12th Sangguniang Bayan (July 2025 – June 2028) – Official Website of the Sangguniang Bayan

LEGISLATIVE UPDATE | Itogon Sangguniang Bayan checks progress halfway through its term

The 12th Sangguniang Bayan conducted its midterm assessment on June 19, 2020, a critical review that evaluates legislative productivity, fiscal compliance, and the delivery of municipal ordinances. The highlight of the assessment was the presentation of committee accomplishments by the local legislative staff, which began with the evaluation of the legislative agenda of each committee.

The report of each committee was as follows: Ms. Eden Joy D. Cadingpal for the Committee of the Whole and the Committee on Finance, Ways, and Means Appropriations; Ms. Kayla Jade O. Bayawa for the Committee on Personnel, the Committee on Laws, and the Committee on Land Zoning, Land Utilization, and Housing. She also presented the Committee on Public Works, on behalf of Ms. Glendelle M. Baniwas, and the Committee on Cooperative, Livelihood, Trade, and Industry, on behalf of Mr. Leonides B. Bruno. Ms. Dunsyl C. Balageo for the Committee on Energy, the Committee on Barangay Affairs, the Committee on Ancestral, Cultural, and Indigenous Peoples Affairs, the Committee on Tourism, the Committee on Education, and the Committee on Mining. She additionally presented the committees handled by Ms. Glendelle M. Baniwas: the Committee on Senior Citizens and Veterans Affairs and the Committee on Health. Ms. Diana Katrixia K. Bayas for the Committee on Environment, the Committee on Disaster Risk Reduction and Management, the Committee on Social Services, the Committee on Women and Differently Abled Persons, and the Committee on Youth Affairs and Sports Development. She also presented the Committee on Agriculture, handled by Ms. Glendelle M. Baniwas. Following the presentations, the members discussed what legislative actions they still need to take.

In summary, the 12th Sangguniang Bayan achieved a 40.48% overall accomplishment rate, with 13 work-in-progress items and 6 pending items; 2 items were achieved. Hon. Dante Alain Xavier D. Godio remarked that the percentage is already highly appreciated, considering they have completed only half of their term.

Moreover, the Sangguniang Bayan reviewed and evaluated the programs, projects, and activities under the office’s 2026 budget. They also evaluated the results of the out-of-municipal-hall sessions, reviewed the functions of the SB Office personnel, and deliberated on other legislative measures and proposed codes.

On other matters, they finalized the reorganization of the upcoming fiesta committees to streamline their functions for recommendation to the Local Chief Executive.

LEGISLATIVE UPDATE | Committee on Livelihood Reviews IMLAP Implementation, Loan Collection Status

In a decisive move to strengthen the Municipality’s flagship poverty-alleviation initiative, the Committee on Cooperative, Livelihood, Trade, and Industry conducted a committee hearing on June 8, 2026, at the SB Session Hall to discuss the status of collection and recovery of outstanding loan receivables and review the implementation of Ordinance No. 58, Series of 2018, otherwise known as the Itogon Municipal Livelihood Assistance Program (IMLAP).

The hearing revealed that despite over a decade of program implementation since 2013, a substantial portion of soft loans granted under IMLAP remains uncollected. The delinquency has been repeatedly flagged in successive annual audit reports of the Commission on Audit (COA), which recommended monitoring NGOs/POs, issuing demand letters, and pursuing legal action against delinquent borrowers. Discussions revealed that most of the 12 associations that received livelihood assistance are now inactive, with only one having fully settled its loan.

The committee agreed to suspend loan disbursements to associations with outstanding accounts and to consider creating a separate ordinance for individual beneficiaries. Recommendations include providing equipment and training support instead of cash loans and implementing stricter monitoring and screening processes.

Present during the hearing were Hon. Lucky B. Busacay, Committee Chairperson; Hon. Albert C. Carantes, Jr., Committee Vice Chairperson; Hon. Norberto I. Pacio, Committee Member; Hon. Clint D. Galutan, Hon. Alejandro L. Palangdan, and Hon. Albino A. Diego, SB Members. Also present were Atty. Farida D. Romillo-Mateo, Municipal Accountant; Ms. Grace O. Pocsol, MSWD Officer; Ms. Ester O. Alfredo, Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office; Ms. Irene F. Fernando, Municipal Treasurer; Ms. Mary L. Bayangan, Ms. Cynthia A. Tauli, and Mr. John S. Ngina, Municipal Livelihood Section; Ms. Jacquiline G. Nabaysa-Gosingan, Legal Officer, Municipal Mayor’s Office; Ms. Imelda F. Nuguid, Municipal Planning and Development Coordinator; Mr. Marlou K. Daliling, IMAFC Coordinator, Municipal Agriculture Office; Kag. Fely C. Ekwasen, BLGU Virac; as well as representatives from the Civil Society Organizations (CSOs).

The committee has expressed gratitude to the Project Monitoring Team for their active participation, noting that their field-level insights were instrumental in arriving at the recommendations.

LEGISLATIVE UPDATE | Committee on Laws re-deliberates Barangay Ordinances on Agriculture and Fisheries Council

ITOGON— On June 9, 2026, the Committee on Laws conducted a committee hearing at the SB Session Hall to re-deliberate on the institutionalization of the Barangay Agriculture and Fisheries Council (BAFC) through Barangay Ampucao Ordinance No. 01, Series of 2026, and Barangay Tinongdan Resolution No. 37, Series of 2026.

The hearing was presided over by committee chairperson Hon. Norberto I. Pacio, together with vice-chairperson Hon. Lucky B. Busacay and committee members Hon. Kennedy W. Waclin and Hon. Noel D. Bilibli.

Attendees included Municipal Agriculturist Mr. Berto O. Bayeng, IMAFC Coordinator Mr. Marlou K. Daliling, Barangay Ampucao Committee on Agriculture representative Hon. Dante P. Bakoy, Barangay Tinongdan Committee on Agriculture representatives, Hon. Narciso S. Nabaysan and Hon. Jerome B. Dasi and IMAFC Chairperson Mr. Romeo D. Casilla. The hearing focused on further deliberating the proposed measures to formally establish the BAFC in the two barangays.

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LEGISLATIVE UPDATE | SB Itogon secures reopening of Grade 12 enrollment at AMPMNHS-Extension at Ayosip Campus

ITOGON – During an en banc meeting on May 5, 2026, the Council successfully pushed for the reopening of Grade 12 enrollment at the Ayosip Campus.

The meeting was convened at the SB Session Hall after the local legislature learned of a decision by the Department of Education Schools Division Office (SDO) of Benguet to no longer accept new enrollees for grades 11 and 12 on the campus.

Attendees included SDO Benguet representatives Atty. Nover B. Singgangan Jr., and Chief Education Supervisor Mr. Lucio B. Alawas, Itogon school heads Mr. Ricardo S. Samson Jr., and Mr. Madison B. Kiong, alongside PTA President Mr. Jefferson Calipo.

The division office had strongly recommended that the campus stop accepting enrollees for grades 11 and 12. Current Grade 12 students were given the option to transfer to the main campus or to other public or private senior high schools in Itogon.

During the en banc meeting, however, Chief Education Supervisor Lucio B. Alawas offered an alternative. Responding directly to the Sanggunian’s concern, he assured local officials that enrollment for existing Grade 12 students at Ayosip Campus would still be open.

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LEGISLATIVE UPDATE | Banners rise, Oaths taken as Palarong Bayan 2026 opens in Itogon

ITOGON – Banners from nine barangays filled the Municipal Gymnasium in Poblacion, Itogon, as the Palarong Bayan 2026 officially opened on April 24, 2026, drawing athletes, coaches, and delegates from across the Municipality.

The event began with a formal ceremony as delegates from each barangay marched into the gymnasium, displaying their team colors and banners. Athletes filled the venue, as the municipality gathered for the annual grassroots sports competition.

Hon. Dante Alain Xavier D. Godio, Municipal Vice Mayor, delivered the welcome address, acknowledging the presence of the athletes and delegates. In his speech, he emphasized the importance of discipline, fair play, and unity among the participating barangays. He also thanked the coaches, parents, and barangay local government units for their continued support of youth sports programs.

Following the welcome remarks, Hon. Clint D. Galutan, Committee Chairperson on Education and a member of the Committee on Youth Affairs and Sports Development, took the lead in facilitating the oath of officiating officials. He administered the oath firmly, reminding referees, judges, and game officials of their duty to uphold fairness and integrity throughout the competition.

The oath of sportsmanship was then led by Ms. Alaina A. Barril, a Palarong Pambansa athlete. Standing before her fellow athletes, Barril delivered the pledge clearly, reminding every competitor to respect opponents, honor officials, and compete with honor above all else.

The highlight of the opening program was the inspirational message delivered by guest speaker Mr. Ariel Lee B. Lampacan, who was recently recognized as the Male Athlete of the Year during the 2026 Benguet CARES Award. Lampacan spoke directly to athletes, urging them to see beyond medals and trophies. He said that true victory lies in perseverance, teamwork, and character. He also shared brief reflections on his own journey, encouraging the youth to remain disciplined and humble whether in winning or losing.

With the formalities concluded, the Palarong Bayan 2026 was declared open. Immediately following the ceremony, preliminary games and events began drawing cheers from local spectators.

LEGISLATIVE UPDATE | Committee on Environment convenes a hearing with Barangay Loacan and MENRO

ITOGON – On April 28, 2026, the committee on environment held a committee hearing with Barangay Loacan and the Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Office (MENRO) to discuss the barangay resolution titled “A Resolution Requesting the Municipal Garbage Collection Office to Provide Regular Garbage Collection Services for Sitio Luneta, Barangay Loacan, and to Designate an Appropriate Pickup Point if Necessary” at the SB Session Hall, Municipal Building.

According to the resolution, garbage accumulation in Sitio Luneta, Barangay Loacan, has become a serious concern for residents due to improper disposal practices and infrequent collection by the municipal garbage service. In response, the Barangay Council formally requested the designation of a convenient and accessible pickup point, as well as the establishment of regular garbage collection services for the area.

Recognizing the urgency of the matter, the committee chair, Hon. Albert C. Carantes called the meeting to facilitate discussion and seek feasible solutions.

During the hearing, the parties involved agreed to conduct an information, education, and campaign and ocular inspection to determine the areas for possible pickup points.

The meeting was attended by Ms. Jamie M. Lumbag, Environmental Management Specialist I; Mr. Vince Gil A. Patal, Environmental Management Specialist I; and Hon. Franklin M. Almoza, Punong Barangay of Loacan.

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LEGISLATIVE UPDATE | Committee on Mining holds hearing on urgent dredging of Acupan River

ITOGON – The Sangguniang Bayan of Itogon, through its Committee on Mining, conducted a Committee Hearing on April 23, 2026, at the Virac Barangay Hall to discuss the immediate dredging of the Acupan River before the rainy season arrives.

The hearing was led by Committee Chairperson Hon. Noel D. Bilibli together with Committee Member Hon. Lucky B. Busacay. Also present was Hon. Albert C. Carantes Jr., SB Member. The agenda was clear and singular, to push for the immediate desilting and clearing of the Acupan River to prevent flooding, protect riverside communities, and reduce disaster risks once the heavy rains begin.

In attendance were the Barangay Council of Virac, Benguet Corporation, the Municipal Environment and Natural Resources (MENR) Office, the Acupan Upper Camps Community, and the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction (MDRR) Office. The Sangguniang Bayan of Itogon continues to monitor the implementation of the dredging activities for the protection of all constituents.

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LEGISLATIVE UPDATE | SB holds public hearing on proposed Local Investments and Incentives Code (LIIC)

ITOGON – The 12th Sangguniang Bayan of Itogon conducted a Public Hearing on April 22, 2026, at the Municipal Gymnasium to discuss the proposed “Local Investments and Incentives Code (LIIC),” a comprehensive ordinance designed to attract, retain, and expand investments in the municipality.

The proposed Code aims to define the incentives the Municipality can grant to attract investments, support MSMEs, and create business opportunities that maximize local resources and develop local markets. It also provides guidelines for identifying Investment Priority Areas (IPAs), establishes the Local Investments and Incentives Board (LIIB) and the Local Economic Development and Investments Promotion Office (LEDIP) to implement investment programs, sets conditions for granting and enjoying incentives, promotes partnerships with local and foreign cities through twinning agreements, and seeks to develop local enterprises and industries.

The Public Hearing was attended by representatives from Benguet Corporation, representatives from Itogon-Suyoc Resources Inc. (ISRI), various municipal offices, and Barangay Local Governments. Attendees actively participated in the discussions, raising queries and offering constructive suggestions to improve the proposed ordinance.

The Sangguniang Bayan assured the public that all comments, suggestions, and recommendations gathered during the hearing will be given due consideration by the Body as they review and refine the proposed Code before any potential enactment.

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LEGISLATIVE UPDATE | Committee on Trade and Industry discusses e-BOSS, proposes Technical Working Group

ITOGON — The Committee on Trade and Industry convened on April 14, 2026 at the SB Session Hall to discuss the outcome of the joint committee hearing held last March 3, 2026, which tackled matters related to the Business One-Stop Shop (BOSS).

Invited resource persons from the Department of Information and Communications Technology – Cordillera Administrative Region (DICT-CAR), Mr. Denmark B. Castañeda and Ms. Alicia M. Piacos provided the Committee with an overview of the Electronic Business One-Stop Shop (e-BOSS) system, including its functionality and customization options for local government units.

During the hearing, a proposal that was suggested by the MLGOO during the March 3, 2026 meeting was made to recommend the creation of a Technical Working Group (TWG) that would review the documentary requirements, integration with other LGU offices, and overall readiness of the municipality for the e-BOSS system.

Presiding over the hearing is Committee Chairperson Hon. Lucky B. Busacay, and along with him is Vice Chairperson Hon. Albert C. Carantes, Jr., together with Committee Member Hon. Norberto I. Pacio. Also in attendance is Hon. Edwin O. Atumpag.

Also present during the discussion were Ms. Amalia A. Ibarra, BPLS designate, Ms. Julie C. Malig, Municipal Local Government Operations Officer (MLGOO), Atty. Farida Romillo-Mateo, Municipal Accountant, and Ms. Veronica S. Joven, Municipal Treasury Office (MTO) Representative.

Building on these initiatives, SB Itogon remains committed to streamlining business permitting processes through legislative oversight and meaningful collaboration with concerned offices.

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LEGISLATIVE UPDATE | Committee on Finance Deliberates Proposed Local Investments and Incentives Code of Itogon

ITOGON – On April 13, 2026, Hon. Dante Alain Xavier D. Godio, Committee Chair of the Committee on Finance, Appropriations, and Ways and Means, called for a Committee hearing to discuss and deliberate on the draft of the proposed Ordinance titled, “An Ordinance enacting the Local Investments and Incentives Code (LIIC) of the Municipality of Itogon”, at the Conference Hall, Legislative Building.

Present during the said hearing were Mr. Berto O. Bayeng, Municipal Agriculturist; Ms. Irene F. Fernando, Municipal Treasurer; Atty. Farida D. Romillo-Mateo, Municipal Accountant; Mr. Ferdinand F. Sapalong, Municipal Tourism Operations Officer I; Ms. Florida T. Velasco, Municipal Budget Officer; Ms. Melody B. Ayang, Municipal Planning and Development Office Representative; Engr. Avelino S. Medina Jr., and Ms. Anna Liza G. Camti, Local Economic & Investment Promotion Officer (LEIPO)-Designate.

Following the committee deliberation, Hon. Godio set a public hearing on April 22, 2026 to present the proposed Ordinance to the community and gather feedback from the local stakeholder, investors, and the residents.

The LIIC is a comprehensive document that articulates the local government’s investment policies and programs, investment priority areas (IPAs), and local incentives – both fiscal and non-fiscal, and are available to domestic and foreign investors, including the mechanics for availing them. It also defines the composition, roles, and functions of the proposed Local Investments and Incentives Board (LIIB) and the Investments Promotion Center (IPC). Designed as an instrument or local and regional economic development, the LIIC adopts a multi-stakeholder approach aimed at attracting, retaining, expanding, and diversifying investments in the local economy, and supportive of the development vision of the local government units (LGUs).

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LEGISLATIVE UPDATE | SB Itogon holds Public Hearing on Migrant Workers and OSAEC-CSAEM Ordinances

ITOGON – On April 14, 2026, the Sangguniang Bayan held its Public Hearing regarding the proposed ordinances titled, “Ordinance regulating the entry and employment of migrant workers engaged in mining activities within the Municipality of Itogon, Province of Benguet, and providing penalties for violations thereof” and “Ordinance prohibiting Online Sexual Abuse and Exploitation of Children (OSAEC) and Child Sexual Abuse or Exploitation Materials (CSAEM) in the Municipality of Itogon, Benguet, institutionalizing programs for its prevention and eradication and providing penalties thereof, thereafter establishing a supportive environment for child victims, and providing funds thereof”.

The first proposed measure seeks to address the growing number of non-resident workers in Itogon’s mining operations. Under the draft, migrant workers, defined as those without permanent residency in Itogon, would be required to secure a valid National Police Clearance (NPC) issued by the Philippine National Police; Barangay Clearance from the worker’s place of origin or permanent residence; a medical certificate issued by the Municipal Health Office or any Government-accredited clinic certifying that the applicant is physically fit to perform mining-related work; a valid government-issued identification card for proper identification and verification; a working permit issued by the Barangay where the mining activity or employment will take place; and registration with the municipal government, through the Municipal Public Employment Service Office (PESO) or any designated municipal office for proper documentation and monitoring. Violations would carry fines ranging from P1,500 to P2,500 and disqualification or prohibition from engaging in mining-related work or employment within the Municipality.

During the hearing, mining sector representatives raised concerns about the registration process through the respective associations, also suggesting the addition of drug testing to the medical requirements of migrant workers.

The second ordinance aligns with Republic Act No. 11930 (Anti-OSAEC and Anti-CSAEM Act). It explicitly prohibits producing, distributing, or possessing child sexual abuse materials, as well

as engaging in online sexual exploitation of minors. The proposal mandates the creation of a municipal OSAEC/CSAEM task force to lead prevention campaigns, train barangay officials on cyber safety, and establish referral systems for victims, including psychological support and legal aid.

Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office (MSWDO) Representative Jane M. Mercado urgently suggested the construction of the Drop-in Center, which refers to a safe, child-friendly, and properly supervised facility.

Inputs that arose during the public hearing will be deliberated by the Council, ensuring that they do not conflict with existing laws, ordinances, and development plans. The public hearing on migrant workers engaged in mining activities is still in its first hearing, while the second ordinance on OSAEC-CSAEM has already been consulted twice.

As part of the consultation process, Punong Barangays and Kagawads, Mining Stakeholders, Social Welfare Officers, and Constituents attended the hearing at the Municipal Gymnasium in Poblacion, Itogon.

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LEGISLATIVE UPDATE | Committee on Transportation holds en banc meeting to discuss the Revise Tricycle Ordinance

ITOGON – On April 7, 2026, the Committee on Transportation convened an En Banc Meeting

at the SB Session Hall of the Municipal Building in Poblacion, Itogon, Benguet, to discuss

proposed revisions to the Municipality’s tricycle Ordinance.

The meeting was presided over by Committee Chair, Hon. Lucky B. Busacay, and was attended

by Sanggunian members Hon. Cesar A. Altiga, Hon. Clint D. Galutan, Hon. Alejandro L.

Palangdan, Hon. Albert C. Carantes Jr., Hon. Kennedy W. Waclin, Hon. Rachelle B. Capsula,

and Hon. Edwin O. Atumpag, and the Municipal Vice Mayor, Hon. Dante Alain Xavier D. Godio.

Also present was Ms. Amalia Acay-Ibarra, representing the Business Permit and Licensing

Section.

The Sanggunian deliberated on a proposed ordinance titled “An Ordinance Rationalizing the

Grant of Tricycle Franchise and Motorized Tricycle Operator’s Mayor’s Permit (MTOMP), and Updating Ordinance No. 55, Series of 2018, Otherwise Known as the Revised Motorized

Tricycle Ordinance of the Municipality of Itogon.”

The proposed measure seeks to update the existing tricycle ordinance, which has been in effect since 2018, to address current challenges in the local transport sector, including franchise

regulation, fare consistency, and permit processing.The meeting discussed fees, tricycle sticker design, fare regulation, franchise issuance, the MTOM permit. The Sanggunian emphasized that updating these aspects will strengthen local regulation and ease monitoring of tricycle operations.

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LEGISLATIVE UPDATE | Committee on Personnel Administration tackles Creation of Veterinary Services Section

ITOGON – On April 7, 2026, the Committee on Personnel, chaired by Hon. Cesar A. Altiga, convened at the SB Session Hall of the Municipal Building in Poblacion, Itogon, Benguet, to deliberate on a proposed ordinance titled “An Ordinance Creating the Veterinary Services Section under the Office of the Municipal Mayor, Transferring the Existing Plantilla Positions of Veterinary I and Veterinary II from the Municipal Agriculture Office Thereto, Defining Its Powers and Functions, Appropriating Funds Therefor, and for Other Purposes.”

Committee members present during the deliberation were Hon. Alejandro L. Palangdan, Hon. Edwin O. Atumpag, Hon. Rachelle B. Capsula, and Hon. Albert C. Carantes Jr. Also in attendance were MAGRO representatives, Mr. Berto Bayeng – Office Head and Dr. Franklin Balanban – Municipal Veterinarian.

The proposed measure seeks to reorganize municipal veterinary services by establishing a dedicated section under the Office of the Mayor that aims to improve the delivery of animal health and welfare services in the municipality.

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LEGISLATIVE UPDATE | Committee on Social Services deliberates on the proposed ordinances, OSAEC-CSAEM, Solo Parents, and Child Week

ITOGON – On March 25, 2026, the Committee on Social Services, chaired by Hon. Norberto Pacio with committee members, Hon. Albert C. Carantes, and Hon. Albino A. Diego conducted a committee meeting along with the invited persons, PSSG Judith Balaudan, MSWD representatives Ms. Laurie Pangda and Ms. Amilyn Gabao, and SB staff, Atty. Lordeliza D. Andres and Ms. Chonalyn Lampitao.

The committee discussed the proposed ordinances titled “Ordinance institutionalizing solo parents and their children’s social welfare programs, privileges, and benefits pursuant to RA 8972 known as Solo Parents Welfare Act of 2000 as amended by RA 11861 known as Expanded Solo Parents Welfare Act of 2022 and appropriating funds therefor and for other related purposes” and “An ordinance institutionalizing the annual observance of Proclamation 759 declaring the fourth week of March of every year as ‘Protection and Gender-Fair Treatment of the Girl Child Week’ in the Municipality of Itogon, Province of Benguet.”

The hearing focused on the OSAEC-CSAEM penalties, source of funding, and flow of OSAEC-CSAEM management. The proposed ordinance being discussed by the committee is based on a national law called the Anti-OSAEC and CSAEM Act (Republic Act No. 11930), which took effect in July 2022. This law was created specifically to fight the rising danger of child abuse happening through the internet, social media, and online platforms, which this municipality wants to address with its own local ordinance.

In December 2025, the Philippine government launched its first-ever national action plan against online child abuse, bringing together different agencies to strengthen enforcement and prevention. More recently, in February 2026, the government’s national coordinating center against online child abuse intensified its information campaigns nationwide. They emphasized protecting children from online harm as everyone’s responsibility and pushed for stronger rules to hold social media apps and online payment platforms accountable. These recent national developments show that the fight against online child exploitation is a top priority across the country, reinforcing why the committee’s work on this local ordinance is both timely and necessary.

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