House Speaker Martin Romualdez (Facebook)

House Speaker Martin Romualdez prodded the members of the Regional Peace and Order Council in Region VIII (RPOC-8) to work together for a safer and more prosperous Eastern Visayas through collaborative decision-making. 

The leader of the 311-strong lower chamber made this call during the 3rd quarterly meeting of the RPOC-8, which he described as crucial in maintaining peace and order order in the region. 

Romualdez hails from Tacloban City, Leyte. He represents the province's 1st district in Philippine Congress. 

“Our convening today underscores our shared commitment to addressing the most pressing concerns of our region, from the state of criminality and peace and order to the challenges of drug-related issues and insurgency. Such issues not only impact Region VIII but reverberate throughout our nation,” Romualdez said. 

“Gen. Vincent Calanoga, RD Edgar Jubay, and Gen. Camilo Ligayo, the insights and updates you provide today serve as a bedrock upon which we base our decisions and strategies. Our objective remains clear: a safer, more prosperous, and united Region VIII,” he added. 

The Lakas-Christian Muslim Democrats (Lakas-CMD) president further said that as leaders, every resolution dialogue and strategy the council deploys has real-world implications. 

“The aspirations of our families, the dreams of our youth, and the well-being of our communities hinge upon our decisions,” he stressed. 

“Furthermore, the significance of gatherings such as the Regional Peace and Order Council meeting cannot be understated. It is an embodiment of collaborative decision-making, a deep understanding of regional dynamics, and an unwavering commitment to the allocation of resources where they are most needed,” he further said. 

“Let us approach today's discussions with empathy, foresight, and determination. Together, let's shape a future where peace, order, and prosperity are not just ideals but realities for every resident of Eastern Visayas," Romualdez said. 

The RPOC is the government’s platform for stronger collaboration of the local government unit (LGU) with law enforcement agencies and the community to fight criminality, illegal drugs, insurgency, and violent extremism. 

It is composed of governors, mayors of highly urbanized cities, presidents of the Leagues of Municipalities, one representative of the mayors of the CC, regional counterparts of the departments, offices and agencies included in the National POC, the commander of the Armed Forces of the Philippine (AFP) Infantry Division, and three accredited civil service organizations (CSOs). 

The council is chaired by the Speaker’s first cousin, Tacloban City Mayor Alfred Romualdez, with the regional director of Philippine National Police (PNP) and AFP Infantry Division Commander as co-vice chairpersons.