FORMER CENRO, ARTA EXEC SEEKS RETURN TO TUBA COUNCIL

December 21, 2024 JUST IN

Tuba, Benguet

A former Department of Environment and Natural Resources and Anti-Red Tape Authority executive has topped a recent survey in his attempt for a return as a Tuba municipal councilor. In an online survey done by the Sigma Statistical Research Consultancy Baguio-Benguet Statistician for Hire that saw current officials Rep. Eric Yap and Gov. Melchor Diclas found a comebacking Rabindranath “Abet” Quilala leading all candidates for the municipal council. The surveys were done last December 11 and 18 saw the former Community ENR for Buguias leading with 51.7 percentage point.

That is some 14 percent higher than second placed Rebecca Apil, who like Quilala is an independent. The more recent survey still place Quilala ahead with 49.6 percent. Observers say that Quilala, who is trying to be a comeback leader wanting to inspire change in the municipality, is having a “resurgence in the political scene has been met with enthusiasm, as residents recognize his extensive experience and proven commitment to meaningful change.” Quilala worked as ARTA Director IV from 2021 util earlier this year.

The first presidential appointee from Tuba played pivotal roles in various capacities, including OIC Deputy Director General for Finance and Administration (undersecretary level) and Chairman of the Committee on Anti-Red Tape (CART). His work at ARTA focused on improving government efficiency and addressing bureaucratic challenges, earning him national recognition. Quilala under the DENR served as OIC Administrative Service Director and served on major boards that include the National Power Corporation, the Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) and the National Renewable Energy Board (NREB).

Quilala played a key role also in landmark environmental initiatives such as the Project Director for the Boracay Rehabilitation and Manila Bay Clean-up, regarded as among former President Rodrigo Duterte’s most significant legacies. Quilala was elected councilor for Tuba in 1992 at a very young age of 23, the youngest in the town. Among he key accomplishments of Quilala in his short three year term was improved communication through the provision of VHF radios for police and barangay officials; electrification of barangays like Taloy Sur and Camp 3, providing much-needed access to electricity; establishment of the Benguet Iodization Plant, benefiting health and nutrition in the region; and, the revenue-sharing agreements from the Asin Hydro Power Plant, ensuring Tuba received its fair share of benefits, among others.

As part of Team Kitma, referring to councilor Roger Kitma who is running for mayor, his mission is ABET or Agriculture, Business, Environment, and Tourism and his Advocacy for Barangay Empowerment and Transformation. He said: I believe that collaboration and community empowerment are key to achieving sustainable growth for Tuba. Quilala said that Tuba is more than a hometown— “it’s a community that gave him the opportunity to grow as a leader. His return to local governance is a testament to his enduring commitment to serve. With decades of national and local government experience, Quilala is poised to lead Tuba into a new era of development and opportunity.” He ran as congressman in Baguio in 2008 after serving as assistant to the late former mayor Braulio Yaranon.

Pigeon Lobien