BM Kitongan rallies stronger SP backing for 3 Pinukpuk schools, seeks adoption of resolutions to boost bid for independent status

Tabuk City, Kalinga – The proposed establishment of Taggay National High School, Aciga National High School, and Pinococ National High School in Pinukpuk is expected to gain stronger backing from the Provincial Government after Board Member Emilio Kitongan pushed for the adoption of separate resolutions supporting their conversion into independent national high schools.

Kitongan introduced the proposal during the meeting of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) Committee on Rules and Ethics, chaired by Board Member Atty. Christopher Donaal, on July 24. The committee was deliberating on the Memoranda of Agreement (MOAs) for the proposed conversion of Malagnat National High School–Taggay Extension, Cal-owan Agricultural Vocational National High School–Aciga Extension, and Camalog National High School–Pinococ Extension into independent national high schools.

The proposal received the support of other committee members, including Board Members Camilo Lammawin Jr., Romeo Saclag, and Indigenous Peoples Mandatory Representative (IPMR) Michael Karel Sugguiyao. Committee Chairperson Donaal recommended that the proposed resolutions be included in the agenda of the next regular session of the Provincial Board.

If approved and adopted by the Provincial Board, the resolutions will complement the MOAs already endorsed by the committee.

In an interview with Guru Press Cordillera, Kitongan, who chairs the SP Committee on Education, explained that while the MOAs provide the framework needed to pursue the establishment of the three schools, formal resolutions from the Provincial Board would further reinforce the province's commitment to the initiative.

He added that the resolutions would demonstrate the Provincial Government's recognition of the importance of expanding access to quality education for learners in the affected communities.

"The MOAs are already an important step, but the resolutions will further convey the Provincial Government's sincere support for the proposed establishment of the schools. As chairman of the Committee on Education, proposing these resolutions is a testament to my commitment to continue supporting initiatives that will expand access to quality education for our learners. Agyaman tayo met laeng ti supporta dagitoy kadwa tayo nga board members ta sinuportaan da diay recommendation tayo during the meeting," Kitongan said.

The MOAs approved by the Committee on Rules and Ethics, along with the proposed resolutions, will still undergo deliberation by the Provincial Board headed by Vice Governor Atty. Dave Odiem.

The board is expected to conduct extensive discussions, allowing stakeholders to present their views before any final action is taken on the proposed establishment of the two independent national high schools.