MikeLigalig.com

“Follow the example of Bohol”, President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo made this statement when she visited Samar recently.

The President cited the experience of Bohol, as she urged the people and local officials of the three Samar provinces to get cracking on the peace and order problem in the whole island.

Government development projects would not be enough to eradicate poverty unless the communist insurgency in the area is defeated, just like the way Bohol did with their insurgency problem.

The experience of Bohol, which used to be shunned by tourists because of the then prevailing communist insurgency in that province, has now become one of the tourist destination in the country. Good roads will not bring in tourists unless the NPA is defeated, as tourists want to be fully assured of their safety, the president added.

The president stressed that it was the dedication of its local leaders, in partnership with the military and the constituents of Bohol, that drove and defeated the communist rebels.

She even acknowledged this effort during her State of the Nation Address or SONA last July.

Bohol Gov. Erico Aumentado and AFP 302nd Infantry Brigade commander Gen. Juanito Gomez were given a round of applause in that SONA address.

The President underscored the need for Samarenos to work closely with the military and police to restore peace and order to pave the way for real progress and challenged its leaders -- from the congressmen, governors, board members, mayors down to the barangay officials -- to work as a team for the progress of the whole island.

"Samar is waiting to be found as a tourist destination," but first the NPA has to be defeated, she added further.

Published on Oct 15, 2006 by The Bohol Standard Newspaper

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