On March 2023, President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. appointed Governor Eduardo B. gadiano as the Chairperson of the Department of the Interior and Local Government’s (DILG) Regional Peace and Order Councils (RPOCs) in MIMAROPA region, recongizing his leadership in advocating for peace and development in Occidental Mindoro Province.
Governor Gadiano continues to champion unity, working alongside the full force of the military and other government agencies towards overall progress not only in the province but also across the nation.
The Provincial Public Order and Safety (PPOS) office, operating under the Provincial Governor’s Office, stands as the principal body entrusted with maintaining peace, order, and public safety among its populace. Throughout the year 2023, it demonstrated significant achievements in fulfilling its mandate.
Under the Anti-Illegal Drug Campaign Programs and Projects, the PPOS focused on ensuring public safety by formulating comprehensive plans and programs. These initiatives encompassed various aspects such as providing protective and disaster relief services, extending support for legislation concerning local governance, law enforcement, and public safety, and devising strategies to bolster the administrative, technical, and fiscal capabilities of government offices and personnel.
Simultaneously, the PPOS intensified its efforts in combating insurgency and terrorism in accordance with Executive Order 70. Activities included conducting orientation seminars on maintaining drug-free workplaces, implementing random drug testing, educating employees and Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) about the hazards of illegal drugs, and collaborating with the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) in anti-illegal drug operations.
PPOS prioritized its Anti-Criminality Program, which involved the endorsement of Localized Anti-Criminality Action Plans (LACAPs) and providing support to the Philippine National Police (PNP) and Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) operations.
The operation of public peace, order, and safety was further bolstered through various measures, including the procurement of necessary equipment, supplies, and materials. Additionally, amidst the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, the PPOS ensured the procurement of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), supplies, and materials to safeguard both personnel and the community.
Regular engagements such as meetings of the Provincial Peace and Order Council-Provincial Anti-Drug Abuse Council (PPOC-PADAC) were conducted to address emerging concerns and coordinate responses effectively.
PPOS provided essential support for operational needs, training, seminars, and activities of the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP), further enhancing its contribution to maintaining public safety and order in the province.
The Provincial Peace and Order Council (PPOC) and Provincial Anti-Drug Abuse Council (PADAC) of Occidental Mindoro also acknowledged the exemplary performance of the top Municipal Peace and Order Councils (MPOCs) and Municipal Anti-Drug Abuse Counsils (MADACs).
During the 4th Quarter Meeting, chaired by Governor Eduardo B. Gadiano, the PPOC-PADAC awarded a Php 500,000.00 incentive to the top 3 performing MPOCs and MADACs: Abra de Ilog, Calintaan, and Lubang, as oer the official results of the CY 2022 POC and ADAC Performance Audit.
This incentive was granted under PPOC-PPDAC Joint Resolution No. 005, dated September 19, 2023, which provides incentives to outstanding Municipal Peace and Order Councils (MPOCs) and Municipal Anti-Drug Abuse Councils (MADACs), in accordance with PGO Executive Order No. 64, dated 2023.
The Provincial Government of Occidental Mindoro, in its commitment to uphold Republic Act No. 6713, popularly known as the “Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees,” channels its support through the Spiritual Development and Values Formation Office under the Provincial Governor’s jurisdiction. This office serves as a catalyst for instilling a culture of integrity and accountability among officials and staff within the PGOM.
Throughout the year 2023, the Spiritual Development and Values Formation Office spearheaded several initiatives aimed at promoting ethical conduct and fostering a sense of responsibility among PGOM personnel.
Regular sessions on Spiritual Development and Values Formation were organized on a weekly and monthly basis, reaching various offices, sub-offices, and hospitals affiliated with the PGOM, as well as different LGUs across Occidental Mindoro. These gatherings served as platforms for discussions and reflections on ethical principles and their practical application in public service.
In addition, a significant event was the One Day Recollection Activity held on September 12, 2023, at the Provincial Training Center in Brgy. Payompon, Mamburao, Occidental Mindoro. This activity specifically focused on elucidating the provisions of RA 6713 and its implications for public officials and employees. Through interactive sessions and discussions, participants gained deeper insights into their roles and responsibilities in upholding ethical standards.
Towards the end of the year, the Spiritual Development and Values Formation Office facilitated a Year- End Assessment of the Values Formation Program. This assessment not only served to evaluate the effectiveness of past initiatives but also provided an opportunity for reflection and renewal of commitments towards ethical governance. As part of this assessment, provisions, assistance, and gift-giving, such as home supplies, were extended to participants as a gesture of appreciation and encouragement.
These endeavors underscore the Provincial Government’s unwavering dedication to promoting a culture of integrity and accountability within its ranks, ensuring that public service in Occidental Mindoro remains guided by ethical principles and values.
In 2023, the Provincial Government of Occidental Mindoro through Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office (PSDWDO) demonstrated a strong commitment to protecting and empowering vulnerable sectors such as senior citizens, persons with disabilities (PWD), children, women, and distressed individuals across the province. Notably, the PSWDO implemented various impactful programs and services, showcasing a comprehensive approach to address multifaceted challenges.
Its Key highlights include:
- Persons with Disability (PWD) Affairs Office Programs: With a budget of Php 563,457.50, the PSWDO facilitated Early Detection, Prevention, and Intervention of Disability (EDPID) training, extended medical aid to 29 beneficiaries, and supported 542 PWD individuals through various initiatives like hiring additional manpower, supporting special education schools, and providing cash incentives.
- Protective Services for Children: The PSWDO offered psychosocial support and awareness for child laborers, strengthened parent-child relationships, and tackled community concerns regarding child labor and street-living children.
- Early Childhood Care and Development (ECCD) Program: With a budget of Php 926,110.73, the PSWDO significantly impacted 17,096 beneficiaries through events like the Day Care Workers’ Convention, Supplementary Feeding Program, and provision of learning materials, despite some deferred activities due to compliance issues.
- Support to Functional Committee Councils: The PSWDO promoted child welfare by conducting capacity-building activities, training sessions, and advocating against gender-based sexual harassment in schools.
- Livelihood Support for Women: Through a budget of Php 5,613,967.28, the PSWDO empowered women by providing livelihood assistance, consultation dialogues, and educational seminars, ultimately benefiting 92 women associations across various municipalities.
- Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS): A budget of Php 30,825,740.00 was allocated to provide social welfare and assistance to marginalized individuals and families facing critical conditions, benefitting a total of 3665 individuals. Disaster Response and Management Services: With an expenditure of Php 472,705.00, the PSWDO conducted capacity-building trainings, implemented relief operations, and provided emergency shelter assistance, demonstrating proactive response to disasters.
- Support for Indigenous Communities and Former Rebels: Through a budget allocation of Php 737,551.00, the PSWDO provided essential resources, livelihood training, and organized events like the Former Rebel Summit to alleviate multidimensional poverty.
PSWDO’s accomplishments in 2023 reflect a dedicated effort of the Gadiano administration towards addressing pressing social issues, promoting inclusivity, and positively impacting the lives of individuals and communities across the province.
