RPOC-7 is country's best

CEBU - Here’s another reason for Cebu Governor Gwendolyn Garcia to be proud.

The Regional Peace and Order Council-VII with Garcia as chairperson, was adjudged as the best for the year due to the excellent leadership.

“We are pleased to announce that the Peace and Order Council of Region 7 has been adjudged as the Best Regional Peace and Order Council for CY 2008,” said the letter signed by DILG Secretary Ronaldo Puno.

The DILG secretary is the chairman of the National Peace and Order Council. 

The annual search is aimed to recognize the exemplary performances of peace and order councils and aims to reinforce peacemaking endeavors at all levels of government.

In his letter, Puno told Garcia that the performance of RPOC 7 serves as a role model to other peace and order councils.

“The Exemplary performance and service delivery of your council, despite modest means shall serve as role model and inspiration to other Peace and Order councils,” Puno said.

Garcia commended the members of the RPOC most specially Police Regional Office-7 Director Ronald Roderos, who is her co-chairperson and the military, which is very supportive in the fight against communist terrorists.

“This is really a triumph of all members of the RPOC,” Garcia said.

The governor only recently knew that Central Visayas was chosen as the best in the country since she was out of the country to attend the celebration of the independence of Swaziland upon the invitation of King Mswati III.

Garcia is the only local chief executive in the country to declare an all war against the communist terrorists.

The governor also assured those who want to turn their backs from the rebel movement that they will be given financial aid. 

Garcia said that in the battle between rebels, the government side should use more beyond bullets and arms.

“Not by bullets alone but holistic strategy in addressing the roots of the problem,” the governor said.

She added that economic and social services must be delivered in order to counter the insurgency problem.

The search for the Best Peace and Order Council Awards is an annual undertaking of the National Peace and Order Council (NPOC) since 1995.

Peace and order councils, which are under the guidance of the Napolcom, were created through Executive Order 309 to implement and execute national policies, plans and programs on peace and order.

Among its goals is to empower the local community towards greater participation and involvement in the formulation and implementation of peace and order programs. — Garry B. Lao/NLQ (The Freeman)