MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur (PIA)--Dedicated to pushing for good governance and enhancing social protection for pregnable communities, the municipal government of Piagapo along with the 103rd Infantry Brigade, 51st Infantry Battalion, Integrated Provincial Health Office (IPHO) and Ministry of Public Order and Safety (MPOS) reached out to secluded populace in Barangays Taporug and Talao, all in Piagapo town in Lanao del Sur, to spearhead the grand pulong-pulong (meeting) and community outreach program. 

With the theme, “Our Service Measures Our Success,” various government services were brought to the covered villages, such as the distribution of relief goods and school supplies, free haircuts, medical check-ups, and circumcision, among others, wherein almost 1,000 individuals benefited. 

Piagapo Mayor Ali Sumandar emphasized that this manifested his will to alleviate the lives of residents in less fortunate barangays in his town, saying that everyone has to enjoy the basic services so that they would feel that they are not forgotten. 

He shared that in their grand pulong-pulong, the primary request raised by his constituents was accessibility, which he addressed by implementing a road project.

When completed, Sumandar is optimistic that the traveling time from Brgy. Taporug-Poblacion to the town proper would be shortened from one hour and 30 minutes to only 30 minutes, and travelers would need not pass through Munai town in Lanao del Norte anymore. 

The mayor stressed that this public service would go a long way as long as he continues to serve as the municipality's local chief executive.

“Huwag silang mawalan ng pag-asa kasi hangga’t nandito ako sa posisyon na ito, gagawin at gagawin ko kung ano ang makakaya ko para makapagserbisyo,” he said.

(They should not lose hope because as long as I am in this position, I will do what I can to serve.)

Apart from the social services, the outreach program also allowed the Philippine Army to strengthen its campaign against violent extremism while some government officials were able to witness the current status of living of residents in the area. 

Lt. Col. Victor-Czar Villanueva, the Commanding Officer of the 51st Infantry Battalion, shared that the majority of their soldiers assigned to the target community were not from the local villages or the province. However, he was glad to see the warm reception the deployed group received from the dwellers.

With this treatment, he stated that their battalion had a chance to enlighten the people about the local terrorists who attempted to ruin the tranquility of the place.  

“Importante ang misyon nga kasundaluhan bilang tagapagbantay ng seguridad ng bawat mamamayan, lalo na sa malalayo at conflict-affected barangays na vulnerable sa impluwensya ng lawless elements at teroristang ISIS (Islamic State of Iraq and Syria),” said Villanueva.

(The mission of soldiers is important as vanguards of the security of each citizen, especially those in far and conflict-affected barangays that are vulnerable to the influence of lawless elements and terrorist ISIS (Islamic State of Iraq and Syria).)

This was affirmed by 103rd Infantry Brigade Deputy Commander Col. Billy Dela Rosa, adding that their visit to the villages of Piagapo town allowed them to assess what other necessary services they could bring in the future. 

He also promised to partner with the MPOS and municipal government of Piagapo to help in repairing the bogged-down water system in the area. 

Meanwhile, IPHO Chief Dr. Alinader Minalang conveyed his continuous support for the future endeavors of the municipal government of Piagapo and its partners for the entire constituency. 

He further stirred the public to remain as one as this would be their way to progress. 

“Aming panawagan sa mga kababayan namin dito na suportahan ang proyekto ng local government unit at AFP (Armed Forces of the Philippines). Tayo naman ay nagsisikap na maiparating sa kanila ang regular health services,” 

(We call on our fellow locals here to back the projects of the local government unit and AFP (Armed Forces of the Philippines). We are striving as well to deliver regular health services.) (CRG/PIA-10/Lanao del Sur)