“We are on track at fulfilling and implementing the key programs of government. If not within the year, definitely before the term of President Rodrigo Duterte ends.”
This was the assurance made by Cabinet Secretary Karlo Nograles to participants of the Peace Caravan held at Brgy. Mt. Carmel, Bayugan City in Agusan del Sur, together with the promise that an access road will soon be laid out in the area.
Nograles further committed to residents that similar projects will be implemented in other areas of the entire Caraga region.
“The administration is fully committed to injecting big doses of development to formerly neglected and underdeveloped areas, contrary to the claims made by groups such as the NPA that government is remiss in its obligation to provide assistance to people in the countryside. The government cares for the welfare of the citizens in the area,” he added.
Simultaneous with the 4th Caraga Regional Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (RTF-ELCAC) Meeting held at Bayugan City last Week, the Cabinet Secretary also led the unveiling of E-CLIP halfway houses that were built in Agusan del Sur and Agusan del Norte.
Those who witnessed the unveiling were Agusan del Sur Governor Santiago Cane, Agusan del Norte Governor Dale Corvera, Bayugan City Mayor Kirk Asis, Surigao del Sur Governor Alexander Pimentel, 4ID Commanding General MGen. Franco Nemesio Gacal, 402nd Brigade Commander BGen. Maurito Licudine, and DILG Caraga Regional Director Lilibeth Famacion.
Nograles strongly encouraged the attendees to participate in productive activities meant to uplift local communities. He made note of initiatives aimed at addressing proverty, education, peace and economic development.
During the same gathering, Agusan del Norte Governor Dale Corvera presented and sponsored a resolution encouraging regional line agencies to include their priority programs in their project proposals, especially those intended to address peace and insurgency related issues in the region.
Meanwhile, in an interview with local Caraga media, Nograles, who is the Cabinet Officer for Regional Development & Security (CORDS) for Caraga and Chairperson of the Caraga RTF-ELCAC, said that government programs will be fast-tracked this year.
“We will continue the development initiatives we have already started in Caraga. Results were very positive last year. These kinds of programs are our weapons against rebellion. I’m positive that by 2022, everything will be “mission accomplished.” We will achieve sustainable peace, order and stability with everyone’s help and through the administration’s whole-of-nation approach,” the former Davao legislator noted.
Nograles also encouraged journalists and media practitioners to constantly inform the public about government projects and success stories related to these projects.
“Media has an important role in educating the people and in combating misinformation and fake news being spread by insurgent groups. We are are fulfilling our jobs at serving the people of Caraga. We need the media in spreading the good news about our achievements.”
