LUBAO, Pampanga – Governor Lilia G. Pineda appealed to some 505 village chiefs of the province to help ensure the maintenance of peace and order during and after the election period to bring the message to the Filipino people that Kapampangans are indeed friendly and peace loving.
The governor reiterated this message as she introduced Myrvie Fabia, newly installed provincial director of the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) to the village officials in a meeting held at the Lubao Gymnasium (Pineda Sports Complex).
As this developed, the governor distributed cellular phones to be used by the village officials in maintaining the peace and order situation in the province.
The village officials lauded the provision of communication equipment as this would also help them to have a direct access to the office of the governor, Philippine National Police (PNP) and to the DILG provincial director.
Governor Pineda led the distribution with Board Members Cris Garbo (1st district); Fritzie David-Dizon and Jun Dimson (2nd); Trina Dizon and Monina Laus (3rd); Ric Yabut and Nestor Tolentino (4th); and Melchor Pingol (ABC).
Said devices will be used in monitoring the current situations at the barangay level and in reporting any untoward incidents to the police force, the governor instructed.
The provincial government will also put together a directory of barangay, municipal, and provincial government officials to facilitate the delivery of reports and maintain an open-line of communication among the leaders of the province.
Pertinent contact numbers of authorities, including Sr. Supt. R’win Pagkalinawan and Supt. Bernard Perez of the Pampanga Provincial Police Office, were also given here. The police officials also encouraged the village leaders to immediately report any suspicious personalities and activities in their areas for them to respond quickly.
“The cellphone units will also have unlimited credits to a certain network for six months. This is to ensure that the village leaders will be able to contact us and the police before, during, and after the 2013 Elections,” the governor elaborated.
In return, the village chiefs vowed to intensify their campaign to maintain a peaceful and orderly elections come May.
“We can see the sincerity of the governor in wanting a peaceful province, not only during elections but throughout the year. With this, we are more determined than ever to prove that Pampanga is truly a quiet place to live in,” the barangay officials declared.
By Angelique DC. Tuazon, PIO Pampanga
