In a commendable stride towards economic progress, the Cordillera region’s provincial governments have been recognized for their upward mobility in income classification, effective January 2025. Edna Tabanda, co-chair of the Regional Development Council, praised the local officials for their efforts during a statement made on December 13, 2024, in Baguio City. The Department of Finance has approved the reclassification, which sees Abra, Apayao, and Ifugao advancing to second-class provinces, Kalinga and Benguet to first-class, and Mountain Province to third-class. Previously, these provinces were ranked as third-class, second-class, and fourth-class respectively. Tabanda, a former mayor of La Trinidad, Benguet, emphasized that this progress reflects the dedication and integrity of the region’s leaders, which in turn attracts business and investment, enhancing the quality of life for residents. She stressed the importance of continued training and development for local leaders to further their capacity in public service. The cooperative spirit between the people and their leaders, driven by a shared vision for improvement, has been pivotal in achieving these advancements.
