KALINGA’S FIRST LANTERN PARADE: Vice Gov. Odiem commends gov’t employees for their work, urges them to keep working despite often unrecognized sacrifices

Tabuk City, Kalinga – Honoring workers whose often unseen labor continues to strengthen the foundation of communities across the province, Vice Governor Dave Odiem paid tribute to Kalinga’s silent builders during the province’s first inter-agency Christmas program and lantern parade on December 19 at the Kalinga Sports Complex in Bulanao.

Odiem underscored that the sacrifices of government workers often go unnoticed or unrecognized. Nevertheless, he urged them to continue doing their jobs well, emphasizing that their purpose is to serve residents and contribute to progress and development through their services and expertise.

The event gathered government workers from the provincial government, including those from national line agencies.

With the theme “Lumin-Awa Cares: A Christmas Tribute to Kalinga’s Unsung Builders,” the gathering fostered inclusivity by honoring local workers whose dedication drives the local economy and nurtures community and provincial progress.

In his message, Vice Governor Odiem emphasized that laborers who are often overlooked are the unseen builders of the province, noting that their contributions have paved the way for a more progressive Kalinga.

“All of you are symbols of resilience. Your labor is often unseen, yet your services strengthen the foundation of Kalinga. Without your steady service, communities cannot function smoothly. Your daily sacrifices, though often unnoticed, are the true lights of Kalinga,” Odiem said.

He also reminded everyone that the Christmas season is not only about celebration but also about gratitude, compassion, and upholding the values of a true Kalinga.

“Your labors are the true lanterns that shine in the spirit of Christmas. May this celebration remind us that Christmas is not just about festivities but also about gratitude and compassion—about upholding the values of Kalinga, which are bain, ngilin, and paniyaw, and about living the true meaning of Christmas: generosity, compassion, and love, as Christ has loved us,” he added.

Meanwhile, to promote inclusive representation, participating offices were grouped into eight clusters representing key sectors: traffic enforcers, laborers, farmers, transportation workers (drivers and conductors), community workers such as Barangay Health Workers (BHWs), vendors or street vendors, sanitary workers or garbage collectors, and peacekeepers, including Bodong holders and Barangay Tanods.

Prizes from the activity, amounting to over P270,000.00, will go to beneficiary organizations belonging to the sectors represented by the clustered groups.