BONTOC, Mountain Province – The 15 Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) chairpersons in this capital town have elected Mark Branford Andaya as SK Federation president, securing him a seat as an ex-officio member of the sangguniang bayan.
Andaya, the SK chair of Bontoc Ili, won eight votes over two other nominees for the position during the SKF orientation and election on Nov. 14 at the Mayor’s Conference Hall of the Municipal Capitol.
Tocucan SK Chairperson Grant Hill Cattel was proclaimed the vice president after winning against one candidate.
Other proclaimed officers are Beverly Kam-mon Tuma-ak of Maligcong as secretary; Elmer Zuñiga, Jr. of Gonogon as treasurer; Marcelo La Madrid of Talubin as auditor; Clarence Ing-inga Can-eo as the public relations officer; and Denis Kongoy of Samoki and Christian Fongao of Mainit as sergeant-at-arms.
Prior to the election, the 15 SK chairpersons underwent the SKF orientation facilitated by Municipal Local Government Operations Officer Lourdes Claire Peel, Local Youth Development Officer-Designate Ross Kiat-ong, and civil society organization representative Anton Zaren Nasungan.
Bontoc Mayor Jerome Tudlong, Jr., who administered the oath-taking on the same day, highlighted their crucial role in shaping the future of our community by representing the interests and aspirations of our youth.
“I encourage you to approach your duties with enthusiasm, integrity, and a deep sense of responsibility. Your ideas, initiatives, and passion will undoubtedly play a vital role in building a stronger, more vibrant community,” he said.
Andaya advocates for programs that encourage the active participation of young people in local governance and community development, as well as initiatives that focus on improving education and skills development and supporting campaigns on health awareness, mental health, and fitness programs.
The board of election supervisors was composed of Peel, Election Officer Virginia Chokowen, and Local Legislative Staff Officer II Coy Abel Pachingel.
The panel of observers was composed of Municipal Treasurer Lourdes Austria, Saint Vincent’s School-Elementary Department Principal Christopher Che-es, Sr., and Municipal Police Station Chief Pedro Tactay. – Christy Mae C. Pangesfan
