Mangili Night honors PBGen. Bannawagan; BM Amla says his legacy should inspire the next generation of iKalinga public servants

Tabuk City, Kalinga – The greatest measure of pride is not in titles or ranks, but in the honor with which a person serves the nation, Kalinga Board Member Julius B. Amla said as he called on the youth to draw inspiration from the life and career of Police Brigadier General Villaflor S. Bannawagan.

Amla made the statement as the Provincial Government of Kalinga, led by Governor James S. Edduba and Vice Governor Dave Q. Odiem, honored Bannawagan during the Mangili Night held at the Golden Fields Hotel on Friday, July 17.

The tribute recognized Bannawagan's exemplary leadership, distinguished career, and invaluable contributions to the Philippine National Police (PNP), bringing honor not only to the organization but also to the people of Kalinga.

Bannawagan is among Kalinga's distinguished sons who rose through the ranks of the PNP after decades of dedicated service. Before his promotion to Police Brigadier General, he served as Deputy Director for Operations of the Northern Police District. He also held key leadership positions as Chief of the Regional Information and Communications Technology Management Division of the National Capital Region Police Office and as Commander of the PNP Aviation Security Group in Zamboanga.

Throughout his career, Bannawagan earned the respect of his peers for his commitment to peace and order, public safety, and professional excellence.

In an interview with Guru Press Cordillera following his welcome remarks during the Mangili Night, Amla emphasized that the occasion celebrated more than Bannawagan's promotion to the rank of general.

According to the board member, the province was honoring an iKalinga whose life demonstrates that integrity, discipline, and unwavering dedication to duty can lead to the highest levels of public service.

Amla expressed hope that Bannawagan's journey would inspire more young iKalingas to pursue careers in the country's uniformed services and to serve with honor, humility, and love for the nation.

"We celebrate more than the rank of Police Brigadier General Villaflor S. Bannawagan. We celebrate a son of Kalinga whose integrity, discipline, and commitment to public service have become an inspiration not only to our police officers but also to every young iKalinga who dreams of serving our nation. His journey proves that with character and perseverance, our people can stand among the country's finest. Our pride is measured by those who served with honor. His legacy should inspire the youth," Amla said in Ilocano.

The local legislator added that Bannawagan's achievement further strengthens Kalinga's reputation as a province that produces outstanding public servants and reminds everyone that lasting success is built not only on talent, but also on honesty, humility, perseverance, and selfless service.

"General Bannawagan reminds us that the greatest legacy of leadership is not the position we hold but the lives we influence through honest and dedicated service. May his example encourage more young people to pursue public service with integrity and love for our country," Amla added.

Kalinga has long been recognized as one of the country's leading sources of men and women who serve in the uniformed services.

Over the years, the province has produced distinguished members of the Philippine National Police, Armed Forces of the Philippines—including the Philippine Army, Philippine Navy, and Philippine Air Force—the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology, Bureau of Corrections, Bureau of Fire Protection, Philippine Coast Guard, and other law enforcement agencies.

Many iKalingas have risen to the ranks of generals, flag officers, and national leaders, further cementing the province's reputation as a cradle of dedicated and exemplary public servants.