Ilocos Norte’s Marcos cited ‘top performing governor’

LAOAG CITY -- The Department of Interior and Local Government cited Gov. Imee R. Marcos on top of an honor list containing 10 governors, highlighting their support against illegal drugs.  

 "They have proven to be very good administrators and very good governors," said DILG Sec. Ismael Sueno, adding the list was based not only on effects of the governors' anti-drug programs and operations, but rather on holistic evaluation of provincial security, including disaster preparedness, transparent governance, and business competitiveness.

 "The first requisite of development is peace and order," Gov. Marcos had said in her 2015 State of the Province Address. In the past year, she strengthened PGIN's partnership with the Ilocos Norte Police Provincial Office (INPPO), headed by Acting Provincial Director Senior Supt. Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr., by building personnel and logistics capability and empowering the Ilocano community for crime prevention and reporting.

 This citation follows the Plaque of Merit for being the Most Outstanding Local Government Unit presented to Gov. Marcos during the 115^th Police Service Anniversary of the Philippine National Police last August 17.

 "Here in Ilocos Norte, the PGIN has been very supportive, very active.. actually, proactive, kasi siya na mismo ang nagpu-push. Siya na mismo ang nagbibigay ng idea… and ini-implement namin," shared Nartatez.

 He enumerated support extended by provincial government to INPPO, such as motorcycle donations, firepower, protective gear, search-and-rescue equipment, and most recently, the provision of a K-9 unit of three dogs capable of sniffing out illegal drugs and firearms.

Also cited was KALASAG program, which stands for Kabataan Laban sa Droga, organized in close partnership with the Ilocos Norte Youth Office (INYO).

The PNP lauded Gov. Marcos' efforts to pool development from the cultural and business sectors, collaborating them for a holistic approach to community security and progress in Ilocos Norte.

 In the past eight months, the average weekly street crime incidence in Ilocos Norte has fallen from 15 to seven, sometimes reaching as low as two in a week, according to the INPPO.

 Nartatez said that it is such indicators that led to "the pronouncement of the DILG that Governor Imee is the top performing governor in the entire Philippines."

 "We want to lengthen our lead in all areas… education, culture, and job creation," Gov. Marcos said, emphasizing the ultimate goal of inclusive and holistic development.—Mizpah Grace G. Castro