Tanudan moves to institutionalize P15,000 Burial Aid Ordinance for families in need - now under review by Kalinga SP

Tabuk City, Kalinga – The Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) of Kalinga, headed by Vice Governor Dave Odiem, has taken up for review a proposed ordinance from the Municipality of Tanudan seeking to institutionalize a burial assistance program for its indigent residents.

The measure, titled "An Ordinance Institutionalizing the Burial Assistance Program for Indigent Residents of the Municipality of Tanudan, Kalinga, Providing Funds Thereof, and for Other Purposes," was deliberated upon by the Provincial Board during its session earlier this week.

Following initial deliberations, the municipal ordinance was unanimously referred to the appropriate committee for review and recommendation before further action by the provincial legislative body.

The SP Committee on Rules and Ethics has been tasked to determine whether the proposal is consistent with existing national laws, local government regulations, and policies governing the provision of financial assistance by local government units.

Board Member Atty. Christopher Donaal, chairperson of the committee, explained that the review is necessary to ensure that the proposal does not exceed the powers granted to local government units and that its implementation mechanisms are legally compliant and properly structured to avoid future legal and administrative issues.

“This proposal is good, and the Sangguniang Panlalawigan recognizes the noble intention behind this ordinance of the municipality of Tanudan, which seeks to provide immediate assistance to indigent families in Tanudan during times of bereavement. The Committee on Rules and Ethics, however, will still ensure the measure is legally sound," Donaal said in an interview with Guru Press Cordillera.

About the Ordinance

Under the proposed measure, indigent residents of the municipality would receive P15,000 in burial assistance to help families cope with funeral-related expenses following the death of a loved one.

The proposal was initiated by Mayor Jaedicke Rhoss Dagadag and was subsequently submitted to the Sangguniang Bayan, headed by Vice Mayor Antonio Jr. Basungit, for deliberation.

Following discussions, refinements, and approval by the municipal legislative body, the ordinance was transmitted to the provincial legislative body as required under existing local government procedures.

In an earlier interview with Guru Press Cordillera, Vice Mayor Basungit disclosed that the assistance amount was initially proposed at P20,000 but was later reduced to P15,000 upon the recommendation of the Local Finance Committee after considering the municipality's financial capacity amid its transition to a third-class municipality.

“Maited nga buo diay P15,000 and the rest, nu manpay agkurang, ket diay family ti beneficiary tun ti mang-shoulder. Pero diay original nga proposal, P20K gamin ngem diay LGU capacity gamin tatta, most especially ta adda ti transition ti third class ket medyo maipit ti funds. So the suggestion met Piman and the Local Finance Committee, and I cut it to P15K. Ket, as I said, madama paylang deliberations,” he said.

Municipal officials are eyeing the implementation of the program beginning January 1, 2027, subject to the completion of all legislative requirements.

The review by the Provincial Board is part of the process required before a municipal ordinance can take effect.