LA TRINIDAD, Benguet -- Board Member-elect Concepcion Balao vowed to promote the rights of women and children of the province.
Balao finished her three terms as mayor of Atok town, championing women's projects in the area. She will sit as the second woman in the Provincial Board, together with incumbent Board Member Florence Tingbaoen from Mankayan town.
"I am happy that there are two of us in the board," Balao said.
Balao with Tingbaoen will represent the second provincial district together with Nelson Dangwa.
Incumbent Governor Nestor Fongwan also enjoined the new board members to help in the development of the province and asked to set aside party affiliations for the good of the province.
Balao said projects for women and children will be one of her priorities once she starts her term at the Provincial Board.
It was in Balao's time as Atok mayor when the town's "Potatok" became known when it was launched as the Department of Trade and Industry's "One town, One product."
The catchy name and taste of the highland potatoes were both an eye catcher and good moniker, netting more sales for the municipality.
The product was made by various women's groups, as well as the variations of taro that were marketed into candy, catsup, ice cream and bread.
At present, the provincial Gender Equality and Development code has yet to be passed. (Ma. Elena Catajan)