Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Jesse M. Robredo graced the series of project inaugurations and meetings with the local officials of the Municipality of Al-Barka, Basilan Province and the Cities of Isabela and Zamboanga last May 14, 2012.

Upon arrival in Isabela City, Secretary Robredo along with Yasmin Busran-Lao, Peace and Society Advocate, and the members of the DILG family – Regional Management Coordinating Committee (RMCC) IX headed by DILG IX Regional Director Paisal O. Abutazil were warmly welcomed by Mayor Cherrylyn S. Akbar and the local officials of the city.

During the brief breakfast meeting hosted by the local government, Mayor Akbar had the opportunity to discuss with SILG Robredo the issues on the prevailing peace and security in her jurisdiction and the various development projects lined up for implementation and the different programs that are presently being implemented and undertaken by her administration for the entire Isabela community to benefit from.

SILG and party then proceeded to barangay Sunrise for the groundbreaking of the P10 Million worth Police Station which will begin construction before the end of the year.

Following the groundbreaking ceremony was the signing of the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) between the DILG, represented by SILG Robredo and the Provincial Government of Basilan represented by Governor Jum Akbar and the ten (10) municipal mayors of the province to include the local chief executives of cities of Isabela and Lamitan, respectively.

The MOA was forged purposely for the implementation of the P63 Million worth of  development projects under the Payapa at Masaganang Pamayanan (PAMANA) program such as the construction of police stations, public markets, municipal halls and cultural center, among others.

Governor Akbar expressed support to the DILG as the provincial government’s partner in concretizing its plans for long-term development and the various development initiatives not only in Basilan but for the entire Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM).

On the other hand, Secretary Robredo expressed optimism over the hard work and effort continuously being exerted by the LGUs in the ARMM to ensure the realization of their long time dream of a peaceful, orderly, development-oriented region.

Thereafter, Secretary Robredo and party were ferried to the municipality of Al-Barka, Basilan Province for the groundbreaking of the municipal hall and public market projects.

Despite the image of the area as projected in the media, the 1 hour and 20 minutes trip from Isabela to Al-Barka rather proved to be rewarding for SILG Robredo where he was warmly received by the local officials lead by Mayor Mohammad Kabukisan.

According to the municipal local officials, Secretary Robredo’s visit to the area is very momentous considering the fact that the DILG Chief was the first ever high-ranking official of government to visit Al-Barka. Mayor Kabukisan said that Secretary Robredo’s visit is forever etched in the history of Al-Barka for being the first cabinet secretary to accept their invitation and extend support to the municipal government.

According to SILG Robredo, ARMM is taking the road towards development just as the present government has outlined and envisioned it. LGUs are taking their actions off on the right foot, proof of such are the various projects being implemented, the SILG said.

Upon return to Zamboanga City, SILG Robredo met with Mayor Celso L. Lobregat, Regional Peace and Order Council (RPOC) IX Chair for a special meeting held at Waling-Waling Function Room, Garden Orchid Hotel. Present during the meeting were selected RPOC members and representatives of civil society organizations, among others.

The agenda was specifically focused on high profile peace and order cases in Zamboanga City. Secretary Robredo was apprised on the latest status of these cases by Philippine National Police IX Regional Director P/CSupt. Napoleon R. Estilles and P/CSupt. Mario B. Yanga, Regional Director for Operations, PNP IX and concurrent OIC, Zamboanga City Police Office, respectively.

The DILG Chief likewise met with the members of the local tri-media for a press conference. In his statement to the press, Secretary Robredo emphasized that the DILG will vigorously pursue its mandate of strengthening and empowering local governments through the various programs and projects of the Department and in coherent with the agenda of the Aquino administration.