The Department of Interior and Local Government has chosen Ilocos Norte Gov. Imee R. Marcos as one of the top 10 governors in the country, citing their all-out support against illegal drugs.
DILG Interior Secretary Ismael Sueno said, “the chosen governors have proven to be very good administrators based not only on the effects of the governors’ anti-drug programs, but also on a holistic evaluation of provincial security, including disaster preparedness, transparent governance, and business competitiveness.
“The first requisite of development is peace and order,” Gov. Marcos had said in her 2015 State of the Province Address. In the past year, she strengthened PGIN’s partnership with the Ilocos Norte Police Provincial Office (INPPO), headed by Acting Provincial Director PSSupt. Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr., by building personnel and logistics capability and empowering the Ilocano community in crime prevention and reporting.
She said, “I thank the PNP and DILG for recognizing Ilocos Norte as one of the most peaceful places in the country!”
This citation follows the Plaque of Merit for being the Most Outstanding Local Government Unit (LGU) presented to Gov. Marcos during the 115th Police Service Anniversary of the Philippine National Police (PNP) last August 17.
“Here in Ilocos Norte, the PGIN has been very supportive, very active.. actually, proactive, kasi siya na mismo ang nagpu-push. Siya na mismo ang nagbibigay ng idea… and ini-implement namin,” said Nartatez.
He enumerated forms of support extended by PGIN to INPPO, such as motorcycle donations, firepower, protective gear, search-and-rescue equipment, and most recently, the provision of a K-9 unit of three dogs capable of sniffing out illegal drugs and firearms.
Notable also is the KALASAG program, which stands for Kabataan Laban sa Droga, organized in close partnership with the Ilocos Norte Youth Office (INYO).
PNP lauded Gov. Marcos’ efforts to pool development from the cultural and business sectors, collaborating them for a holistic approach to community security and progress in Ilocos Norte.
Nartatez said, “tremendous ang result because ang dami nating force multipliers.”
Gov. Marcos echoed this as she shared her congratulations “to the INPPO, and barangay and civilian multiplier forces who have been the key to our success versus the narco-trade.”
In the past eight months, the average weekly street crime incidents in Ilocos Norte has fallen from 15 to seven, sometimes reaching as low as two in a week, according to the INPPO.
Nartatez said that this indicator led to “the pronouncement of the DILG that Governor Imee is the Top Performing Governor in the entire Philippines.”
“We want to lengthen our lead in all areas… education, culture, and job creation,” Gov. Marcos said, emphasizing the ultimate goal of inclusive and holistic development.—(Mizpah Grace G. Castro, PGIN-CMO)
