19th Nat'l Crime Prevention Week celeb kicks-off in Butuan, stakeholders converge efforts

By Jennifer P. Gaitano

BUTUAN CITY, Sept. 2 -  As the 19th National Crime Prevention Week kicked-off on Monday with this year's theme "Malasakit Mo ay Kailangan upang Krimen ay Maiwasan," government employees, local officials and partner stakeholders gathered at the Provincial Capitol Covered Court, this city for the flag ceremony and short program.

Right after the program, stakeholders then participated in the motorcade around the city thoroughfares to intensify information awareness to the general public.

In his message, Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG)-Agusan del Norte Provincial Director Romeo Solis stressed that as per Memorandum Circular issued by DILG Sec. Mar Roxas, all government agencies should implement programs and services to combat against crimes in the locality.

Agusan del Norte Gov. Ma. Angelica Amante-Matba emphasized in her message that it is a privilege working in the government service. "Serving the public sincerely will truly contribute peace to everyone," she said.

DILG-Caraga Regional Director Lilibeth Famacion also highlighted that crime prevention is everybody's concern. "All sectors must work together harmoniously to attain peace and development. On the side of the government, its programs, projects and services should reach the people in the communities especially in remote areas to make them feel that we in government service really care for them," she said.

Butuan City Mayor Ferdinand Amante Jr also shared that to contribute to the continuous crime prevention, "we should be vigilant on the things happening around us, never tolerate any situation that would lead to committing crime and that we see to it that we do not become accessories to any crime."

Also, PSSupt Eugenio Paguirigan, PNP-Agusan del Norte Provincial Director led the ceremonial whistle-blowing as sign that all government entities and partner stakeholders are committed to share its responsibilities in crime prevention.

Meanwhile, Gov. Matba received the check worth P5-Million from DILG-Caraga Regional Dir. Famacion, DILG-Agusan del Norte Provl Dir. Solis thru its PAyapa at MAsaganang PamayaNAn (PAMANA) funds, and witnessed by Agusan del Norte Vice Gov. Ramon Bungabong.

It was also learned that series of activities are lined-up this week that will be participated by various sectors. (JPG/PIA-Caraga)