“Saan yo kuma baybya-an ti ili tayo” — BM Kitongan urges iTulgao youth to preserve heritage, give back to homeland

Tulgao, Tinglayan – Recognizing the growing number of successful young professionals from Tulgao, Sangguniang Panlalawigan Board Member Emilio Kitongan called on the younger generation of iTulgaos to remain connected to their roots and contribute to the continued development of their community, emphasizing that progress should go hand in hand with the preservation of their culture and identity.

Speaking during the First Grand Reunion of Tulgao East and Tulgao West and the 39th Founding Anniversary of the Tulgao Tribe on June 3-4, Kitongan expressed gratitude for the achievements of both the present and upcoming generations of iTulgaos, particularly those who have excelled in various professions and fields of service.

Returning to the community, Kitongan said he was pleased to see that Tulgao’s culture and traditions remain well preserved—a feat he attributed largely to the efforts of the elders and community leaders.

The board member also noted that despite the challenges faced by the community, particularly in terms of infrastructure and accessibility, development has begun to reach the area. He expressed optimism that more government projects and services would eventually benefit the people of Tulgao.

“Coming back here, makitak nga na-preserve latta iti culture ditoy nga ili tayo. Ngem on my way here, mayat kuma talaga nu dumanun inggana ditoyen ti kalsada. Haan paylang talaga na-improve, ngem ti importante kuma nga panunuten tayo ket narugyan metten.

Pagyamanan tayo latta ta adda ti makita tayo nga improvement—eventually, umay tu metlang mismo ditoy Tulgao ti dawat tayo nga improvements,” the provincial legislator said.

Kitongan added that the continued success of Tulgao’s sons and daughters is a source of pride for the community. However, he stressed that these accomplishments should also translate into meaningful contributions toward the welfare and advancement of their ancestral home.

“Pagyamanan tayo ta adda latta dagitoy agdama ken sumarsaruno pay nga annak ti Tulgao nga agtugaw wenno dagitoy kuna tayo nga young professionals. Nu man bilang ag-thrive talaga dagitoy nga annak tayo, ket sapay kuma ta haan da nga baybay-an ti ili tayo nga Tulgao,” he said.

Beyond individual success, Kitongan encouraged unity among the different tribes and communities of Tinglayan, emphasizing that sustainable development can be achieved more effectively through cooperation, shared responsibility, and mutual support.