The Provincial Peace and Order Council (PPOC), Provincial Anti-Drug Abuse Council (PADAC), Provincial Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (PTF-ELCAC), Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC)–presided by Governor Hermogenes E. Ebdane, Jr., convened on November 28, 2023 at Balin Sambali, Iba Zambales to cover and address the issues regarding peace and order, disaster preparedness, and socio-economic issues affecting the province.
The meeting for the 4th Quarter of 2023 served as a venue to assess the performance of the councils throughout the year and formulate strategies to address the identified gaps. “Pasasaan man…whatever we do, do it for everybody”, said Governor Ebdane as he emphasized the importance of good governance as he urge everyone to ensure that allocated funds are used judiciously for the identified priorities. “Siguraduhin na ang pondo na inilaan ay para doon lang, this is actually what we need in governance: identification of priorities, [and] making sure that the projects or infrastructures are responsive to the needs and will have an impact on the community.” He also stressed the significance of the 5 pillars of the criminal justice system in the country and reminded everyone to adhere to the established national policies without regard to social status or background.
The discussion of relevant peace and order updates began with the report from the battalion commander of the 69th Infantry Battalion, 7th Infantry Division, Philippine Army, LTC Sonny G. Dungca INF GSC. One of the accomplishments of the agency is the intensified information awareness drive intended to further weaken the threats on terrorism and insurgency. The agency assured continuous empowerment, sustainment, and monitoring of former rebels to prevent relapses. Consequently, the Province of Zambales was declared to be in a state of stable internal peace and security, through a resolution jointly approved by the PPOC and PTF-ELCAC.
Provincial Director Ricardo S. Pangan, Jr. of the Zambales Provincial Police Office (ZPPO) discussed strategies to intensify security, including the deployment of PNP personnel in preparation for the upcoming yuletide season.
In the fight against illegal drugs, IA V Jigger V. Juniller of the Philippine Drug Information Agency (PDEA) underscored the importance of establishing Balay Silangan and reformatory rehabilitation in every municipality to redirect illegal drug pushers towards becoming more productive citizens—a proposal Governor Ebdane supported through the proposed establishment of a Provincial Balay Silangan.
The Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) Zambales made mention of their Oplan Paalala Campaign to prevent fire emergencies during the holiday season, as reported by newly designated Provincial Director, FSUPT Arvin Christian C. Santos.
Engr. Edwin E. Ebdane, OIC-Provincial Planning and Development Coordinator (PPDC) and PADAC and PTF ELCAC Secretariat shared the accomplished program, projects and activities (PPAs) based on the approved POPS Plan and the status of implementation of ELCAC activities in the province.
Mr. Rolex E. Estrella, Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Officer (PDRRMO) reported that the country is predicted to experience a moderate El Niño, expected to become strong, causing dry spells and droughts in the upcoming months. To enhance the province's DRRM Program, the PDRRMC plans to conduct a Disaster Reduction Management Training Workshop in the first quarter of 2024.
Mr. Niño Anthony E. Balagtas, Regional Director of the National Intelligence Coordinating Agency (NICA) Regional Office III, reiterates Proclamation 401, 405, 406, and 407, series of 2023, emphasizing the nation's consistent implementation of security and peace. RD Balagtas also highlighted the Regional Task Force - ELCAC's commitment to intensify situational awareness in collaboration with colleagues and partner agencies in the Situational Awareness and Management Cluster.
Provincial Director Martin Porres B. Moral of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Zambales presented the comparative data analytics based on the LGUs’ performance based on the results of various audits conducted in 2022 and 2023. PD Moral also provided updates on the status of locally-funded projects in the province and relevant information on the recently conducted 2023 Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE). ##
by: PEO II Carla G. Maranoc
