'Iti amin nga panagsina, daytoy nga panagsina ti duwa nga barangay tayo ti saan nga naliday' - Tinglayan Mayor Abay says split of Tulgao East and West led to progress, not division

Tulgao, Tinglayan, Kalinga – Tinglayan Mayor Charles A. Abay said the division of Tulgao into two barangays nearly four decades ago became a catalyst for growth and development rather than a cause of division, as he addressed residents during the First Grand Reunion of Tulgao East and Tulgao West and the 39th Founding Anniversary of the Tulgao Tribe on June 3-4.

Speaking before community members, elders, and guests, Abay reflected on the 1986 separation of Tulgao into Tulgao East and Tulgao West, emphasizing that the move ultimately brought greater opportunities and improved governance for both communities while preserving their shared tribal identity.

In a lighthearted but meaningful remark, the mayor said that among all forms of separation, the division of Tulgao was one that the people never regretted because it paved the way for progress.

“Iti amin nga panagsina, daytoy nga panagsina ti dwa nga barangay tayo ti saan nga naliday ta isu pay nangited ti waya-waya—ti improvement para ken daytoy nga ili ken tribu tayo,” he said.

Abay stressed that despite the administrative boundaries, the people of Tulgao remain united by their common culture, heritage, and aspirations as iTorkaos.

The mayor described the historic reunion as proof that the tribe's identity remains strong and intact, even as the two barangays continue to pursue their own paths of development.

He also used the occasion to recognize the elders of Tulgao, crediting them for preserving the traditions, values, and identity of the tribe through the generations.

“Pagyamanan tayo unay nangnangruna dagitoy a-ama tayo nga haan nagsardeng nga nangisuru ken nangtarabay ken datayo, dagitoy atutubo tayo ken daytoy unay ili tayo nga Tulgao,” he added.

The first-ever grand reunion gathered residents, local leaders, and stakeholders, including Board Member Emilio Kitongan, former Tinglayan Mayor Fernando Abay, and representatives of former Congressman Lawrence Wacnang, all of whom joined the celebration of the tribe's shared history and achievements.

For Abay, the gathering was more than a reunion—it was a celebration of unity and a reminder that while Tulgao may now be composed of two barangays, it remains one tribe bound by kinship, culture, and a common vision for the future.