ILOILO CITY – Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Benjamin “Benhur” Abalos Jr. is in Western Visayas for a two-day visit to discuss the national development plan with local chief executives (LCEs).
Abalos’ visit, which started in the regional capital of Iloilo City on Wednesday, Jan. 18, is in line with the role of DILG in the new five-year Philippine Development Plan.
“This will center on the DILG’s thrust to improve economic strategies, social transformation, and peace and order of local government units,” said DILG-6 regional director Juan Jovian Ingeniero.
Aside from LCEs, Abalos will also meet key officials of national government agencies to ensure close coordination with local government units in Aklan, Antique, Capiz, Guimaras, Iloilo, and Negros Occidental provinces as well as the highly urbanized cities of Iloilo and Bacolod.
Abalos also had a closed door meeting with the Regional Management Coordinating Council (RMCC-6) composed of DILG line agencies such as the Philippine National Police (PNP), Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP), and the Philippine Public Safety College (PPSC).
In a meeting with the RMCC-6, Abalos emphasized his peace and order agenda focusing on the government’s call to fight against illegal drugs.
Abalos checked the status of the construction of the new DILG-6 regional office in Santa Barbara town, Iloilo province.