Guimaras maps out 3-year peace, order plan

The Province of Guimaras continues to strengthen its commitment to provide a secure environment for all Guimarasnons and investors by mapping out its 3-year peace and order plan.

The Provincial Government of Guimaras together with other stakeholders participated in the formulation workshop for the 2020 Peace and Order Public Safety (POPS) Plan on November 18-18, 2019 at Andana Resort in Nueva Valencia, Guimaras.

Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Provincial Director Victorio S. Pagapulan said that Guimaras is the first province in Western Visayas to formulate its POPS plan for the next three years.

Ensuring peace and order in the island is a must according to Pagapulan especially that Guimaras Governor Samuel T. Gumarin has been the chairperson of the Regional Peace and Order Council (RPOC).

“Kami sa DILG nakita namon ang importansiya sang POPS Plan. Indi namon gusto maulihi ang Guimaras because the Governor has been the RPOC chair,” Pagapulan said.

DILG lauded the Province of Guimaras for being one of the most peaceful provinces in the country, thus, maintaining the peace and order status of the island requires a comprehensive plan of action.

Pagapulan underscored that peace and order is the key to progress.

“Progress can hardly be attained kun wala peace and order. Peace and order are a concern of everyone. If you want to attain peace and order, you should show concern,” he added.

Further, the Department of the Interior and Local Government reminded the province not to be complacent as challenges remains particularly in maintaining the status of the province being free of insurgents.

Pagapulan likewise emphasized the crucial role that the peace and order played in the flourishing tourism industry of Guimaras.

“We have a flourishing tourism industry in the province nga dapat depensahan naton. Kay-uhon gid naton ang peace and order situation para ang tourism industry sa probinsiya maga-umwad pa gid,” he explained.

The DILG provincial director stressed that the Peace and Order and Public Safety Plan would address the challenges that arises from poverty that the local government units are facing.

The Province of Guimaras has been experiencing a steady economic growth due to the island’s peaceful environment, thus, facilitates the growth of investments, generates more employment opportunities for Guimarasnons and attracts more tourists.

The activity is in line with the province’s vision of becoming the agri-eco tourism capital of Western Visayas with empowered, self-reliant, resilient and healthy families enjoying a progressive economy and safe environment anchored on the principles of sustainable development.