By Rachel Magday
PGLU Nueva Vizcaya
BAYOMBONG,Nueva Vizcaya — “A very stable peace and order will spell a vibrant economy,” declared Governor Atty. Jose V. Gambito during a recent dialogue and meeting held with representatives from universities, colleges, secondary and vocational schools.
The event was an offshoot of a resolution passed during a recent tripartite meeting of the Provincial Peace and Order Council (PPOC), Provincial Anti-Drug Abuse Council (PADAC), and the Provincial Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC).
The primary focus of the dialogue was to devise strategies to prevent the recruitment activities of Communist terrorist groups, which often target schools and students.
Governor Gambito stressed the importance of a collaborative approach between the government and educational institutions to safeguard the youth and maintain peace and order within the province.
“Educational institutions play a crucial role in shaping the minds of our youth. It is imperative that we work together to ensure their safety and prevent any form of radicalization or recruitment by these groups,” said Governor Gambito.
The meeting brought together key stakeholders from various educational sectors, fostering a united front against the threats posed by Communist terrorist groups. Discussions centered around creating awareness programs, enhancing security measures within school premises, and promoting values that counter extremist ideologies.
The resolution passed during the tripartite meeting underscores the province’s dedication to maintaining peace and order as a foundation for economic prosperity.
By addressing the root causes of recruitment and strengthening community resilience, the provincial government aims to create a secure environment conducive to economic development.
Governor Gambito also highlighted that ever since the province was declared an insurgency-free province, numerous local and foreign investors have approached his office to signify their interest in doing business in Nueva Vizcaya.
This influx of potential investments is a testament to the positive impact of peace and order on the province’s economic landscape.
In addition, Governor Gambito informed everyone of his flagship projects, such as the “Kalsada ti Kabanbantayan,” the beautification of the provincial capitol, the promotion of renewable energy in establishments within the capitol grounds, the “Free WiFi ti Umili” initiative, and the implementation of solar-powered irrigation systems for the agriculture sector.
According to Gambito, through these programs, he demonstrates his commitment to improving the livelihoods of the poor, especially those in mountainous areas. By showing that the provincial government does not neglect them, these initiatives help prevent them from being easily recruited by Communist groups.
Gambito also took pride in Nueva Vizcaya’s leading position in terms of economic growth, attributing this success to the province’s stable peace and order situation and the effective implementation of his flagship programs.
The dialogue concluded with participants signing a pledge of commitment to remain vigilant against all forms of security threats to keep Nueva Vizcaya insurgency-free. This collective commitment marks a significant step towards ensuring the safety and prosperity of the province
