MAASIN CITY– The Provincial Peace and Order Council (PPOC) has recognized the efforts of the various uniformed personnel in the government, including the civilian agencies and some private sector, in keeping the province peaceful.
The event, dubbed as the 2nd Provincial Peace and Development Awards and 1st BIDA Awards held last December 11, was held at the Southern Leyte provincial gym in Barangay Asuncion and was attended by the Department of Interior and Local Government(DILG) family that included the Philippine National Police, Bureau of Fire Protection, Bureau of Jail Management and Penology, as well as Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency, Philippine Coast Guard, and the Philippine Army.
Heads of national line agencies or representatives who are members of the Provincial Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (PTF-ELCAC) were also around.
The day-long activity also honored the peace and order and anti-drug abuse councils of all the 19 local government units in the province, as well as the provincial government, for having attained 100% functionality during the 2023 evaluation.
“Keeping the peace and maintaining order in various localities of the province is a no off-duty job so they deserve to be recognized,” said DILG Provincial Director Danilo Laguitan in his welcome message referring to the various uniformed personnel for their no let-up vigilance.
Provincial Board Member Jonathan Maraon, in an inspirational message on behalf of Gov. Damian Mercado, likewise pointed out the significance of the occasion, saying that the dedicated individuals and agency frontliners in the preservation of peace, order, and security for the province are all deserving to be feted in an awarding ceremony.
“We celebrate those who combat crimes, the celebration a testament to their commitment, for they are pillars in upholding Southern Leyte’s progress,” declared Maraon, chairperson of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan committee on peace and order.
Following the preliminary short talks were the giving of awards on outstanding performances in various individual and office categories among the uniformed personnel, as well as the many national line agencies and the private sector.
Philippine Information Agency – Southern Leyte InfoCen received the Stakeholders Award along with other national line agencies.
The citation was in recognition of PIA’s active involvement in communicating peace and order updates, as well as participation in PTF ELCAC meetings, serbisyo caravans, and other related activities.
(LDL/MMP/PIA Southern Leyte)
