May 8, 2003 (Regional Office)

3 DILG MAJOR PROGRAMS SET IN REGION 02

The Department of the Interior and Local Government–Region 02 is focused in the implementation of its three major programs in the Region namely, the Gabay sa Mamamayan Aksyon Center (GMAC), the  Bayanihan Savings Replication Program (BSRP) and Building Safe Communities (BSC). The launching of these programs was held last February 5, 2003 at the Ivory Lodge Hotel in this city. During the launching, RD Renato L. Brion called the support of the  National Government Agencies , the Local Government Units, the NGOs, the academe and the private sector to bring the government services closer to the people particularly in providing them  opportunities  for their socio- economic progress.

To date, the Department has logged a 38.00% accomplishment with regard the establishment of the GMA Center in all the barangays of the Region.  RD Brion urged the Field Officers to exert more labors to meet the 100% target of the Region before the end of the 2^nd Quarter.

Recently, the Department also conducted the first Technical Training for Bayanihan Organizers at ATI-RTC, Cabagan, Isabela last April 29-30, 2003. A total of 46 participants from the Local Government Units, the academe, the interfaith group and the NGOs from all over the Region except the Province of Batanes joined the training and are now recognized as Bayanihan Savings Organizers (BSOs).

In pursuit for peace and order in the local communities, the Department through its Building Safe Communities Program is stretching out its efforts to realize the noble goals of the program. Series of BPOC Training in the barangays are about to be completed. A training to enhance the proficiency of barangay tanod is underway together with the Tele-aralan. “These programs can only be implemented successfully with the support and cooperation of the NGAs, NGOs, the private sector and the public. The gains of these programs are directed to better the condition of our people and we are hopeful that these will be completed before June 2003”, the active Director said.