Congress adjourns; Mt. Province’s Rep.Dalog cited

QUEZON CITY – After passing 6,515 bills, 2,715 resolutions and 1,046 committee reports, session of the 16th Congress of the House of Representatives was terminated June 6, after outgoing House Speaker Feliciano Belmonte banged the gavel to signal  adjournment of the Lower House.

Before this, house members, mostly deputy speakers cited the house leader for his leadership and outstanding achievements as speaker of the chamber from 2010-2016.

Belmonte, who was also house speaker in the 15th congress, thanked his “band of brothers and sisters” in Congress – 67 of them ending their terms – who supported passage of landmark and socio-economic measures.

“Inspired by significant growth of our economy, we passed laws which enhanced our competitiveness as an investment destination,” Belmonte said.

“I am confident that history will show that we have conducted ourselves creditably. The 16th Congress will leave behind a remarkable legacy,” he said.

Meanwhile, part of the ceremony of the adjournment was the “graduation rites” for congressmen who either served as first term, second term or third term representative of his/her legislative district. 

Rep. Maximo B. Dalog of Mountain Province was awarded a plaque for serving his constituents in the 15th and 16th congresses.

He will continue serve his third and final term when Congress is expected to resume sessions on July 25.

Among the key measures sponsored by Dalog in the 16th congress is the conversion of two national high schools into national technical- vocational schools located in Sadanga and Natonin. 

Signed into law by President Benigno S. Aquino last May 11, the two schools will now be known as Sadanga National-Technical Vocational and Skills Trainings High School and Saliok National Technical-Vocational Skills Training High School respectively by virtue of Republic Acts 10839 and 10840. -- ErlindoAgwilang, Jr.