Mayor Malannag of Balbalan, Kalinga re-elected to second term

Balbalan, Kalinga – Choosing between two leaders who both served as Balbalan local chief executive, majority of the constituents favored incumbent Mayor Almar Malannag in the May 12, 2025 polls.

Based on Comelec Kalinga data, there were 9,361 iBalbalans eligible to vote in the recently-conducted midterm elections. These voters had former-mayor Eric Gonayon and current mayor Malannag to choose from.

After votes were transmitted and read, Malannag emerged as the victor getting 5,131 votes, while his opponent got 2,497 votes.

The incumbent and newly proclaimed mayor attributed his win in the May polls to the support of the iBalbalans in all sectors. He conveyed being overwhelmed by their love for him.

“Alak daytoy nga gundaway nga ag-thank you iti kailyan tayo iti Balbalan, karkaru dagitoy kailyak iti tribuk iti Salegseg ken Banao ken amin nga 14 barangays iti Balbalan, ta at least nga datayo pay lang iti kayat da nga mangituloy kadagitoy developments ta nakita da met nu kasanu nga pinagbalin tayo iti Balbalan nu anya iti Balbalan tatta,” he expressed.

When asked what the people of Balbalan can expect from him in the coming three years, Malannag shared his vision of continuing what he had started since 2022.

“Amin nga dagiay nirugyan tayo ket ituloy tayo, nu mabal-balin ket ilippas tayo basta adda iti way tayo nga mangilippas ken mangiaramid nu anya iti pagimbagan iti Balbalan,” said Malannag.