"We should honor the achievements that brought pride to Kalinga": BM Kitongan backs recognition and incentives for Kalinga athletes

Tabuk City, Kalinga – Sangguniang Panlalawigan Committee on Education Chair Board Member Emilio Kitongan has thrown his full support behind a resolution recognizing Kalinga athletes and their coach, saying the province should honor those who have brought pride and recognition to Kalinga through their achievements in international and continental sports competitions.

The proposed measure was among the resolutions deliberated upon and approved during the Provincial Board's 30th Regular Session on Tuesday, July 7, presided over by Vice Governor Atty. Dave Q. Odiem.

Authored by Board Member Atty. Christopher Donaal, the resolution, entitled "A Resolution Recognizing and Commending the Outstanding Achievements of Certain Kalinga Athletes and Their Coach in Recent International and Continental Sports Competitions, and Authorizing the Grant of Cash Incentives to Said Athletes and Coach in Accordance with Provincial Ordinance No. 2019-009," seeks to formally recognize the accomplishments of Kalinga athletes and their coach while authorizing the grant of cash incentives.

During the deliberations, Kitongan urged the Provincial Board to approve the resolution, stressing that it is only fitting to recognize athletes and coaches who have elevated Kalinga's name through their success in sports.

"I would suggest that this resolution filed by the Committee on Rules and Ethics be approved, Mr. Chair. It is a resolution of commendation, tapno met ah ekkan tayo ti recognition dagijay achievements ken honor met ah nga inkua da ti probinsya ti Kalinga,” said Kitongan.

As discussions shifted to the proposed cash incentives, Kitongan shared that Governor James S. Edduba had assured him that the Provincial Government would identify available funds to finance the incentives.

“As to the incentives, di nagtongting kami kenni Governor ket inbaga na met iman nga ibirukan na ti mabalin nga pagcharegan,” he added.

With no objections raised, the resolution was unanimously approved by the members of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan.

Resolution complements Kitongan's proposed Sports Incentives Ordinance

The resolution complements Kitongan's long-term effort to institutionalize government support for athletes through his proposed "Sports Incentives Ordinance of the Province of Kalinga."

As previously reported by Guru Press Cordillera, Kitongan filed the proposed ordinance to establish a permanent policy that guarantees incentives and recognition for athletes, coaches, and sports organizers who bring honor to Kalinga in regional, national, and international competitions.

While the Provincial Government has consistently granted financial rewards to outstanding athletes, Kitongan noted that there is still no ordinance clearly defining the eligibility requirements, funding source, and incentive structure.

His proposal seeks to institutionalize the program to ensure that government support for athletes continues regardless of changes in provincial leadership.

For Kitongan, both the proposed ordinance and Donaal's resolution go beyond providing financial rewards—they are about recognizing the sacrifices, discipline, and dedication of Kalinga's athletes and coaches while inspiring the next generation of iKalinga sports talents.

“Dagitoy ket way tayo tapno maipakita tayo ti supporta tayo kadagiti atleta tayo ken dagiti teams da ken dagitoy mentors da," said the legislator.