Bicol peace and order possible through poverty eradication

By Ernie Delgado

LEGAZPI CITY --- Achieving a peaceful and orderly situation in the Bicol region relies on eradicating extreme poverty, rather than solely on law enforcement and anti-crime operations, the newly-appointed chair of the Regional Peace and Order Council (RPOC) said on December 2.

In his speech at his first meeting with members of the Regional Peace and Order Council (RPOC), Camarines Sur Governor Luis Raymund Villafuerte Jr. emphasized the link between poverty and crime.

“Our mission goes far beyond preventing crime. Our mission is to defeat poverty because poverty is where fear grows, crime is born, and dreams are lost,” he said.

According to official statistics from 2023, nearly 30 out of every 100 individuals in Bicol live below the poverty line, which often drives many to commit crimes for survival.

The Bicol Regional Development Plan aims to reduce poverty incidence among the population to 18 percent by the end of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s term in 2028.

Villafuerte also noted that a peaceful and orderly community is essential for prosperity, explaining that peace directly contributes to increased prosperity.

“Kapag mapayapa ang Bicol, bumubukas ang negosyo, dumadami ang turista, pumapasok ang investors, jobs are created, communities become vibrant, and every child learns to dream bigger,” he said.

(When Bicol is peaceful, businesses thrive, tourism increases, investors come, jobs are created, communities become vibrant, and every child learns to dream bigger.)

Villafuerte requested the support of national agencies, local governments, and civil society groups as he leads the RPOC in Bicol.

“I cannot do this alone. Hindi ito tungkulin ng isang tao. Hindi ito kayang buhatin ng isang ahensya. This vision can only be realized if we stand together,” he said.

(This is not the responsibility of a single person. It cannot be shouldered by just one agency.)

He expressed confidence in receiving support from various organizations, including the Armed Forces of the Philippines, the Philippine National Police, the National Intelligence Coordinating Agency, the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency, the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology, the Bureau of Fire Protection, the Philippine Coast Guard, other government agencies, local government units, the private sector, and “every Bicolano who desires a safer, stronger, and united region.”

Villafuerte expressed his gratitude to President Marcos for appointing him as the RPOC head.

“I am deeply grateful for this trust, and even more inspired to serve our region with renewed passion and purpose,” he added. (PIA Bicol)