The Provincial Peace and Order Council (PPOC), Provincial Anti-Drug Abuse Council (PADAC), Provincial Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (PTF-ELCAC), and Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC) held its 4th Quarter Joint Meeting on December 05, 2024 at Balin Sambali, Zambales Sports Complex, Iba, Zambales. The council meeting aims to discuss accomplishments of the previous quarter and to plan and strategize on the targets for the succeeding months.
Due to unavailability of the Chairperson and Vice-Chairperson who were in an equally important activity, the Head Secretariat, DILG Zambales Provincial Director Martin Porres B. Moral, opened the nomination for the Presiding Officer. Mr. Emmanuel C. Adaoag, nominated Mr. Rolex E. Estella and was duly seconded by LTC Sonny Dungca. The council presented no objection, thus, the meeting proceeded.
The activity was formally called to order by the Presiding Officer, Mr. Rolex E. Estella, Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Officer (PDRRMO), who extended heartfelt congratulations and recognition to the awardees of the recent 2024 Gawad Kalasag. In his message, Mr. Estella encouraged all local government units to maintain their dedication and hard work in building safer and more resilient communities through proactive disaster risk reduction and management.
The meeting commenced with the presentation of reports of the Peace and Order Council and Provincial Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (PTF-ELCAC). The first presenter was LTC Sonny F. Dungca, Battalion Commander of the 69th Infantry Battalion, 7th Infantry Division of the Philippine Army, shared the current situation of threats on terrorism in the province. LTC Dungca assured that the agency remains committed to providing its full support to the province in ensuring the safety and security of the community.
PTLCOL Cresenciano Cordero, Jr. of the Zambales Police Provincial Office (ZPPO) provided an overview of the overall crime situation in the province for the last quarter. He assured that the ZPPO is committed to maintaining peace and order in the province, and emphasized their continuous efforts to strengthen public safety.
The Bureau of Fire Protection, represented by INSP Allan P. Lanuza, gave a brief update on fire incidents that occurred during the first to third quarters of the year. He also presented the upcoming activities and preparations of the agency to provide assistance to the public, especially during the holiday seasons.
IA V Jigger B. Juniller of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) discussed the updates on the Anti-Illegal Drug situation in the province and committed to giving greater focus to the campaign against illegal drugs.
The Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office, represented by LDRRMO I Jake Mora, presented updates on the current disaster preparedness efforts and ongoing initiatives in the province. He further committed to maintain the excellent response during disasters.
Mr. Emmanuel C. Adaoag, the Provincial Planning and Development Officer likewise shared the status of accomplishments of the Program/Project/Service/Activity (PPSA) under the Peace and Order and Public Safety (POPS) Plan in the province for CY 2024.
Provincial Director Martin Porres B. Moral, CESO V, of DILG Zambales presented updates on the programs of the Department in support of peace and development in the province. PD Moral highlighted the increase of LGU qualifiers across various 2024 assessment results. He also encouraged all the local government units to continue their efforts in good local governance and aim high in achieving further progress and success in their initiatives.
“This is because of the efforts of different stakeholders lalong-lalo na ang local government units,” said PD Moral, addressing the rewards that the local government units received.
As a continuation of the DILG updates, LGOO V Jacqueline A. Calimlim, Capability Development Section Chief, shared the action plan of the province relative to the West Philippine Sea. She also reminded the different councils and members to post their emergency hotlines in their respective social media accounts as part of preparation for the holiday season.
The following resolutions were also presented during the meeting: Joint PPOC-PADAC-PTF-ELCAC-PDRRMC Resolution No. 2, series of 2024, “A Resolution Creating a Unified Emergency Hotline for the Province of Zambales to Strengthen Public Safety, Emergency Response, and Prevention”, and Resolution No. 3, series of 2024, “A Resolution Enjoining the 13 Municipalities of Zambales to Prioritize the Purchase/Provision of a Water Tank to Support Fire Truck Operations During Fire Incidents.”
PPOC Resolution No. 1, Series of 2024, “Authorizing the Governor to Utilize the Confidential Fund to Address the Peace and Order Problems of the Province for CY 2025” was also presented as having been approved at the last council meeting.
Subsequently, the council requested the Sangguniang Panlalawigan to pass an ordinance to regulate the selling of motorcycles within the province of Zambales and to impose an order requiring slow-moving vehicles to use the outer lanes of the road in order to improve traffic management.
Lastly, LGOO VII Melissa D. Nipal, Cluster Team Leader of the DILG Zambales, led the Seal of Good Local Governance Exit Conference for the Provincial Government of Zambales.
The 4th Quarter Joint Meeting of PPOC, PADAC, PTF-ELCAC, and PDRRMC successfully addressed key issues related to peace, order, and disaster preparedness. The action plans and resolutions discussed will drive efforts toward a secure and resilient future for the province.
