QUIRINO PROVINCE – Department of the Interior and Local Government Secretary, Atty. Benjamin C. Abalos Jr., inspected a number of DILG implemented projects during his visit in the quiet and beautiful province of Quirino on Friday, November 04, 2022.
Accompanied by Provincial Governor Dakila E. Cua and assisted by DILG Region 02’s top brass, Regional Director Jonathan Paul M. Leusen, Jr., Assistant Regional Director, Elpidio A. Durwin and Provincial Director, Salvacion Z. Baccay, the inspections were conducted as part of the day-long itinerary of the Secretary where he took a peek on the implementation of the Department’s locally-funded projects in the province.
Beginning with an on-site inspection of the construction of the DILG Quirino Provincial Office, Secretary Abalos said that support will always be provided to the overall operations of the Department’s field offices for the smooth and efficient implementation of all programs, projects and activities.
Regional Director Jonathan Paul M. Leusen, Jr., (third from left) and DILG Quirino officials and personnel pose for a photo opportunity with SILG Abalos, at the construction site of the DILG Quirino Office Building
Other locally-funded projects inspected by the Secretary include the FALGU funded Multi-purpose building - Basic Emergency Obstetric and Newborn Care Center at Saguday, Quirino, where Secretary Abalos together with Municipal Mayor, Hon. Jerry Pagbilao, headed the inauguration and ceremonial ribbon cutting; and the concreting of the 2.3 kilometers long provincial road in the same municipality, funded under the Conditional Matching Grant to Provinces (CMGP) program.
Secretary Abalos with Mayor Pagbilao and Gov Cua initiate the ribbon cutting ceremony for the newly constructed multi-purpose building as RD Leusen, ARD Durwin and PD Salvacion bear witness.
SILG Abalos gazes upon the expanse of the 2.3 kms long concreted provincial road project at Saguday Quirino funded under the CMGP program
Aside from inspecting infrastructure projects, Secretary Abalos also joined the Quirino Joint Provincial Peace and Order, Anti-drug Abuse, PTF-ELCAC and Team EMBRACE Council meeting, presided by Gov. Dakila at the Quirino Water Sports Complex.
Secretary Abalos participates, as honorary guest, during the Quirino Joint Council meeting chaired by Gov. Dakila E. Cua
He was also the keynote speaker and the administering officer during the oath taking of the new set of officers of the Union of Local Authorities of the Philippines (ULAP) National Executive Board.
Addressing all officers and members of the ULAP, Secretary Abalos emphasized the legal implications of implementing the Mandanas-Garcia Ruling, particularly the concomitant challenges of preparing the Local Government Units for their expanded roles as a result of full devolution.
SILG Abalos administers the oath of office for the new set of ULAP Nationa Executive Board officers at the Quirino Water Sports Complex
He also touched on the adjustments that need to be made as LGUs have different needs and priorities, hence the need for the formulation of the so-called Universal PPAs and the recommendation of the Department to classify LGUs according to their capacities and performances and looking into the needed interventions when engaging with them. Capping his message, he asked the support of all local officials present to give their support as this is the best opportunity for our country to get back on its feet after the pandemic. (SOURCE: LGOO III Meynard Abram M. Ventura)
