Commencement of the 58th Araw ng Lanao del Norte

Governor Imelda Quibranza-Dimaporo does her part in taking care of the environment

TUBOD, Lanao del Norte, June 29 – The 58th Araw ng Lanao del Norte commences on this day where elected officials of the province gathered in Mt. Torong-Torong in Pigcarangan to celebrate the Environment Day and mark the first activity of the weeklong festivity. The programme started when Board Members, Hon. Gracille I. Matalines and Hon. Abdul Harris U. Ali blessed the occasion representing the Christians and Muslims respectively. Vice Governor Maria Christina N. Atay welcomed all guests and elected government officials of the province including 2nd District Representative, Congressman Abdullah Dimakuta Dimaporo. Vice Governor Atay encourage everyone present in the occasion to do our part in taking care of our environment.

Provincial Governor Imelda Quibranza-Dimaporo thanked the officials of the Armed Forces of the Philippines who have served in Lanao del Norte, General Gilberto Gapay, who is currently assigned in Eastern Mindanao Command answered the invitation in spite of his busy schedule also Colonel Leomar Jose M. Doctolero who is now assigned in Capiz and Lieutenant Colonel Audie Mongao for the support given particularly to the Especial Mass Based Program (EMBP) of Governor Dimaporo during his tenancy in the province. Lt.Col. Doctolero and Lt.Col. Mongao along with other military officials received plaques of appreciation from the Provincial Government for their contribution in the peace & order, and development of Lanao del Norte together with the recognition received by the different civic organizations, private individuals, business sector and government officials.

2nd District Congressman Abdullah Dimakuta Dimaporo humbly accepts the Plaque of Recognition handed to him by the Provincial Governor same with 1st District Congressman Mohamad Khalid Quibranza-Dimaporo who was not present to personally received the acknowledgment for their significant contribution to the development of Lanao del Norte and the various programs they have created for the people of the province. Governor Imelda Quibranza-Dimaporo proudly mentioned the near opening of the new Provincial Hospital in Kapatagan, project of 1st District Congressman Mohamad Khalid Quibranza-Dimaporo that started during his term as the Governor of the Province.

Congressman Abdullah Dimakuta Dimaporo mentioned in his speech about sustainable forest reserve, a concept by him and Governor Imelda Quibranza-Dimaporo. In sustainable forest reserve, people are encouraged to plant hardwood trees along with gmelina, falcata and calliandra for sustainable livelihood. Gmelina and falcata can be cut down after 8 years while calliandra can be cut annually to make firewood or charcoal that can be exported to Japan leaving the hardwood to grow for years. Congressman Abdullah also plans to plant fruit trees and flowers in the reserve and soon he likes to bring in number of deer in the area when fenced to spawn and when the number multiplies it can be transformed into a game reserve for deer hunting. Congressman Abdullah and Governor Imelda believe that this project is profitable to the province and could provide livelihood to the people expecting tourists to come and experience the place for themselves.

DENR X Regional Director, Edwin B. Andot reveals the plan of the Ridge to Reef program, from the Municipality of Nunungan to Panguil Bay. He also discussed about the Kapatagan Valley Development Project. RD Andot partnered with the provincial government and local municipalities for the implementation of the programs of DENR. Preservation of our water sources is very essential for the province to prosper. “Securing the sources of water is securing the life of the people”, said RD Andot. Congressman Abdullah and RD Andot have discussed plans a joint project that will be considered as one of their legacies as public servants.

Environment Management Bureau-X Regional Director, Dr. Sabadullah C. Abubacar guaranteed that the coal fired power plant in Kauswagan will be monitored under the watchful eye of the bureau in strict compliance of the environmental law for the safety of the people of the province. Dr. Abubacar said that the power plant will be monitored on-line by his office and considered to install a monitoring system for the Provincial Government of Lanao del Norte.

General Gilberto Gapay was happy to be back in Lanao del Norte. He sees the fast development of the province. The roads have improved and the schools have increased according to General Gapay. The AFP is always committed to the security of Lanao del Norte. It is always ready to repel any security threats from terrorist group or rebels, the General said.

Governor Imelda is thankful to the Muslim Municipal Mayors of the Province for their assurance that no terrorist group will be allowed to take refuge in their town even if they are related by blood. The lady Governor said, “We should not be afraid of this terrorist group but we have to be vigilant at all times, I will not let this (attack) happen to Lanao del Norte”. Calling all Mayors of the province to set aside political differences and work together for the good of the people of Lanao del Norte. It is the people who will suffer if we do not work together and cooperate with the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Philippine National Police added the Governor.

During the recent Provincial Peace and Order Council meeting, Lieutenant Colonel Ericson Rosana of the 15IB, 3ID have assured the Governor that the AFP in Lanao del Norte have taken necessary measures to keep the province safe and secure especially in the celebration of the 58th Araw ng Lanao del Norte. The Philippine National Police have also intensified its presence in all municipalities of the province, setting up additional checkpoints is one of the necessary measures designed by the AFP and PNP to discourage terrorists in executing their plans in bringing terror to the people. The AFP and PNP coordinated with the Provincial Civil Security Unit in providing security within and around Mindanao Civic Center Sports Complex where all activities during the celebration are held.

In this first activity the much anticipated part of the program is the presentation of the candidates of Miss Lanao del Norte 2017. The lovely candidates from Tagoloan, Kauswagan, Lala, Kolambugan, Sapad, Sultan Naga Dimaporo, Salvador, Poona Piagapo, Tubod, Bacolod, Matungao, Magsaysay, Nunungan, Maigo and Kapatagan confidently introduced themselves in front of the crowd and the officials of the provincial government. These fifteen candidates are vying for the prestigious crown to be named Miss Lanao del Norte 2017 in Mindanao Civic Center Gymnasium on July 2 at 2:00 in the afternoon.

Before ending the programme proper, Hon. Reinario B. Bihag, Board Member of the 1st District expressed his gratitude in behalf of the Provincial Government of Lanao del Norte to the partner agencies, guests and to the provincial government employees who showed support to all the programs for the development of Lanao del Norte.

Governor Imelda Quibranza-Dimaporo and 2nd District Congressman Abdullah Dimakuta Dimaporo lead the tree planting activity which highlights the Environment Day together with the guests, candidates and government officials in Mt. Torong-Torong in the area overlooking the breathtaking scenery of Panguil Bay. (PIO-LDN)