies in the city and some businesses are now in Tabuk doing business, thus, the people should have to respect and appreciate them through their support and a welcoming atmosphere.
“I firmly believe that if Tabuk is improved, Kalinga will also improve because the city is the show window and the gateway to the Cordillera from the Cagayan Valley and the Ilocos Region. Hence, Tabuk is deeply committed to the promotion of the tourism industry and creating an investment climate anchored on our vision,” Estran֮ero added.
According to him, Tabuk is also ripe for modern housing development as well as low cost housing projects.
The mayor underscored that all the completed and ongoing infrastructure projects are geared towards a smooth transition to being a Smart City.
Initially, Globe Telecom was able to construct 30 towers while Smart completed 5 towers and other companies are also constructing telephone systems to bolster inter-connectivity in the city and faster communication.
“The vibrant transformation of Tabuk into a premier city must be matched with consistency, efficiency and effective leadership with dedicated public servants and a cooperative and responsible people,” he quipped.
Estran֮ero stipulated that Tabuk must continue to aggressive promote its special niche as a ‘Matagoan’ place or the City of Life where everyone could live a peaceful and productive life where there is unity and diversity among the people.
However, he admitted that there are problems being encountered by the local government but with a firm political will, the city can surmount the same with the unselfish and unwavering support of the populace.
“Gradually, we have to shape the minds of our people, we have to shape our collective consciousness as a people as a prerequisite of peace towards nation building. Our founders have deliberately laid the cornerstone of Tabuk that the city is a Matagoan city that promotes and protects life and property; where people are governed by law and live in dignity. It is our duty to preserve and foster this legacy” Estran֮ero emphasized.
Tabuk recently celebrated its 73rd anniversary as a municipality, its 16th cityhood anniversary and the 22nd Matagoan festival.
Republic Act (RA) 533 signed on June 16, 1950 established Tabuk as a municipality while RA 9404 signed on June 24, 2007 established Tabuk as a component city of Kalinga.
During Estran֮ero’s term, Tabuk was recognized as the first local government in the Cordillera to fully automate its business permit and licensing system aside from being the first city in the country to put up a local government-funded and operated molecular laboratory to significantly reduce the turnaround time in the release of swab test results
