La Trinidad -- A male-dominated Benguet Provincial Board set the sectoral committees of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan.
The board led by Vice Governor Johnny Waguis, tackled the internal rules of procedure and the composition of the standing committees of the 10th Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Benguet.
Adopted on Monday’s regular session were committees and chairpersons composed of: Agriculture - Ruben Paoad; Barangay Affairs - Melchor Guesey; Cooperatives and Civil Society Organizations - Jim Botiwey; Disaster Risk Reduction and Management - Alexander Fianza; Education - Fernando Balaodan, Sr.; Environment and Natural Resources - Juan Nazaro, Jr.; Finance and Appropriation - Robert Namoro;
For Health and Sanitation - Florencio Bentrez; ICCs and IPs affairs - Sario Copas; Labor and Employment - Jim Botiwey; Land Use and Housing - Nestor Fongwan, Jr. ; committee on rules - Ruben Paoad; Mining and Energy - Bernard Waclin; Peace and Order and Public Safety - Fernando Balaodan, Sr.; Personnel Administration - Florencio Bentrez; Public Utilities, Transportation, Communication and IT - Juan Nazarro, Jr.; Public Works and Infrastructure - Roberto Canuto; Senior Citizens and Veterans’ Affairs - Apolinario Camsol; Social Services, Women and Family - Alexander Fianza;
In Tourism and Arts - Robert Namoro; Trade and Industry - Ruben Paoad; Ways and Means - Jim Botiwey; Youth and Sports Development - Jeston Balong-angey; and Justice and Human Rights - Apolinaro Camsol.
The vice governor will chair the committee of the wile, boundary dispute and preside as chair for cases of administrative complaints against government officials.
Waguis added most of the committee are reshuffled while the vice committee chairman will act as chair for the case of Benguet Board Member Apolinario Camsol.
Newly-elected Provincial Governor Melchor Diclas attended his first flag ceremony as a governor.
“This is our first day nga agpayso. We’d like to take this opportunity nga makipagtrabaho kanyayo ta agmaymaysa tayo kuma, tano para iti tao tayo nga taga-Benguet,” stated Diclas. (With a report from Aira Quiliza, University of Cordilleras intern)