PGMA underscores importance of defeating insurgency in achieving economic growth
BACOLOD CITY -- President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo stressed Thursday the importance of a long-lasting peace and a secured community in attaining economic growth.
In her message at the Local Peace and Security Assembly (LPSA) of Western Visayas (Region 6) held at the Planta Centro Bacolod Hotel here, the President took note that the Western Visayas Region has vastly improved in its security problems that economic progress is well on its way for the region.
"We have achieved a great deal. Western Visayas is vastly improved in terms of security and economic growth. The current agreement with the RPM-RPA is making things better," the President said.
The Chief Executive specifically cited the case of Sipalay City, the "S in the C.H.I.C.K.S.(Cauayan, Hinobaan, Ilog, Candoni, Kabankalan and Sipalay)," that has transformed from the "best secret in tourism destination" by the Women of Travel "is no secret no more."
The President, a known diving enthusiast, said she went diving in Sipalay yesterday and was obviously awed by the beautiful diving spots in the area.
"It is amazing how Sipalay, the S in the once dreaded CHICKS area, is now such a popular destination. It validates the thesis that defeating insurgency promotes growth," the President said.
"How was it kept a secret (tourism destination)? Because of the rebels," the President said as she stressed that the rebels are "responsible for a lot of human rights abuse.".
The President said a peace agreement with the Revolutionary Proletarian Army (RPA) would "bring a new era of economic development to areas like barangays Caliling, Lumbia, Tomina, Sura, Talacdan and Tambad in Cauayan…" the President enumerating the different barangays in the CHICKS area that would benefit from a peace pact.
The peace pact, coupled with the government's thrust to invest in the people would propel economic development, the President said.
"The way to peace isn't through the barrel of gun. Rather it begins with providing a person a job, food on the table and human dignity. And central to that success is to invest in the people---in education, healthcare, roads, bridges and schools. We are making those investments," she stressed.
Sipalay, the second to the southernmost town of Negros Occidental, is a showcase of stunning sites that mesmerize diving enthusiasts, spelunkers, trekkers and beachcombers.
The City's total land area is 42,770 hectares or 427.7 square kilometers, with a coastline stretching some 45 kilometers long along its western side has excellent areas for snorkeling while scuba diving thrives in 42 diving spots that included the Kevin's Reef, a nice reef with a big anchor at 9 meters up to 25 meters deep; the A-Rock, a coral reef with white sand banks; the Great Canyons, a labyrinth of glens of extra class and excellent for night dives, the Disneyland which is an easy diving ground with corals and white sand and the Toscana Reef, among many more.
Western Visayas remains a stronghold of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People's Army (NPA) with five guerrilla fronts operating in Panay Island and three others in Negros Island, including one led by rebel priest Frank Fernandez.
The Army however stressed that there has been a notable downtrend of NPA influence in Negros, adding that this can be attributed to "more stakeholders actively supporting anti-insurgency campaigns."
A peace agreement was forged between the RPA in 2000. (PNA)