Kalinga lawmaker appointed as Mountain Province caretaker

HOUSE Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez designated Kalinga Representative Allen Jesse Mangaoang as the legislative caretaker of the lone district of Mountain Province effective Wednesday, July 5.

The position became vacant with the death of Dalog, who was serving his third and last term.

Lawyer Cyphrine Maxcel Dalog, chief of staff of Mountain Province’s Congressional Office, said it was the family’s request that Mangaoang be designated as caretaker citing both congressmen are members of the Nacionalista Party; Mangaoang is also from Mountain Province, his mother being a native of Sagada; and Mangaoang is aware of Dalog's vision because as a neophyte representative, the latter has been with him as a mentor and adviser.

“We believe that Congressman Mangaoang personally feels, understands and knows the plight and needs of our province in so far as legislation is concerned because of the aforementioned reasons,” she said.

“This being said and done, we assure the programs and services as envisioned by Cong. Dalog will advance in favor of the people of Mountain Province especially that of our medical assistance, educational assistance, social services and infrastructure development. In addition, the House measures filed and co-authored by him will be pursued at the House of Representatives and the Senate until such bills will reach their approval into law,” the younger Dalog added.

With Mangaoang's designation as legislative caretaker, Dalog also pleaded to the people of Mountain Province to unite by setting aside political and personal aspirations, and instead prioritize the province's development.

“Let us continue to do what is best for Mountain Province,” she said.

Alvarez extended the services of the current plantilla staff of the late Congressman Dalog until 2019.

Mangaoang readily accepted his designation and is honored to have the position.

“Together with the staff of the late Congressman Dalog, we will try our best to continue the legislative agenda, plans, program, projects and advocacy of the late congressman for the best interest of Mountain Province so that quoting the late Cong. Dalog, “By the grace of Almighty God, gumawis pay koma nan Mountain Province,” Mangaoang said in a statement.

“With this designation, I wish as well to convey my heartfelt thanks to the family of the late Manong Max and the people of Mountain Province for giving me the trust and confidence to become their caretaker,” he furthered. (Erlindo Agwilang Jr.)