Gov. Edduba thanks DepEd Usec. Panontongan for continued support, P52M allocation for Kalinga

“Isuna mismo ti inmay pay ditoy, mangipakita nga malaglagip na latta datayo ditoy Kalinga, so thank you, USEC Atty. Fatima.” — Gov. James S. Edduba

TABUK CITY, Kalinga — Governor James S. Edduba expressed his gratitude to Department of Education (DepEd) Undersecretary and Chief of Staff Atty. Fatima Lipp D. Panontongan for her continued support to Kalinga, including efforts to bring education programs and resources to the province.

Edduba conveyed his appreciation during the Handog ng Pangulo 2026: “Serbisyong Sapat Para sa Lahat” held on September 14 at the Kalinga Sports Center in Bulanao, Tabuk City, where Panontongan was among the officials who attended the activity.

Speaking during the event, Edduba highlighted Panontongan’s connection to Kalinga and her continued support for local schools and education initiatives.

“From Kalinga suna, haan tayo lang ammo ket kinanayon isuna ditoy ili tayo. Ket isuna pay ti maysa idiay program ti DepEd, isu diay napili ti St. William's Academy ken BAIHS idiay Balbalan. Ket isuna mismo ti inmay pay ditoy, mangipakita nga malaglagip na latta datayo ditoy Kalinga, so thank you, USEC Atty. Fatima,” Edduba said.

P52 million DepEd allocation

Edduba also thanked Panontongan and DepEd for the P52 million allocation downloaded for Kalinga, which he said would support education-related programs in the province.

He explained that the provincial government is currently completing and submitting the necessary requirements to DepEd following changes in the program of work.

“For DepEd ket adda diay nai-download nga P52 million for the Province of Kalinga, ket isu ti madama nga i-submit mi ken USEC ta medyo nabaliwan diay program of work,” Edduba said.

The governor said the provincial government continues to coordinate with national agencies to ensure that allocated resources are properly processed and utilized for their intended programs.

More national support sought

Edduba also noted that President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has issued instructions involving other national government agencies, including the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) and the Department of Agriculture (DA), with additional resources expected to be downloaded to provinces.

“Adda metlang instructions ni presidente to the DAR and DA ket adda metlang mai-download ditoy provinces,” he added.

The Handog ng Pangulo 2026 brought together national government agencies, provincial offices and other institutions to provide various services and assistance to hundreds of iKalingas.

The activity covered programs in education, employment, livelihood, health, agriculture, social welfare, legal assistance, business, financing, registration and other government services.

Edduba’s expression of gratitude underscored the provincial government’s efforts to strengthen coordination with national agencies and secure additional resources for Kalinga, particularly programs intended to benefit students, schools and communities.