Most Apayao elective posts uncontested
>> Monday, May 20, 2019
By
Pamela Mariz Geminiano
BAGUIO CITY -- All
candidates for elective positions in the provincial level in Apayao --
congressman, governor, vice governor and members of the provincial board including
the elective posts in five out of the seven towns, from mayor down to councilor
were unopposed during the May 13 polls.
Records at
the local Commission on Elections also showed that the contest is only in the
towns of Conner and Sta. Marcela, where there is more than one candidate
running for mayor, vice mayor and councilors.
The capital
town Luna including Calanasan, Flora, Kabugao and Pudtol were all uncontested.
“What makes
Apayao peaceful in terms of election is that they are united. They have this
culture of cooperation where they sit and discuss among themselves who vies for
a position," said lawyer Julia Elenita Tabangin-Capuyan, provincial
election officer of Apayao.
Tabangin-Capuyan,
appointed as Apayao election supervisor at the start of the election period in
2018, attributed the peaceful polls to the legacy of former governor Elias
Bulut Sr.
She said
months prior the election period, incumbent officials discuss and agree on
plans with other aspiring politicians.
"Probably
because the people of Apayao respect the old man Elias Bulut Sr. for what he
started in the past when candidates talk about the political situation, they
continue the practice until now, especially considering that Apayao had
progressed immensely in the last decade making the old man’s name more
respectable,” Tabangin said.
“Sa Apayao, may culture
of cooperation. Kakaiba kasi they will wait for the term of an
official para matapos. Walang nagki-criticize at
nagsu-suportahan ang lahat. Nadadaan sa pakiusap and pagtakbo sa anumang
posisyon (Apayao has a different culture of cooperation where people wait
for an elected official to finish his term before aiming for the post. Nobody
criticizes anybody but they simply support each other. They talk among
themselves and agree who will run for what position),” Tabangin said.
She said what
is agreed upon during the talks, even if they are not in writing, is honored.
“I see it as
a form of democracy na maayos, hindi naman bawal tumakbo sa kahit anong
posisyon, wala rin nagbabawal pero voluntary na sumusunod ang mga
tao. Walang takutan na nagyayari. Walang kaguluhan. Wala, dahil maayos na
napag-uusapan ang lahat at napagkakasunduan ang mga bagay bagay (I see it
as a good form of democracy where nobody is prohibited to run in any position, but
the people voluntarily adhere to the agreement. There is no coercion. No crimes
that result from it because they talk and agreement on things).”
Tabangin said
Apayao is located about 14 hours away from Baguio City but the roads, to the
farthest far flung village, are paved, some of which are as wide as the
national road.
“Violence,
criminality are non-issues in the Apayao,” she said.
Comelec-Apayao
expects a 60 to 70 percent voter turn-out, which is usual in the province.
In an
earlier interview, Apayao Rep. Eleanor Bulut-Begtang said they are happy that
the people of the province continue to respect and honor their father's legacy.
"The
people of Apayao felt pure intention and good work ethics of incumbent
officials in serving the community. And I think that is what makes us united
and different from other provinces," she said.
She said
people who are not united get embroiled in conflict, which will prevent
progress.
She added
that the main objective of the administration is to maintain the peaceful image
of the province and boost its economy.
"It is
unity that we have here in Apayao. Honestly if the people know that the
administration is performing its duties well, they respect them and sometimes
they opt to run in lower positions," she said.
She said if
there are new politicians, they often sit with them and discuss their plans.
She said Bulut's
legacy will always continue to lead the people toward economic growth. -- PNA
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