‘Nginmato ti crimes … maysa gapo ket daytoy sugal’ - BM Donaal on crafting ordinance banning gambling inside “peryahan” in Kalinga

Tabuk City, Kalinga – Seeking to protect young people from the harmful effects of gambling that could lead them to unlawful activities, the Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Kalinga recently approved on third reading a proposed ordinance banning all gambling activities inside amusement parks (peryahan) in the province.

Entitled “Institutionalizing Safeguards Against Gambling and Youth Exploitation in Peryahan Operations in the Province of Kalinga,” the ordinance was authored by Board Member Christopher Donaal and co-authored by Board Member Glenn Dao-as.

In an interview with GURU Press Cordillera on January 16, 2026, Donaal emphasized that while peryahan are intended as venues for family celebrations and recreation, reports from police, barangay officials, and civil society groups have linked gambling activities in these areas to increased criminal incidents such as robbery, physical injuries, domestic violence, and financial exploitation.

Donaal noted that most of these incidents occur during peak operation periods.

In response to these reports, Donaal said he worked closely with Dao-as in crafting the measure to protect the youth of Kalinga from being exploited through gambling. The ordinance was proposed to the Sangguniang Panlalawigan last year and underwent reviews and public consultations before its approval on final reading.

“Inmasedeg dagiti concerned officials ken citizens, di last year pay, nga nagkaproblema. Nginnamto ti data ti police metlang ditoy Kalinga, ken sigun kadakuada, nginmato ti crimes, ket maysa nga makita da nga maysa a gapuanna ket dagitoy kakailyan, karu dagitoy agtutubo nga nalulong ti sugal. Understandably, ti purpose met koma ti peryahan ket kasla lugar ti pamilya—recreation para kadagiti youth ken pagraragsakan ti pamilya. Unfortunately, naconfirm tayo met nga adda dagiti activities nga mabalin nga maibilang a gambling,”Donaal added.

The provincial legislator further explained that the ordinance is legally grounded and aligned with existing national laws.

“Regulated daytoy ti national law, ilocalize tayo laeng. What the provincial government wants to do is to protect dagitoy agtutubo nga malulong ken masurwan da agsugal,” he said.

Specifically, the ordinance seeks to ban gambling in any form within peryahan sites across the province, require strict permits and regulations for operators, impose youth protection measures such as visible signage, designated and monitored areas, deployment of marshals, and coordinated efforts among concerned LGUs and agencies. It also establishes penalties for violators.

With its approval on third reading, Donaal explained that a copy of the ordinance will be transmitted to the Office of the Provincial Governor for review and approval.

Once signed by the governor—or if no action is taken within the prescribed period—the ordinance will be deemed approved and will proceed to publication or posting in conspicuous places across the province.

The measure will take effect after the required publication period, after which concerned provincial offices, LGUs, and law enforcement agencies will begin its implementation and enforcement.