“There is a request… dapat mabibig met dagiti kakailyan nga nangited dayaw ti probinsiya” - BM Kitongan on ordinance honoring high-ranking iKalinga uniformed personnel

Tabuk City, Kalinga – An ordinance seeking to recognize and honor high-ranking uniformed personnel from Kalinga who have brought pride to the province is being pushed by Board Member Emilio T. Kitongan at the Sangguniang Panlalawigan.

The measure was crafted by Kitongan following a formal request from the Kalinga Uniformed and Law Enforcement Alliance (KULEA), which urged the provincial government to institutionalize recognition for men and women from the province who have attained the rank of Brigadier General or higher.

“There is a request… dapat mabibig met dagiti kakailyan nga nangited dayaw ti probinsiya. And we thought it well nga mayat met dayta nga request, especially that our province is known for producing well-disciplined and outstanding men and women in the security forces of the country,” relayed the provincial legislator.

In a letter addressed to Vice Governor Dave Odiem, obtained by Guru Press Cordillera from a legislative staff member, the group emphasized that these officers have not only brought honor to their respective services but have also brought pride and distinction to the Province of Kalinga through their dedication, professionalism, integrity, and exemplary service.

The group believes that such a recognition will not only give the yKalinga uniformed officials well-deserved honor but also provides means to inspire others to perform better.

“Their achievements serve as a source of inspiration to our youth, our communities, and all public servants of our province. They embody leadership, discipline, and commitment to duty—values that are worthy of institutional recognition,” KULEA wrote.

Acting on the request, Kitongan authored the proposed measure titled “Provincial Recognition and Honors for High-Ranking Uniformed Personnel Ordinance,” which aims to formally acknowledge uniformed personnel from the province who have reached the said rank or its equivalent, whether they are natives or residents of Kalinga.

Under the proposal, qualified personnel from the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), Philippine National Police (PNP), Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP), Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), and other recognized uniformed services may receive symbolic recognition from the provincial government.

These may include a resolution of commendation, inclusion in the Provincial Hall of Fame or Honor Roll, possible naming of a provincial facility, street, or hall (subject to a separate resolution or ordinance), plaques, and a possible one-time monetary incentive.

The ordinance also provides benefits for the immediate families of the honorees, such as educational assistance and access to provincial social services programs.

During the session of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan presided over by Vice Governor Odiem on April 21, the measure was presented and unanimously approved for referral to the Committee on Rules and Ethics for deliberation before proceeding to the next stages of approval by the Provincial Board.