“Change can happen in our community... We should start with our students”- Atty. Gumilab underscores role of education for better opportunities

TABUK CITY, Kalinga — Supporting students’ education is a key step toward building a more progressive Kalinga, according to former Tinglayan mayor Atty. Sacrament Gumilab, whose efforts helped secure nearly ₱5 million in educational assistance for 1,666 students in Tabuk City.

Gumilab and the Office of Senator Raffy Tulfo distributed the assistance on October 14–15 through the government’s Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations (AICS) program, with each student receiving ₱3,000 to help cover educational expenses.

Gumilab said he chose to prioritize students because education equips young people with the knowledge and skills they need to find jobs, improve their lives and contribute to community development.

“I believe change can happen in our community. For me, we should start with students because once people receive an education, they gain the capability to seek a better life,” Gumilab said in Ilocano.

He added that completing their education gives students the tools to pursue employment and access better opportunities.

Gumilab said that when individuals are able to improve their own lives, they can also contribute to the progress of Kalinga and the country.

He stressed that sustained support for education could help young people become more self-reliant, reducing their dependence on financial assistance in the future.

The distribution was made possible through Gumilab’s efforts to connect with national government officials and secure assistance for iKalingas, despite having left public office in June 2025.

Gumilab said he remains committed to supporting the youth, their education and their aspirations, believing that investing in students is an investment in Kalinga’s future.