Julius Balitnang Amla, is a public servant from the Butbut and Naneng tribes of Kalinga, and one of the two candidates who responded to the first call of Tabuk City Information Office for their program “Know your candidates,” held at the Tabuk City Conference Hall on November 20, 2024.
During said forum, which purposes to let people know some facts about candidates vying to serve the City or the Province, Amla faced the media revealed some of the things he does and what he has done. As a legislator, one of his ordinances that made an impact was his revenue ordinance which added to the coffers of Kalinga PLGU at least P5,000,000.00.
Amla is an incumbent Board Member of the District 2 of Kalinga and known for his support to innovative and progressive legislation.
Julius Amla's public service experience was anchored in his younger years of public service. He was the Chairman of Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) of Barangay Naneng from 1997 to 2001, and his leadership efficiency enabled him to also be the SK Federation President of the Municipality of Tabuk (now the City of Tabuk) in the same period.
Further, Amla became a City Councilor of Tabuk from 2013 to 2022. During this time, he made contributions in legislations that focus on improving socio-economic conditions and implementation of environmental and public safety regulations.
In the 2022 elections, he was elected as a member of the board for District 2 of Kalinga and is currently the head of the Committee on Environment and Resources and the Committee on General Services.
Amla has been working as a board member and a committee head concentrating on promoting sustainable use of resources of Kalinga and strengthening policies that encourage development with environmental sensitivity.
Revenue generation through innovative ordinances
One of Amla's priorities as a board member of the province is dealing with the financial challenges faced by the provincial government. During the "Know Your Candidates", Amla mentioned the limited sources of revenue which affects many of the services of the provincial government.
According to him, the allotted funding for provincial government is not enough to answer the growing demands on the services, particularly infrastructure, health, and education, among others.
""Talaga nga bassit ti kasta nga kuwarta/pondo para ti Provincial Government," he added.
To help the PLGU generate more income, Amla proposed an ordinance (the imposition of an administrative fee for the transportation of sand, gravel, and other quarrying resources) for the additional collection of funds that would supplement the province's revenue.
This innovative ordinance not only brings in new revenue to the PLGU but also includes fines for offenses to enforce compliance and for the protection of the environment. Amla said the ordinance generated P5 million this year alone, adding the revenue could increase to between P12 million and P15 million within the next year, augmenting Kalinga's development initiatives.
Vying for Board Member and his vision for Kalinga's future
Amla, who is now vying again to be a Board Member of District 2 in the 2025 midterm elections, says his vision for Kalinga will be anchored on the sustainable development of the province, empowerment of the youth, and an increased quality of life among its people. To him, maximizing local resources, responsible environmental practices, and youth leadership and guidance will define the great future of the city.
Amla believes that in the future, Kalinga might be able to prosper if there is pride in its management, innovative policies, and natural resources that are strictly preserved. His vision is more towards better infrastructure, a stronger local economy, and a community with active citizens empowered to contribute toward the progress of the city.
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