“Drop the BAG (Bad habits, Anger, Greed) this 2026”: Vice Gov. Odiem urges discipline, unity among Gov’t workers

Tabuk City, Kalinga – As government workers in Kalinga Province resumed work on Monday, January 5, 2026, Vice Governor Dave Odiem underscored importance of serving with discipline and collective responsibility, setting aside what he described as “excess baggage” that can keep employees from performing their duties at best.

Odiem made the statement before provincial officials, uniformed personnel, heads of various line agencies, and government employees who attended the first flag-raising ceremony of the Provincial Government of Kalinga for the year. The ceremony was led by Governor James Edduba and Vice Governor Odiem.

Using a simple but resonant analogy, Odiem compared the new year to a vacation journey.

Just as travelers choose what to bring and what to leave behind before heading to their destination, he said public servants must also decide what to carry—and what not to carry—into their work, as these can affect performance.

“Like any traveler, we must decide what to carry with us and what to leave behind. So, nu ag-travel tayu ta apan tayu agbakasyon diay beach kasi summer, anya ti awiten tayu? Of course, bathing suits, diba? Shorts or anything nga pangnapudot and pang-swimming. Saan nga jackets wenno sweaters ta panglammin dagita. Kasta met-laeng, in life and in governance, we sometimes hold on to excess baggage that weighs us down,” Odiem emphasized.

The vice governor defined “excess baggage” using the acronym BAG—bad habits, anger and hate, and greed for power and recognition. He explained that bad habits such as gossiping drain time, productivity, and discipline, while anger and hate arising from unresolved conflicts negatively affect the workplace and the delivery of public services.

As for greed for power and recognition, Odiem described it as the heaviest baggage of all, noting that when personal gain overshadows collective goals, unity is weakened and progress stalls.

By leaving behind these excess burdens, he said public servants can move forward with lighter hearts, clearer minds, and a stronger sense of teamwork for the benefit of the people they serve.

“If we continue to carry them (BAG), they slow our steps and cloud our vision. If we keep carrying this BAG, our journey will be heavy and our progress delayed. But if we choose to let it go, we free ourselves to carry a new BAG—one filled with values that uplift and strengthen us. Sukatan tayo dayta nga excess BAG ti importante nga bagahe,” he added.

In closing, the provincial official reaffirmed his commitment to work hand in hand with Governor Edduba, fellow officials, and the people of Kalinga to ensure progress and inclusivity.

“Our programs will be guided not by the weight of the past, but by the promise of the future. Let us begin 2026 with courage and hope,” he concluded.