Capiz does a ‘first’ for peace
ROXAS CITY – The province of Capiz was the first to hold the reorganizational meeting of the Provincial Peace and Order Council (PPOC) in Western Visayas.
This was revealed by Col. Gerardo Tayug of the 301stBrigade of the 3rdInfantry Division of Philippine Army.
Tayug, during the PPOC meeting at the provincial capitol yesterday, March 4, congratulated Capiz Gov. Victor Tanco and other member agencies in spearheading the reorganizational meeting in line with President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo’s directive.
Recently, Tanco issued Executive Order No. 024, series of 2009 in relation to President Arroyo’s Executive Order No. 773 dated January 5,2009, which mandates the further reorganization of the peace and order council.
President Arroyo’s directive primarily aims to put an end to the disruption and violation of human rights by the various terrorist and similar criminal and lawless elements for the nation to move ahead.
On the other hand, Tanco emphasized that the reorganization of said local special body here is geared to significantly contribute to the national effort in achieving lasting peace in the entire country particularly in rural areas.
With this, he said, livelihood and infrastructure development programs and projects of the government will be effectively and efficiently delivered in said remote places in the country.
Under EO 024, the PPOC of Capiz is chaired by Gov. Tanco, with Vice Governor Felipe Barredo as vice chairperson.
The member agencies of said council include the Provincial Prosecutors Office, Office of the Provincial Agriculturist, Departments of Agrarian Reform, Public Works and Highway, Trade and Industry, Education, Environment and Natural Resources, Provincial Social Welfare and Development, Provincial Health Office, Provincial Press Bureau, Philippine Army, Philippine National Police and Philippine Information Agency.
A member of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Capiz and three representatives from the private sector are also members of said body.
On the other hand, the Department of the Interior and Local Government in Capiz shall serve as the secretariat of the said council.
Included in the discussion during the first reorganization meeting were the overview of the PPOC, update on the peace and order situation of Capiz by PNP Provincial Director Josephus Angan and representatives from the 301stBrigade of the Philippine Army, and other activities to fully functionalize the said council. (PIA/Jemin B. Guillermo)