Governor Edduba reports accomplishments in First 100 Days

Tabuk City, Kalinga – In just over three months into his second term, Kalinga Governor James Edduba presented a series of programs and accomplishments that demonstrate his administration’s commitment to peace, good governance, and inclusive progress for the iKalingas.

Speaking during his State of the Province Address on Monday, October 13, at the Kalinga Sports Center, Edduba outlined the achievements of the provincial government in his first 100 days, anchored on the Collaborative Interventions Plan (2025–2028) supporting his LUMIN-AWA Development Thrust.

Under Edduba’s leadership, the Provincial Local Government Unit (PLGU) has reconstituted the Bids and Awards Committee and strengthened the Local Finance Committee to promote fairness and transparency in the province’s financial transactions. These measures, he said, are part of his effort to uphold public trust through accountable and transparent governance.

In line with digital transformation, the provincial government adopted five financial management platforms — eNGAS, PFMAT, WeAccess, LinkBiz, and eSRE — across its financial offices. An online public feedback system was also launched to give citizens a direct voice in government operations.

On funding and resource mobilization, Edduba reported that Kalinga secured over ₱25 million in medical and crisis assistance, ₱17.5 million for peace and development projects, and additional funds for road and infrastructure development sourced from national line agencies and offices.

In his presentation, the governor highlighted that the province also achieved a 6.78% decrease in crime volume during the period.

As part of his peace and order initiatives, Edduba led the mediation of the long-standing Betwagan–Butbut tribal conflict, which resulted in a ceasefire and the drafting of the Kalinga Proto-Pagta — a framework based on customary laws to sustain peace among indigenous communities.

On human resources and organizational development, the PLGU created 67 new plantilla positions, promoted 23 employees, and initiated organizational reengineering in line with Civil Service Commission standards to enhance efficiency and promote professional growth within the provincial workforce.

In terms of social welfare and health services, more than ₱32.6 million in medical assistance has been provided to nearly 9,000 indigent patients. The province also extended support to 459 persons with disabilities (PWDs) and 767 scholars, while implementing feeding programs, blood donation drives, and maternal care initiatives.

For infrastructure development, the province continues to pursue farm-to-market roads, irrigation systems, and hospital upgrades across its seven municipalities and lone city. Among the recent accomplishments is the completion of the ₱10-million Kalinga Weaving Center in Mabilong, Lubuagan, inaugurated by the governor on October 9.

Beyond completed projects, Edduba mentioned several ongoing initiatives, including the ₱175-million Kalinga Cultural Center and Museum, a project that not only celebrates the province’s rich cultural heritage but also generates economic opportunities for the people.

On economic and agricultural development, the governor reported that the province reactivated the Economic Enterprise Council — the PLGU’s governing body for managing public enterprises such as markets and waterworks — to strengthen local revenue generation and reduce reliance on the National Tax Allotment (NTA). The province also distributed ₱24.3 million worth of agricultural machinery to 26 farmers’ groups.

Furthermore, the PLGU partnered with international organizations and the academe to launch the Agsama Kape Project, a major initiative to support Kalinga’s growing coffee industry.

Edduba expressed his gratitude to fellow officials, national line agencies, and the public for their support in achieving these milestones. He expressed optimism that with continued cooperation, Kalinga will soon attain its goal of becoming a First Class Province.

Concluding his address, the governor called for sustained unity and public support, emphasizing that development must remain rooted in Kalinga’s core values — Paniyaw, Ngilin, and Bain.

“Kas inpatugaw yo nga babaunen yo, ipanamnamak iti agtultuloy nga panagtrabaho tayo tapno mangud-udan tayo ti arapaap tayo para ti probinsiya. Maymaysa koma ti direction tayo tapno ada makita nga umakdangan ti probinsiya. Nu haan nga maymaysa ti direksyon tayo, ket awan ti papanan tayo,” Edduba concluded.