PCOO chief promotes a more unified Surigao del Norte province
By Venus L. Garcia
With an eye toward an inclusive development and commonly
agreed objective to accelerate and harmonize aid and humanitarian assistance to
the most affected and vulnerable communities, communications chief Secretary
Martin Andanar has been stopping by in various municipalities in Surigao del
Norte province to communicate and deliver the services under the Aid and
Humanitarian Operations Nationwide (AHON) Convergence Program along with other
concerned implementing government agencies.
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| Sec. Andanar |
Given the opportunity to engage unreservedly with the
locals, Sec. Andanar has seen and heard as they narrated in their own voices
the struggles they are facing especially in the height of the coronavirus
disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic and economic crisis which is unprecedented in
its scale.
“I have been reminded of many of their challenges. I found
myself dealing with their sentiments and even their hopes for a great escape
from confronting human struggles,” Sec. Andanar articulated.
That is why the government, he said, is focusing in the
mobilization of the necessary resources to undertake critical, urgent, and
appropriate responses and measures in a timely manner in order to address the
enormous negative impacts brought about by the devastating pandemic and other
emergencies.
Sec. Andanar furthered that the government could not
afford to be complacent about the people’s health and is firm in making an
all-out effort as the nation continues to battle against COVID-19 that
triggered economic and social disruption and gravely wounded the economy,
country, and its people.
He then underscored the importance of strong working
relationships among the local government units in the province and act as
cohesive forces bridging resilience and mitigating the risks posed by the
virus.
“Intergovernmental relations in the local level shall be
upheld since interactions among local government units are as important as
establishing strong linkages in advancing provincial development,” quipped Sec.
Andanar.
In his most recent visit in the municipality of Claver,
Surigao del Norte after the series of AHON events in the island of Siargao,
Sec. Andanar spent a time with the local officials describing to them how he
captured the promising places abound with captivating flora and fauna and
natural resources, encompassing pretty much all the pride of the province.
Known for its extensive mineral deposits, large part of
the municipal land area of Claver is a mining reservation which includes the
nickel ore loading port at barangay Taganito.
Sec. Andanar, however, cited that mining depletes the
finite resources and in a strict sense, therefore, everyone must be more
responsible and avoid in continually exhausting the available supply of these
resources.
“Technically sound exploration and responsible mining must
be seriously practiced. Since mineral resources are finite within a human
lifetime, it is crucial to take constructive steps to diminish the threats we
face. And it is in this context that we give more value to our neighboring
towns and island municipalities because they will be among the primary lines of
support when everything in your place will be put to the challenge,” Sec.
Andanar pointed out.
As a Siargaonon and Surigaonon himself who hails from the
country’s most beautiful island of Siargao, Sec. Andanar has the keen longing
for a unified, all-inclusive, whole-of-society approach in keeping the province
intact.
“I acknowledge the abundant diversity of cultures in
Surigao del Norte province, in Caraga region and everyone deserves to be
treated with respect and kindness. Being a Surigaonon myself, I am more
inclined of creating consciousness of unification by introducing strategies
that would promote social integration rather than segregation, solidarity
instead of disharmony,” stressed Sec. Andanar.
This, he mentioned as there are parties according to him
that are interested in creating Siargao Island as a separate province.
He said that history has it, and the National Historical
Institute (NHI) even recommended that the first and official flag raising
occurred in Surigao. Hence, the Filipino’s struggles for freedom and justice
can be related best to the present endeavors of fostering one solid province
comprising the mainland and island towns.
“Aduna tay mga kalahian, apan ang atong gugma sa atong
pinayangga nga probinsya nagpatigbabaw. Mag-ampo kita, mag-ambit kita,
magtinabangay kita labi na para sa atong mga kababayan nga nagkinahanglan (We
may have some lingering and underlying differences but the love for our beloved
province surpassed it all. Let’s continue praying, sharing, and helping especially
the least of our breathren),” said Sec. Andanar.
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| Mayor Georgia Gokiangkee |
"Letting people understand about the government's
plans for its people has always been a great challenge especially with a
pandemic going on. But the PCOO has consistently launched various platforms to
strengthen the government's information drive," Mayor Gokiangkee said.
The lady mayor underscored that despite the COVID-19
pandemic, the local government continues to work on implementing strategies
that push for development.
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| Vice Governor Geed Gokiangkee |
Also, Vice Governor Geed Gokiangkee of the province of
Surigao del Norte lauded the efforts of the local government of Claver to
foster the recovery of the local economy of the municipality and laying out its
plans post-pandemic. He also underscored the efforts of the LGU to provide
education for its youth.
"We are proud that despite the setbacks our economy
is facing, access to education for the youth of Claver was made possible
through the efforts of the LGU and that is truly a lasting legacy," the
vice governor said.
Sec. Andanar likewise mentioned that more clever leaders just like in Claver are needed who would remain committed and be instrumental for favorable progress. (VLG/PIA-Surigao del Norte)
