‘We should professionalize (hiring and recruitment) ditoy ayan ti probinsya tapnu haan nga kanayon nga subject dagiti politician...’– Kalinga Gov. Edduba

Tabuk City, Kalinga – Underscoring the duty to serve responsibly, Provincial Governor James S. Edduba mentioned the need to professionalize hiring and recruitment processes in the province to ensure that positions are filled based on competence rather than political influence.

“We should professionalize it also ditoy ayan ti probinsya tapnu haan nga kanayon nga subject dagiti politician—haan nga kanayon nga nu sinu dagidiay asideg ti dalikan nga kunkunada ket isu lang ti mapagbigbigyan. Ket with this kuma nga i-implement tayo ket ma-professionalized kuma ti hiring and recruitment ditoy province,” he said.

Although not officially addressed, this statement may have stemmed from long-standing issues in the province where employment often favors those with “backers,” as locals term them, or individuals with influential connections, rather than applicants hired based on qualifications and competence.

The statement of the governor was made during the first flag-raising ceremony on January 5, 2026, held at the Kalinga Sports Complex in Capitol Hills, Bulanao, as he reminded importance of serving the people who gave their trust to their leaders.

Edduba told government employees and officials that leadership is a trust given by the people and comes with the responsibility to deliver results.

“Ammo yo ti leadership ngay ket—three years lang met diay maited kanyami. Nu naka-second or third term ka ket gasat mo diyay. So diyay three years nga ited ti tao ti trust ket aramiden tayo ti pagrebbengan tayo,” the governor said, urging leaders to maximize the three years entrusted to them by the iKalingas, noting that every official must ensure meaningful accomplishments during their term.

Edduba is currently serving his second term as governor.

The Governor likewise told government employees that their support to their leaders is equally important as they are the manpower that translates plans into reality.

Edduba also stressed the importance of coordination with local government units and national line agencies, urging provincial officials to align their activities with a clear direction and to focus on measurable accomplishments to ensure that the province’s development goals are achieved efficiently.