By Leilanie G. Adriano
Staff reporter
LAOAG CITY—Owing to a change of leadership, the Sangguniang Panlalawigan here renewed its call for the concerned authorities of Apayao to resolve the boundary dispute between the two provinces.
The said issue has divided Sitio Bucarot residents. Sitio Bucarot is located in Adams, Ilocos Norte
In a draft resolution unanimously passed by the board, SP member Vicentito “Toto” M. Lazo, who sponsored the resolution, hopes that the new set of Apayao Sangguniang Panlalawigan members will honor Ilocos Norte’s call for a joint session at the soonest possible time.
On April 21, 2014, the same resolution was adopted and approved by the Ilocos Norte board, however, the Apayao board did not reciprocate.
According to Mr. Lazo, the long-standing boundary dispute between Ilocos Norte and Apayao over Sitio Bucarot have fueled a stalemate between the two provinces; hence, the need to resolve this through amicable or legal means to avoid unwarranted repercussions.
The Local Government Code under Section 118 states that “boundary disputes involving municipalities or component cities of different provinces shall be referred for settlement to the sanggunians of the provinces concerned.” However, if the sanggunian fails to settle the issue within 60 days from the date the dispute was referred to concerned authorities, the dispute can be elevated in higher court.
To date, both the municipal governments of Calanasan in Apayao and Adams in Ilocos Norte have their own sets of local officials in the area with two barangay halls, basketball courts and other government facilities.