LAOANG, Northern Samar – Residents, students, and teachers actively participated in a School Symposium and Community Dialogue at Barangay Tinoblan, Laoang, Northern Samar on Wednesday, March 6, 2024.
Facilitated by the 20th Infantry (We Lead) Battalion and the 2nd Northern Samar Provincial Mobile Force Company, the event aimed to raise awareness among students and the community on various crucial topics.
The symposium covered essential subjects such as Executive Order Number 70 (EO 70), Republic Act No. 10168 (The Terrorism Financing Prevention and Suppression Act of 2012), and initiatives like Project R.E.A.D.Y. and the BIDA Program of the DILG. Discussions also delved into laws concerning drug prevention, women’s rights, and the responsibilities of the Barangay Local Government Unit.
Police Corporal Nelson O. Dulay, PCAD NCO of 2NSPMFC, underscored the significance of Project R.E.A.D.Y. and the BIDA program in combatting drug-related issues within the community. “These projects represent standard preventive information and education programs that align with the PNP’s demand reduction strategy aimed at addressing and eradicating the drug menace within our community,” said Police Corporal Dulay.
In a similar vein, 1st Lt. Joyce Ann L. Bayron, the Civil-Military Operations Officer of 20IB, emphasized the collective responsibility of the Barangay Local Government Unit and the community in maintaining peace and order. “Peace and order is a shared responsibility. For 54 years, insurgency has been a problem in our society. We should not allow the Communist Terrorist Groups to resume their disruptive activities in our barangay. Let us work together to end the deceitful actions of our brothers and sisters who are still misled. Through unity, we can achieve long-lasting peace and true progress for the next generations,” Bayron added.
The community expressed gratitude for the efforts of the PLEDS Cluster in promoting peace and order. Barangay Chairperson Acerey M. Dulay expressed optimism about future development, particularly highlighting the forthcoming PhP2.5-million farm-to-market road project, under the Support to Barangay Development Program FY 2024. The said project aimed at enhancing connectivity and benefiting residents, particularly students.
The event concluded with a reaffirmation of support from the community towards the security forces, acknowledging their role in ensuring peace and order.
