LAGAWE, IFUGAO – – Ifugao might be two worlds away, but the future of the 54-year-old province could rest on the decision of voters to give the mantle of leadership to three men who defied heavy odds in an electoral exercise still influenced by money and personality-oriented politics.
Things got off to a good start with comfortable winning margins posted by Congressman-elect Solomon Chungalao of Mayoyao, Governor-elect Jerry Dalipog of Banaue and Vice Governor-elect Glenn Prudenciano of Alfonso Lista.
Chungalao, a former congressman and candidate of the Nationalist People’s Coalition (NPC), obtained 27,398 votes. Former governor Eugene Balitang of the Laban ng Demokratikong Pilipino (LDP) got 25,512 votes. Outgoing governor Pedro Mayam-o (independent) received 19, 826 votes, Jonathan Cuyahon (Lakas) garnered 18,587 votes and Timmy Mondiguing of the ruling Partido Demokratikong Pilipino-Lakas ng Bayan (PDP-Laban) placed fifth and last with 5,238 votes.
Chungalao, who introduced a number of bills related to health and education, which served as models for other provinces, is known for advancing the cause of dedicated, outstanding and selfless public service. Chungalao studied at Baguio Colleges Foundation (now the University of the Cordilleras) and in 1979 obtained his law degree with a distinction of being a magna cum laude graduate. Last May 13, he reclaimed his seat at the House of Representatives and bounced back from a defeat in 2016. Running as an independent then, Chungalao received 38,214 votes against 48,214 votes of re-electionist Baguilat of then ruling LP.
Other results showed Dalipog (National Union Party) with 36,183 votes, outgoing Rep. Teodoro Baguilat Jr. (LP) with 30,803 votes and outgoing Vice Governor Jose Jordan Gullitiw (PDP-Laban) with 27,887 votes. Prudenciano (LP) topped the much-coveted vice governor race with 39,312 votes. Outgoing Board Member Victor Bunnol Jr. (Partido Federal ng Pilpinas) placed second with 26,498 votes and outgoing Board Member James Frederick Dulnuan (PDP-Laban) was third with 24,585 votes.
What’s the compelling reason for their victories?
Integrity, sincerity, honesty and competence helped them a lot to get the nod of the electorate. It matters to a significant portion of those who went to the polls last May 13. The turnout was nearly 80%.
Interestingly, many are befuddled by the cohesion of voters in the second district, as if there is a “Solid North” sphere in this part of the province. There is a changing of the guards. This time around, the second district is well in command.
Comparatively, there are 68,298 voters in the first district and the turnout was only 78.67%. While the second district accounts for 51, 991 voters and turnout was 81.71%. Even an elementary pupil would understand the ill consequences of a low turnout rate for a candidate who resides in Kiangan but is voting in Banaue and is pitted against one from Mayoyao. Sadly, some candidates invested heavily in tarpaulins, streamers, stickers, headquarters and vehicles blaring out campaign jingles only to forget to assign someone to entice supporters to go out and vote. Precisely, May 13 was declared a “holiday.”
Dalipog, known for his selfless contributions to underserved communities and as a public servant of endearing ways, even carried the vote-rich capital town of Lagawe with 11,895 voters. Of the 9,516 who casted their ballots, 3,873 (or 41.83%) opted for him. Gullitiw, reportedly backed by a number of village chieftains and councilmen here, got 2,984 (32.23%) votes. Baguilat ended up in the rear with 2,450 votes (25.92%).
But more than that, the just-concluded election is an embodiment of the virtues of a rare breed of persons- creative, disciplined, hardworking and, above all, intelligent, and utilizing their potentials during the campaign period.
With time running out to curb the problems on poverty and unemployment due to underdevelopment, the participation of bright millennials may well be the culmination of decades of clamor of harnessing their skills and talents to recognize their key role in upgrading good governance in Ifugao. It is a long-overriding recognition.
Apparently, the triumvirate were in the thick of preparations long before the elections, hand-picking men and women of wisdom to comprise a “think tank” in charge of mapping out plans and strategies and providing sufficient information and recommendations to achieve victory at the polls. This is how a candidate will move forward or conduct his or her campaign. Many of the losing aspirants for representative, governor, vice governor, board member and even municipal government positions could have done better in the overall rankings if and only if they opted to create a “think tank,” a “tried and tested” formula for success.
Without a solid foundation of good governance, Ifugao folks can be susceptible to misconceptions that can no longer be corrected in the future. That’s indeed a problem.
Strangely, Ifugao’s next top three officials all come from the second geographical district. Apart from Alfonso Lista, Banaue and Mayoyao, Aguinaldo town is also a part of the district. Baguilat is from Kiangan, Governor Mayam-o is from Hingyon and Vice Governor Gullitiw hails from Asipulo, all in the first district. **to be contined (By A. Araos)
