Iligan City was honored to welcome officials from the DSWD Central Office, led by Usec Alan Tanjusay and Asec Arnel Garcia, along with RD Ramel Jamen from DSWD X. They were here to extend livelihood programs to Indigenous Peoples (IPs) who were formerly associated with Abu Sayyaf and the NPA. This initiative, endorsed by their head, Senator Rex Gatchalian, is part of their ongoing commitment to inclusive and sustainable peace.
During their visit, I shared with them the positive news that Iligan City has no recent records or sightings of rebel groups, making our city a safe haven for those coming from Lanao del Sur and Norte. It has been over a year since we had any surrenderees, a testament to our city’s safety and security. Nevertheless, Asec and Usec reaffirmed their support to augment our efforts with the City Peace and Order Council (CPOC) to provide necessary assistance, integration, and rehabilitation for those in need.
The officials remarked, “Maganda yung Iligan, although surrounded by mountains, maganda yung security, you were not attacked, mas nauna pa yung Marawi.” Their appreciation for our city’s security and resilience is truly heartening.
In addition to their primary mission, the DSWD officials also took time to visit our iconic Maria Cristina Falls. While the falls are currently closed to the public due to ongoing landslide risks, we were granted special access, including a tour of the powerplant. I am pleased to announce that the LGU is already planning the rehabilitation of the area, including the construction of a new viewing deck to safely accommodate visitors in the future.
We are grateful for the support and initiatives brought by the DSWD Central Office. Together, we are committed to building a peaceful and prosperous future for all residents of Iligan City.
