“Masapol koma nga mausar nga nasyaat” — VG Odiem reminds Rizal barangays to use “Ombak” vehicles for the people, not personal trips

TABUK CITY, Kalinga – Kalinga Vice Governor Atty. Dave Q. Odiem reminded barangay officials in Rizal that the newly distributed ombak vehicles are government property purchased with taxpayers' money and should be used responsibly to serve the public—not for personal use.

Odiem made the reminder during the ceremonial turnover of the service vehicles to beneficiary barangays on Tuesday, August 4, at the Legislative Building in Bulanao, Tabuk City.

Public funds, public service

In his message, Odiem told barangay officials they were fortunate to receive the vehicles, noting that many other barangays in Kalinga had yet to benefit from similar assistance.

He emphasized that the units were purchased using public funds generated from taxpayers and therefore must be properly maintained and used solely for public service.

"Nagasat kayo nga nadumaduma nga barangay diay Rizal ta ti kinadadun ti barangay ti probinsya ti Kalinga ket dakayo iti naekkan iti ombak... Daytoy ombak ket napurchase iti pondo ti Provincial Government nga naggapu iti buwis ti tattao. Isunga, masapol nga anadan yo dagitoy nga ombak," Odiem said.

Odiem cites teamwork behind the project

The vice governor also acknowledged the collective efforts that made the initiative possible.

He thanked Governor James S. Edduba for approving the distribution of the vehicles, the members of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan for passing the ordinance authorizing the donation, and District 2 Board Member Julius Balitnang Amla for initiating the proposal.

"Umuna, agyaman tayo ken Apo Governor James Edduba iti panang-allow na nga dagitoy ombak will be distributed idiay municipality of Rizal. Daytoy, in the form of donation, ket nagna iti Sangguniang Panlalawigan. Without the ordinance nga inaramid ti Sangguniang Panlalawigan, haan koma a na-realize daytoy. And third, awan met daytoy nu awan ti initiative ni Board Member Julius Amla," he said.

"Maintain them and use them well"

As the vehicles were formally turned over, Odiem reminded barangay officials that the units now belong to their respective barangays and should always be available to serve their constituents.

He urged them to take good care of the vehicles, ensure they are properly maintained, and avoid using them for personal trips that could invite criticism against both the barangays and the Provincial Government.

"Ket nu maiturnover dagitoy ombak kadakayo, bagi ti barangay daytoy. Pangaasi yo ta ipausar yo kadagiti constituents yo. Haan nga para laeng kadakayo nga barangay officials daytoy. It will serve your constituents. Anadan yo, mintinaren yo daytoy, ken masapol koma nga mausar nga nasyaat. Haan koma nga mausar nga mapan iti beach. Ta baka usaren yo nga mapan iti beach ket adda tatak na nga 'Kalinga,' isu pay ti pakaissue-an yo," Odiem reminded.

The vice governor said the turnover of the ombak vehicles forms part of the Provincial Government of Kalinga's continuing efforts to strengthen barangay governance by improving mobility and enabling local officials to respond more quickly and efficiently to the needs of their communities.