A teacher’s legacy in a song: Tanudan Hymn nears official status as Dulagan’s 2017 composition awaits final approval

Tabuk City, Kalinga – A hymn composed nearly a decade ago by a former teacher is now one step closer to becoming the official hymn of the Municipality of Tanudan after receiving the endorsement of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan's Committee on Rules and Ethics for final approval.

During a committee hearing on Tuesday, June 16, chaired by Board Member Atty. Christopher Donaal, members deliberated on proposed Municipal Ordinance No. 2026-112 of Tanudan.

Entitled “An Ordinance Adopting and Declaring the ‘Tanudan Hymn’ as the Official Hymn of the Municipality of Tanudan, Prescribing Its Mandatory Singing During Official and Formal Functions, Activities, and Programs of the Local Government Unit of Tanudan, and Providing Penalties for Violations Thereof,” the measure seeks to formally adopt the hymn as the municipality's official song.

The hymn was written in 2017 by Jocelyne Dulagan, a former teacher who now serves as the municipality's Indigenous Peoples Mandatory Representative (IPMR).

During the hearing, Dulagan personally appeared before the committee and, together with iTanudan students, performed the hymn before Board Members Christopher Donaal, Emilio Kitongan, Roger Sagaoc, Jerome Chester Alunday, and Provincial IPMR Michael Karel Sugguiyao.

Following the presentation and deliberations, the committee endorsed the proposed ordinance for final approval by the Provincial Board during its next session.

In an interview with Guru Press Cordillera, Dulagan recalled that she composed the hymn after joining a songwriting contest held in Tanudan on June 25, 2017. She shared that she carefully followed the standards and guidelines for composing a municipal hymn.

Years later, the song was presented to the Sangguniang Bayan of Tanudan, where local officials eventually approved an ordinance supporting its adoption.

“It was June 25, 2017, when I joined a contest. I was still a teacher at that time. Now, I am the IPMR after succeeding my elder sister. I followed the rules in composing the hymn. I never imagined that it would eventually reach the Sangguniang Bayan and be presented for adoption,” Dulagan shared.

The proposal was subsequently forwarded to the Sangguniang Panlalawigan for provincial review and approval.

Sharing the inspiration behind the composition, Dulagan explained that the hymn highlights Tanudan's natural beauty, including its rice terraces and scenic landscapes, while also celebrating the culture, traditions, and values of the iTanudan people.

The song likewise recognizes the leaders who have contributed to the municipality's development and encourages residents to continue working together toward a more progressive future.

“I described the physical features of the Municipality of Tanudan, including its beautiful spots such as the rice terraces, as well as our culture and traditions. The hymn also honors the leaders we have had in Tanudan and reminds us of what we should do to make our town more progressive,” Dulagan added.

Once granted final approval by the Provincial Board, the hymn will officially become the municipal hymn of Tanudan, marking a historic milestone for the municipality and for the former teacher whose composition has become a symbol of local pride and identity.