By Nimfa L. Estrellado Bam Aquino and Governor Tan with officials during the Pledge of Commitment signing ceremony. (Bam Aquino) LUCENA ...
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| Bam Aquino and Governor Tan with officials during the Pledge of Commitment signing ceremony. (Bam Aquino) |
LUCENA CITY, Quezon - As the nation celebrated its 127th year of independence, Quezon Province marked the occasion with a Flag Raising Ceremony and Floral Offering at the Provincial Capitol Grounds in Lucena City. The event highlighted the province's celebration of national freedom and local peace milestones, led by the provincial government, Armed Forces of the Philippines – Southern Luzon Command (AFP-SOLCOM), and the Quezon Police Provincial Office (QPPO).
During the main program at the Quezon Convention Center, Senator-Elect Bam Aquino delivered a keynote address, expressing gratitude to the province for their overwhelming support. "Maraming maraming salamat po sa inyong suporta. Thank you very much po," he said, noting that Quezon Province ranked him first after initially starting at 24th in surveys.
Aquino emphasized that true liberty means "freedom from fear," citing concerns over food security, children's future, livelihood, and health as key issues Filipinos face. He highlighted problems affecting various sectors, including farmers, fishermen, and nursing students, stressing that these can be addressed through coordinated efforts between agencies, groups, and local government units (LGUs). Many of these problems can be solved, he said, if the right help and solutions are provided to the people.
The Senator-Elect commended Quezon Province's achievement in maintaining peace, attributing it to the collaborative efforts of the local government, armed forces, and various groups. "Peace is not just a state that is reached; it is worked on every day to remain in our lives," he said, urging unity between government and citizens to tackle national challenges. He pledged to serve the Filipinos through laws that would benefit them.
In a separate ceremony, Governor Doktora Helen Tan led a wreath-laying tribute to Dr. Jose Rizal at the Lucena City monument, honoring the national hero's role in the country's quest for freedom. The event also marked the province's second anniversary as a Stable Internal Peace and Security (SIPS) or Insurgency-Free Province, achieved through collaborative regional peace efforts. Governor Doktora Helen Tan expressed gratitude for this provincial achievement.
The celebration included the distribution of E-CLIP benefits to former rebels, offering reintegration and livelihood opportunities. Awards were given to E-CLIP beneficiaries, involving contributions from DOLE, TESDA, PSWDO, 201st Infantry Brigade, and 202nd Infantry Brigade. An AVP presentation of testimonials from Retooled Community Support Program (RCSP) and E-CLIP beneficiaries was also featured. Plaques of Recognition were awarded to LGUs with High Functional Peace and Order Council for CY 2024, acknowledging their contributions to the SIPS declaration.
The E-CLIP benefits distribution was a significant part of the celebration, providing former rebels with the support they need to reintegrate into society. Each beneficiary received financial assistance and livelihood support, enabling them to start anew and contribute to the province's peace and development. The program aims to provide sustainable livelihood opportunities and support to former rebels, ensuring their successful reintegration into their communities.
The SIPS declaration is a testament to the province's commitment to peace and development. Quezon Province's achievement serves as a model for other provinces to follow, demonstrating the importance of collaborative efforts between the government, armed forces, and local communities in maintaining peace and stability. The province's peace and order council played a crucial role in achieving this milestone, and their efforts were recognized and commended during the celebration.
The program closed with a Pledge of Commitment signing by Governor Doktora Helen Tan, Senator-Elect Bam Aquino, Vice Governor Third Alcala, and other LGU officials, committing to sustained peace and development in Quezon Province. This collective pledge underscored the province's determination to continue fostering peace and development, ensuring the well-being and prosperity of its citizens. The signing ceremony served as a powerful symbol of unity and cooperation among local leaders, reinforcing their shared vision for a peaceful and prosperous Quezon Province.meta-selected>
Dignitaries and officials present at the celebration included Vice Governor Anacleto A. Alcala III, DILG Calabarzon Regional Director Ariel O. Iglesia, MGEN CERILO BALAORO JR, PBGEN PAUL KENNETH LUCAS, PCOL RUBEN LACUESTA, BGEN JOSE AMBROSIO F RUSTIA PA, BGEN RONALD JESS A ALCUDIA PA, DILG Quezon Provincial Director Abigail N. Andres, Quezon Mayor's League President Rachel A. Ubana, and Acting Commander of Southern Luzon Command, AFP BGEN ALDWINE I ALMASE PA.
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