The Father of Modern Tinglayan
Lawyer. Public Servant. Kalinga Leader.
Attorney Sacrament "Sac" Sapyong Gumilab is a lawyer, educator and former Mayor of Tinglayan who served in three consecutive terms from the year 2016 to 2025. Atty. Gumilab is known as the "Father of Modern Tinglayan", he led a period of major infrastructure, economic development, health, and social welfare under the vison of continious and progressive development.
Atty. Gumilab's experience with leadership all began in school and university organizations. He served as President of the Supreme Student Council at St. Therese High School, led the Tinglayan Students and Professionals Association in Baguio City, then became Chancellor of the UC College of Law Student Council, and went on to participate in the UC Law Debate Team.
In the year 2016, Atty. Gumilab was elected Mayor and served until 2025 through three consecutive terms. His administration focused on the improvement of basic services, the expansion of infrastructure, the strengthening local institutions, and the establishment of long-term development pathways for the municipality.
The Gumilab Story
Good Governance
Promoting transparency, accountability, and responsive leadership through effective public service and people-centered governance.
Rural Infrastructure
Leading the construction of roads, water systems, public facilities, and community infrastructure the improve quality of life.
Healthcare & Public Health
Expanding access to healthcare services, emergency response, sanitation programs, and community wellness initiatives.
Social Welfare & Inclusion
Championing programs for senior citizens, persons with disabilities, vulnerable families, and underserved sectors of society.
Education & Youth Empowerment
Supporting schools, youth development, student leadership, and opportunities that help future generations thrive.
Indigenous Peace & Customary Law
Advocating for the preservation of Kalinga traditions, indigenous identity, cultural heritage, and customary laws
Economic Growth & Livelihood
Creating opportunities for local businesses, employment, tourism, and sustainable economic development in the municipality
Disaster Preparedness & Resilience
Building stronger emergency response systems and disaster risk reduction programs to protect communities in crises.
Promoting responsible resource management and sustainable development that balances progress with environmental protection.
Environmental Stewardship
Former Three-Term Municipal Mayor
Entrusted by the people of Tinglayan to serve three terms from 2016 to 2025.
Community-Centered Leadership
Guided by a lifelong commitment to service, collaboration, and empowerment.
Public Service & Leadership Excellence
Recognized nationally for outstanding leadership, including the Philippine Public Service Leadership Award and other governance distinctions.
And under his leadership, Tinglayan was able to expand water and sanitation access, gained an increased healthcare capacity, acquired emergency vehicles, and broadened programs for social welfare for seniors, PWDs, and vulnerable families. Also under his leadership, the municipality was able to complete hundreds of infrastructure projects that focused on roads, waterworks, schools, daycares, flood control, and even developments related to tourism.
Furthermore, his administration enacted ordinances and resolutions that helped institutionalize free ambulance services, strengthened disaster risk reduction systems, provided support programs for healthcare workers, senior citizens, and PWDs, and promoted community-based peace mechanisms through what they call the Bodong System.
Atty. Gumilab was born on November 10, 1986 in Poblacion, Tinglayan, Kalinga, Atty. Gumilab ws the eldest of six children of a retired police inspector and a retired teacher. He graduated as a Salutatorian from Tinglayan Central School, then finished his secondary education at St. Therese High School, then earned his Bachelor's Degree in Political Science from Saint Louis University in 2007. Later on, he went on to complete his Juris Doctor at the University of Cordilleras in 2011.
Before entering public office, he gained experience as an associate lawyer in places like Makati, Baguio, and Pasig, where he served as a Project Attorney for Integreon Corporation, and taugh as a professor at the University of Cordilleras' College of Criminal Justice Education. These experiences gave him practical and useful exposure to law, governance, and organizational leadership.
His commitment to effective governance earned both personal and institutional recognition. In 2023, he received the Philippine Public Service Leadership Award, while the Municipality of Tinglayan received several distinctions, including the prestigious Seal of Good Local Governance (SGLG) 2024, reflecting the administration's dedication to excellence, transparency, and public service.
Atty. Gumilab is married to Felia Rose Wassig Gumilab, and together they are raising their three daughters: Cheenuma, Lichaka Macherayan, and Ycheeka. Despite his many accomplishments in public service, he remains grounded in family values and continues to be guided by his commitment to serving communities and creating opportunities for future generations.
From student leader and lawyer to educator and three-term mayor, Atty. Sacrament S. Gumilab's journey reflects a lifelong dedication to leadership and public service. His vision, reforms, and development initiatives have left a lasting impact on Tinglayan, helping shape a stronger, more progressive municipality for generations to come.
