By Mizpah Grace G. Castro
PGIN-CMO
Recognizing the efforts of the Provincial Government of Ilocos Norte
(PGIN), the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) cited Governor
Ma. Imelda “Imee” R. Marcos on top of an honor list containing 10 governors,
highlighting their support against illegal drugs.
DILG Interior Secretary
Ismael Sueno said, "They have proven to be very good administrators and
very good governors," elaborating that the list was based not only on the
effects of the governors' anti-drug programs and operations, but rather on a
holistic evaluation of provincial security, including disaster preparedness,
transparent governance, and business competitiveness.
"The first requisite of
development is peace and order," Ms. Marcos said in her 2015 State of the
Province Address. In the past year, she strengthened PGIN's partnership with
the Ilocos Norte Police Provincial Office (INPPO), headed by acting Provincial
Director P/Sr. Supt. Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr., by building personnel and
logistics capability and empowering the Ilocano community for crime prevention
and reporting.
She added, "I thank the
PNP and DILG for recognizing Ilocos Norte as one of the most peaceful places in
the country!"
This citation follows the
Plaque of Merit for being the Most Outstanding Local Government Unit (LGU)
presented to Ms. Marcos during the 115th Police Service Anniversary
of the Philippine National Police (PNP) on August 17.
"Here in Ilocos Norte,
the PGIN has been very supportive, very active…. actually, proactive, kasi siya na mismo ang nagpu-push. Siya na mismo ang nagbibigay ng idea…
and ini-implement namin," shared Mr. Nartatez.
He enumerated forms of
support extended by PGIN to INPPO, such as motorcycle donations, firepower,
protective gear, search-and-rescue equipment, and most recently, the provision
of a K-9 unit of three dogs capable of sniffing out illegal drugs and firearms.
Notable also is the KALASAG
program, which stands for Kabataan Laban sa Droga,
organized in close partnership with the Ilocos Norte Youth Office (INYO).
The PNP lauded Ms. Marcos'
efforts to pool development from the cultural and business sectors, collaborating
them for a holistic approach to community security and progress in Ilocos
Norte.
Mr. Nartatez explained,
"Tremendous ang result
because ang dami nating force
multipliers."
Ms. Marcos echoed this as she
shared her congratulations "to the INPPO, and barangay and civilian
multiplier forces who have been the key to our success versus the
narco-trade."
In the past eight months, the
average weekly street crime incidence in Ilocos Norte has fallen from 15 to
seven, sometimes reaching as low as two in a week, according to the INPPO.
Mr. Nartatez said that it is
such indicators that led to "the pronouncement of the DILG that Governor
Imee is the Top Performing Governor in the entire Philippines."
"We want to lengthen our
lead in all areas… education, culture, and job creation," Ms. Marcos said,
emphasizing the ultimate goal of inclusive and holistic development.
Caps
(From left): P/Sr. Supt. Jose
Nartatez, Ilocos Norte Governor Imee R. Marcos, SPO1 Aurora Joy Manuela, and SP
member Da Vinci Crisostomo during the Philippine National Police (PNP) Awards
conducted by PGIN during the province's 198th Foundation Anniversary
in February, an initiative of Ms. Marcos to provide incentives for and
recognize outstanding police personnel in Ilocos Norte. (Alaric
A. Yanos)
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