Rep. Mangaoang makes first appearance as MP legislative caretaker

By Wabilyn Mana-od  and Roger Sacyaten

BONTOC, Mountain Province – Kalinga Rep. Allen Jesse Capuyan Mangaoang made his first public appearance here Monday as Legislative Caretaker of Mountain Province during flag-raising ceremonies at the provincial capital.   

 “Thank you for giving me the trust and confidence to be your caretaker,” Mangaoang said after being invited by the provincial government for the occasion.

House Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez, on July 5, appointed  Mangaoang for the post to fill up the vacancy of the term left by the late Rep. Maximo Dalog.

Mangaoang is also from Mountain Province. He was born on July 21, 1959 to Jesus Puyao Mangaoang, an engineer from Balbalasang, Balbalan, Kalinga and Rose Capuyan, an educator from Sagada, Mountain Province.

Mangaoang had always been an achiever. He graduated salutatorian at the Balbalasang Elementary School and valedictorian at St. Paul’s Memorial School where he finished high school.

Before he became congressman of Kalinga, he was first elected as vice mayor then mayor of the municipality of Balbalan for three terms and was elected as governor for two terms.

He is a first-term district representative.

In his message, Mangaoang thanked the provincial government for the invitation to join the people of the province for the regular Monday program in his capacity as the province legislative caretaker.

He said that the designation was not his wish but it was the prayer of the family of the late congressman Dalog.

Serving as Legislative Caretaker, he cited three things he would like to achieve: continue legislative agenda, plans, programs, projects, and advocacies of Dalog for the best interest of Mountain Province.

It will include continuation of medical assistance, educational assistance, infrastructure development, livelihood projects, TESDA trainings and all social services in favor of the people of Mountain Province.

“Together with the staff of the Congressman, we shall work closely with our local officials and agency heads to make sure that the necessary funds for the province will not be wasted; rather, it will reach the grassroots in every village, barangay and municipality,” he said.

He also urged government leaders and constituents of the province to unite and continue sharing the vision of a “Gawis ay Mountain Province” as envisioned and introduced by Dalog.

“I urge all of us to forget all about political aspirations and differences for the moment, in favor of our beloved province. Let us prioritize development, rather than disunity. Let us accord each other the needed care and support, rather than introducing hindrance. Let us choose peace and reconciliation rather than hate,” he said. “This was emphasized by Congressman Mangaoang in his message asking everyone’s support to work hand in hand for a Gawis ay Mountain Province.”

In behalf of the provincial government, Gov. BonifacioLacwasan Jr. welcomed and thanked the Legislative Caretaker.

He expressed the full support of the provincial government and the elected officials of the province in the caretaker’s pursuit to continue the programs laid down by the late Congressman Maximo Dalog.

“Let me emphasize the full support and cooperation of the local officials and the people to our care-taker congressman,” told the audience composed of municipal mayors, provincial officials and national line agencies.

After the program, Mangaoang visited congressional district office at the provincial capitol.

He had a short interaction with the staff for him to be acquainted with the district office.

His first official function as caretaker led him to the inauguration of the Malanas bridge in Sadanga along the Bontoc-Kalinga road.

In the afternoon, Mangaoang met with the officials and employees of the Mountain Province State Polytechnic College here urging them to prepare and fulfill the requirements needed for  eventual conversion of the school into a university.

It was learned that this was among the flagship programs the late Congressman  Dalog delegated to him.

Cong. Mangaong regarded the late congressman as his seatmate and mentor at the House of Representatives.