PROVINCE OF TARLAC - March 7, 2018 marks another historical event in the Province of Tarlac with no less than President Rodrigo Roa Duterte leading the inauguration rites of the newly-renovated Bulwagang Kanlahi, which features state-of-the art facilities – a new attraction for Tarlaqueños and other tourists.

 "Kanlahi" is coined from "Kanlungan ng Lahi" or "Cradle of Races" – aptly named to characterize the convergence of several races and cultures in the heart of Central Luzon.

The event coincides with the commemoration of the 145th founding anniversary and the unveiling of the Tarlac Provincial Hospital Marker.

Visiting with the President are Senator JV Ejercito and Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea and joined by the congressional representatives of the Tarlac, Governor Susan A. Yap, Vice Governor Carlito S. David, Provincial Board Members, City and Municipal Mayors, Vice Mayors, Sangguniang Panlungsod and Bayan members, Punong Barangays, national government agency representatives, non-government and peoples organizations, and representatives from the church and business sectors.

President Duterte's talk revolved around the topics on peace talks with CPP-NPA founder Jose Ma. Sison, sovereignty, terrorism, and anti-illegal drugs.

PEACE TALKS CONTINUED

By sharing some points about his conversations with CPP-NPA founder, Jose Ma. "JOMA" Sison, he also gave a hint that he has not fully given up on pursuing peace talks with the NPA founder saying, "I will talk to the enemies of the state, so we could finally reach that comfort we all desire for our country."

He said violent extremism and terrorism is a growing concern of governments and promised that events similar to the Marawi siege will not happen again in any part of the country.

WAR ON DRUGS

As expected, the President gave emphasis on his continuous fight against drug menace that is affecting the country and made clear that he is after those who are going against the law and not their victims.

"I run after the criminals and perpetrators and not the poor & innocent ones", he said.

Since his administration also puts premium on good governance and the integrity of the public servants, he warned government officials that there is no room for those who use their offices as platform for illegal drugs and corruption.

Noting that shabu has always been a commodity in the country, he shared the findings of the UN Office on Drugs and Crimes as well as the different kinds of drugs and their devastating effects to the users.

Acording to him, rehabilitation is no longer applicable if the brain has already been damaged by substance abuse.

OTHER ISSUES MADE CLEAR

On the rehabilitation of Boracay, the President conveyed that the administration wanted to preserve the prestige of the island through peaceful negotiations between the government and business owners thereat and a financial help must be extended to its residents especially during and after calamities.

Before ending his speech, he took a swipe at the so-called "oligarchs" by saying he will never allow their dominion over the country and will not tolerate conspiracies with them.

As parting words, Duterte urged everyone to stop corruption, as a means of paying respect to Filipinos.