Amidst the 369 punong barangays in the First District, Governor Auring E. Cerilles offered her delight and gratitude to them as she is about to end her third and final term as the First Lady Governor of this province.

“I must admit, very seldom I see you and I will soon to retire as your governor.  This is my last term and I will take this opportunity to say that from the bottom of my heart I am saying “Thank you so much from supporting my programs.”

Governor Cerilles was the honored speaker during the opening program of the 3-day Barangay Congress led by Liga ng mga Barangay Provincial President Allan Godoy at Hotel Alindahaw last August 12. 

Zamboanga del Sur as a province has a total of 681 barangay: 369 at the first district and 312 belonging to the second district.  The Barangay Congress for the 2nd District would follow immediately, it was learned.

Once a year, the liga ng mga barangay is mandated by the Department of Interior & Local Government to hold a barangay congress to build consciousness and awareness among punong barangay of the various laws and programs of government for strong barangay leadership. 

Cerilles, was joined by DILG regional director Paisal Abutazil with provincial director Abcede Asjali and City Administrator Rufino Amor when she sought the barangay leaders’ attention to join her cause in fighting against the proliferation of illegal drugs.

“It is my commitment that before my term ends in June 2010, we will have a drug-free province.  I hope you will support me in this advocacy,” she implored.

With misty eyes, the lady governor confessed that every time she talks about this cause, she becomes emotional for because of this, not only her life is in danger but her entire family including her grandchildren.

“But this is my cause and I’m going to win this cause,” she said.  Nevertheless, because of the threats against their lives, she has to be security conscious.

“This cause had virtually changed my lifestyle – it is not me anymore,” she said recollecting the days when she was still a congresswoman where she can go anywhere without any bodyguard.

“But nowadays, I become security conscious – I cannot simply go to any engagement without seeking clearance from my security officials.  I have only one life so I have to treasure it,” she elaborated.

Cerilles said “the rampant proliferation of illegal drugs has driven this leadership to waging all-out war against illegal.  We cannot allow the evil of illegal drugs to ruin the future of our youth. With the full support and partnership of the law enforcers – the PDEA, PNP and the Philippine Army, we will win this fight.”

Noting that many of the punong barangays are still new to their position, Governor Auring made them aware that with the fast-evolving demand for access to justice, there is a need to utilize and apply the Katarungang Pambarangay more strategically and proactively.

Zamboanga del Sur, being a Child Friendly province and Gender and Development sensitive, Cerilles also gave the impression that the Barangay congress would also tackle the discussion about R.A. 9262 specifically on Barangay Protection Order.  This secures women and their children against violenc as the State values the dignity of women and children and guarantees full respect for human rights.  (Remai S. Alejado/Zambosur Press Bureau)

Last update: 29-08-2009 02:51