“Use this help as a stepping stone toward a better life” — VG Odiem reminded Kalinga beneficiaries of Handog ng Pangulo 2026 to transform aid into opportunity to secure future

TABUK CITY, Kalinga — Government assistance should not be treated as mere temporary relief but as an opportunity to build a better and more secure future for families, Vice Governor Atty. Dave Q. Odiem told beneficiaries of the Handog ng Pangulo in Kalinga.

Odiem delivered the message of encouragement during the provincial celebration of Handog ng Pangulo 2026 at the Kalinga Provincial Capitol on Monday, September 14.

The nationwide activity, held in celebration of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s birthday, brought national government agencies and provincial offices together to bring various programs and services closer to iKalingas.

Beneficiaries received livelihood and financial assistance, employment opportunities, agricultural support, food assistance, skills training and certification, agrarian services, and other government services.

In his message, Odiem reminded beneficiaries that the assistance they received was made possible through the collective efforts and resources of government agencies and was intended to help those who need it most.

“To our beneficiaries, please receive this assistance with gratitude and make the most of it. The assistance you will receive today is a product of collective resources and efforts of your government. They are made available to you in the spirit of genuine public service,” Odiem said.

He urged recipients to use the assistance wisely, particularly for their families’ important needs and for activities that could generate longer-term benefits.

“Utilize it for the important needs of your families and for the effort that will bring lasting benefits and serve as a stepping stone toward a better life,” Odiem said.

He further appealed to beneficiaries not to waste the opportunity provided by government assistance.

“Saan yo nga sayangen daytoy assistance wenno tulong nga ited ti gobyerno, usaren yo nga mangpasayaat ken pagimbagan ti pamilya yo,” he said.

For Odiem, the true value of government assistance goes beyond the immediate help it provides. When used responsibly, it can help families meet their needs, strengthen their livelihood, and create opportunities for a better future.

He also gave meaning to the President’s birthday celebration, noting that Marcos chose to mark the occasion by bringing government services closer to the people.

“Daytoy nga activity ket saan laeng nga ordinaryo nga okasyon... The President has chosen to mark this occasion not with personal celebration but with public service,” Odiem said, extending his birthday greetings and prayers for the President’s continued strength, wisdom, and guidance.

Odiem likewise reaffirmed the provincial government’s commitment to working with national government agencies in delivering programs that can improve the lives of Kalinga families.

“The provincial government of Kalinga stands firm in working with national government to improve the lives of every iKalinga. Together, let us continue to work building a fair, better, and developed Kalinga,” he said.

His message underscored a simple appeal to beneficiaries: government assistance is not only something to receive—it is an opportunity to use wisely, improve the family’s situation, and take another step toward a better life.