Bontoc fest speaker cites town’s good governance

By Alpine L. Killa-Malwagay

BONTOC, Mountain Province - The municipality's achievement as a consistent Seal of Good Local Governance (SGLG) awardee for years was highlighted by the guest of honor and speaker during the 19th Am-among Festival Program here Sept. 16 at municipal capitol grounds. 
    Dept. of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) regional director Araceli San Jose said the theme for the municipality's twin celebration “Radiating Good Governance through Accelerated Public Service" genuinely mirrored what the DILG hopes and envisions for all local government units.
    "It is also a fitting theme because we are proud that the Municipality of Bontoc is the lone SGLG passer in Mountain Province in 2022 and again a potential passer for this year. We are proud of your beautiful municipality as it consistently passed all the indicators of the Seal of Good Local Governance throughout the years. If you will again be awarded this year, this would be your 5th year as an SGLG passer and this would be a great feat for Bontoc and our region. lbig sabihin, Hindi fluke or Chamba ang pagiging Seal of Good Local Governance passer nyo,kundi you continually excel in local governance since 2017, " San Jose said.
    She said that this comes from the collective share of everyone in the overall development of Bontoc.
    San Jose added while the Am-among Festival was a celebration of triumphs, it was also an opportune time to reflect on gains, assess what can be improved, boost morale of the community and forge more meaningful relationships among sectors. 
    She assured support of the DILG to the municipality's endeavors. Meanwhile, Bontoc Mayor Jerome "Chagsen" Tudlong, Jr., said after three years of not having the Am-among street dancing and cultural presentation due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the crowd-drawing event happened this year. 
    He said the celebration was not just about a festival, but honoring the past, appreciating the present, and envisioning a brighter future for the community.
    The mayor added the Am-among Festival was avenue to foster fellowship, promote bonding, and strengthen ties.
    "The road ahead will not always be smooth sailing. There will always be success and failures, highs and lows, celebrations and crisis, but I firmly believe that we can withstand the test of time and make Bontoc prosper more," Tudlong said.
    During the occasion, the Bontoc Municipal Capitol was jampacked with the presence of Bontoc municipal officials and employees, mayors from municipalities of Mountain Province, DILG officials, street dancers,  cultural performers and the spectators from the 16 barangays of Bontoc and other places.