CALAMBA CITY,  Laguna (PIA) --Government reports show that the Calabarzon region suffered great losses during the pandemic, as an industrial region that relies on various sectors for its economic growth

Members of the Cabinet led the recent Pamana sa Pagbabago: Kasama sa Pamana Regional Pre-SONA Series in Calamba City to bring their reports closer to the people.

In a video message, Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Eduardo Año emphasized the effects of the pandemic to various industries and services, as well as the government’s anti-insurgency efforts in the region.

Among the most affected were the industrial and tourism sectors, where many residents in Calabarzon and its surrounding provinces earn their living.

Año reported that around 2, 634 companies and establishments were forced to close, resulting in around 84, 397 jobs lost due to the pandemic.

“As the COVID-19 raged, President Rodrigo Duterte imposed localized lockdowns and community quarantines. Pinapasara rin ng pamahalaan ang mga establisimiyentong lumalabag sa standard community quarantine and curfew protocols,” the Interior chief continues, highlighting the government’s efforts in helping the government and private sectors continue their operations.

Aside from providing cash assistance and alternative livelihood to those affected by the pandemic, Año also highlighted other government efforts such as establishing more digital infrastructures allowing the e-commerce industry to grow and enact measures that resulted in ease of doing business.

Aside from the region’s efforts in recuperating the local economy, the DILG chief also commended the region for its continuous effort in bringing government services to the grassroots community.

Through the Retooled Community Support Program (RCSP) , the government was able to reach 50 conflict affected areas in the provinces of Quezon, Rizal and Batangas in which their various needs were addressed through the Ugnayan sa Barangay program.

To date, the government has provided assistance to around 274 former rebels as part of the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP).

“Much needs to be done. We [still] have a long way to go in establishing sustainable peace, security and prosperity in Region IV-A,” Año said, encouraging LGUs to lead the anti-insurgency efforts in their localities by identifying priority barangays in the implementation of the RCSP, and maintain good governance in providing basic services.

Año also encouraged partnerships between the private and government sectors, and civic groups in countering leftist infiltration in the region’s industrial zones by providing opportunities for localized peace negotiations.