Imee in DILG’s top 10 governors in fighting drugs

 

Ilocos Norte governor Imee R. Marcos

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 115^th 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 198^th Foundation Anniversary in February, an initiative of Ms. Marcos to provide incentives for and recognize outstanding police personnel in Ilocos Norte. (Alaric A. Yanos)