Upper Tabuk backs Balanggao to run for City Mayor

Tabuk City, Kalinga – Macario Balanggao, Barangay Captain of Amlao and closest contender of Mayor Darwin Estrañero in previous elections, made a bid in coming back to run for the mayoralty position promising to fight corruption and unite Tabuk during a meeting of elders and leaders of Upper Tabuk on September 18, 2021.

During the “Nandadatongan tapno papigsaon binnadangan kan panag-os-osaan di Upper Tabuk un Katagoan,” the elders of the Biga and Dallac tribes officially endorsed Balanggao along with other well-known leaders like City Councilor Ditten Sumaal, former Board Member Eduardo Sarol, and barangay captains and former officials as well as representatives.

Marco Pagtud, one of those who did not support his candidacy last election and known local political strategist, was also present and vowed support to Balanggao, saying his expression of support is due to what he believes are questionable management at Tabuk City Hall.

“Nu naurnos koma ti City Hall ket awan met problema, ngem tapno maisimpa tayo ti siyudad tayo ket masapul nga adda panagbaliw ti liderato,” said Pagtud.

Jerome Tabanganay, leader of the DANAMI group – a known critic of Mayor Estrañero and pro-dam advocate, said with the unity of the leaders of Upper Tabuk, the odds will be in their favor as more votes shall not go to the incumbent. Tabangay likewise criticized alleged anomalies at the City Hall, which the current administration is not able to answer and solve.

In his acceptance of the nomination of elders and leaders of Upper Tabuk, Balanggao, meantime, said that if he was given the chance to lead the City, he shall put an end to the corrupt practices of the sitting leaders.

Balanggao expressed gratitude to the support and the new force which now backs his attempt for the mayoralty seat.

Balanggao said the fight is not the fight for Upper Tabuk alone but for all people of Tabuk, encouraging the audience not to believe that only those with money can run for positions in public service but also those who really have the heart to serve.

Unity is paramount in this fight, Balanggao explained to the audience saying “Nu waad unity, waad baligi,” while mentioning the advice of other elders on how Upper Tabuk can greatly contribute to the possible win of Balanggao against Estranero.

In an interview, Balanggao said the most important quality of leader we need now is someone with respect and with a heart, “Nu awan respetom ken awan pusom uray anya kinangatum, kinalaing mo, wennu kinabaknang mo, awan serbi na. Saan ka makatulong ti tao nga dapat pagserbiam,” said Balanggao.

At the end of the meeting, the attendees, together with the elders and leaders present, signed a covenant to support their nominated leader. The Barangay Captain of Amlao is expected to file his candidacy in the coming weeks.

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