Bontoc, Mountain Province – The municipality’s achievement as a consistent Seal of Good Local Governance (SGLG) awardee for years was highlighted by the Guest of Honor and Speaker during the 19th Am-among Festival Program on September 16, 2023, at the Bontoc Municipal Capitol grounds.

Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Regional Director Araceli San Jose expressed her delight as the theme for the municipality’s twin celebration which is “Radiating Good Governance through Accelerated Public Service” genuinely mirrors what the DILG hopes and envisions for all local government units.

“It is also a fitting theme because we are proud that the Municipality of Bontoc is the lone SGLG passer in Mountain Province in 2022 and again a potential passer for this year. We are so proud of your beautiful municipality as it consistently passed all the indicators of the Seal of Good Local Governance throughout the years. If you will again be awarded this year, this would be your 5th year as an SGLG passer and this would be a great feat for Bontoc and our region. lbig sabihin, Hindi fluke or Chamba ang pagiging Seal of Good Local Governance passer nyo,kundi you continually excel in local governance since 2017, ” RD San Jose emphasized.

She said that this comes from the collective share of everyone in the overall development of Bontoc.

RD San Jose added that while the Am-among Festival is a celebration of triumphs, it is also an opportune time to reflect on gains, assess the things that can be improved on, boost the morale of the community, and forge more meaningful relationships across sectors.

In closing, she assured the continuous support of the DILG to the municipality’s endeavours.

Meanwhile, Bontoc Mayor Jerome “Chagsen” Tudlong, Jr., expressed his joy because, after three years of not having the Am-among Street Dancing and Cultural Presentation due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the crowd-drawing event happened this year.

He mentioned that the celebration is not just about a festival, rather, it is honouring the past, appreciating the present, and envisioning a brighter future for the community.

The mayor added that the Am-among Festival is an avenue to foster fellowship, promote bonding, and strengthen ties.

“The road ahead will not always be smooth sailing. There will always be success and failures, highs and lows, celebrations and crisis, but I firmly believe that we can withstand the test of time and make Bontoc ENLANGAKHA,” Mayor Tudlong highlighted.

During the occasion, the Bontoc Municipal Capitol was jam-packed with the presence of Bontoc municipal officials and employees, mayors from the different municipalities of Mountain Province, DILG- Regional and Provincial Family, street dancers and cultural performers, and the spectators from the 16 barangays of Bontoc and other places.