Bontoc inaugurates new, elegant capitol

 By Alpine L. Killa

BONTOC, Mountain Province – With an audience of almost a thousand people, the new 4-storey elegant Bontoc which now houses the Bontoc municipal government was formally opened to the public during inauguration and blessing Wednesday.

Portraits of former mayors and incumbent municipal officials were shown including and unveiling of artworks portraying people of Bontoc and their life in olden times which were hanged on the halls and lobby. The new municipal capitol can now accommodate larger number of clients and visitors with a wider room of the executive, the legislative body, the municipal offices, a separate civil wedding room, a multi-purpose hall at the top floor, and a parking area at the ground floor. Aside from this, it is also a client-friendly building with railings and ramp, and a separate comfort rooms persons with disabilities, senior citizens and pregnant women.

Mayor Franklin Odsey cited value of giving thanks to the Almighty after a great undertaking.

He said construction of the building was an “impossible dream come true” due to collaboration of local executive and legislative branches and the support of the Bontoc community.

He thanked the contractor, AIP Construction, for its good workmanship. The mayor said the building was dubbed Municipal Capitol since it was situated in the capital town of the province and is the seat of the provincial government.

Former Mayor Louis Claver, Jr., (1980 to 1988 and 2001 to 2004), in his message delivered by son Councilor and Ex-Officio Sangguniang Panlalawigan member Alexandre Claver said he was one  one with the people of Bontoc in celebrating the occasion urging everyone to support the present administration in development of the community.

Former Mayor David Yawan (1992 to 1998) said the inauguration and blessing of the municipal capitol is more than enough for the people of Bontoc to rejoice as it is a manifestation of progress.

Former Mayor Pascual A. Sacgaca (2010 to 2013) commended Bontoc officials for the undertaking.

He added that with this new work place, it would surely motivate employees to render best public service.

Mountain Province Legislative Caretaker Allen Jesse C. Mangaoang who graced the occasion remarked that the new municipal capitol will not only cater to the people of Bontoc, but to visitors and tourists who will visit the capital town.

“Therefore, let us open the gates of this capitol not only to I-fontok or I-Montayosa but more importantly, to every client and visitor in need of our assistance and hospitality,” Mangaoang said.

As he expressed happiness that the municipal government has gotten the right people for the project, urging people of Bontoc to take part in the social responsibility of maintaining, caring and protecting it.

In closing, he commended the officials in the capital town in working together for the good of the people.

“At the end of the day, it is still human spirit that is most important. Money can improve a municipality’s physical environment, but it cannot buy the vision and passion that will ensure the continued development of Bontoc. Let us acknowledge the hard work   of our leaders and every person who was instrumental and whose goodwill and industry has helped the town flourish despite many constraints,” Mangaoang said. 

It has been almost fifty years ago since the old Bontoc town building was constructed.