Local government units in Camotes Islands expressed their gratitude to the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) for pouring in infrastructure projects in their area which has improved the services for the community.

In his recent visit to Camotes Island, DILG-7 Director Leocadio Trovela checked on the progress and status of completed and ongoing projects funded by the Department thru its Assistance to Municipalities (AM) and Performance Challenge Fund (PCF) programs.

Municipality of Tudela Mayor Greman Solante showed to Trovela the completed the road concreting project at the Gomez Street, Northern and Southern Poblacion in Municipality of Tudela. He said the project has significantly put so much convenience to the riding public and improved the access to the covered barangays. 

The said project, worth P6.5 million under the AM program of the DILG, is already 100 percent completed and liquidated. 

Trovela, together with Mayor Solante and MLGOO Lovi de la Cruz, also visited the town’s Passenger Terminal at the Hagutapay Wharf in Barangay Puertobello.

The P2-million terminal project is under the Performance Challenge Fund 2017 received as Tudela’s incentive for being an Awardee of Seal of Good Local Governance (SGLG) in 2017.  It’s currently 98 percent complete. 

Meanwhile, Trovela also paid a courtesy visit to San Francisco Mayor Alfredo Arquillano Jr. and Pilar Mayor Manuel Santiago. 

Trovela and DILG Cebu Province Director Jhoaden Lucero were in Camotes Island for the unveiling of historical markers in the towns of Pilar, Poro and San Francisco last April 6, 2021. 

The unveiling was part of the commemoration of the Quincentennial anniversary of the world’s first circumnavigation led by Ferdinand Magellan. 

As partner to the historical event, Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG)-7 Director Leocadio Trovela and DILG Cebu Provincial Director Jhoaden Lucero gave their full support to the unveiling of the historical markers in Camotes Island on Tuesday, April 6, as part of the commemoration of the Quincentennial anniversary of the world’s first circumnavigation. 

The unveiling of historical markers was led by the Office of the Presidential Assistant for the Visayas (OPAV) on behalf of the National Quincentennial  Committee. 

Together with local officials, Trovela and Lucero graced the unveiling ceremonies in three municipalities in Camotes Island—Pilar, Poro and San Francisco, which were said to be part of the route of Ferdinand Magellan’s expedition before arriving in Mactan Island, Cebu 500 years ago.

In Pilar, Mayor Manuel Santiago, Undersecretary Anthony Gerard Gonzales, Trovela and DepEd’s Marilyn Andales unveiled the historical landmark at 9 a.m in front of Pilar’s municipal hall. 

Later in the afternoon, the landmark in the Municipality of Poro located at Mactang Public Beach Barangay Esperanza was unveiled. Poro Mayor Edgar G. Rama delivered his acceptance speech virtually since he’s currently on isolation.

The day capped with the unveiling of historical marker  in the Municipality of San Francisco, right across the municipal hall, which was spearheaded by San Francisco Mayor Alfredo Arquillano Jr.

The importance of conserving water amid the growing population, impacts of climate change and the increasing demands of agriculture and industry, got the emphasis in a virtual event hosted by the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG)-7 on Friday, March 26, 2021.

In support of the advocacy of water conservation, regional office conducted the Inter-SRO Infographs Competition which highlighted the World Water Day 2021: Disiplinado sa Impormasyon sa Tubig virtual event. 

DILG Cebu Province racked up the highest score from six judges to win first place coupled with a P5,000 cash prize. DILG Siquijor and Cebu City placed second and third and won P3,000 and P2,000, respectively. 

LGCDD Chief Maria Thelya Oporto spearheaded the online awarding.

The activity mainly promoted water conservation and showed support to the achievement of Sustainable Development Goal (SGD) 6: water and sanitation for all by 2030.

“Even in this time of the pandemic, I encourage everyone to promote and practice the conservation of water, that we can protect ourselves from COVID-19 by frequently practicing hygienic measures such as proper handwashing and at the same time conserving this valuable resource,” read part of the message of Regional Director Leocadio Trovela delivered by LGMED Chief Atty. Ian Kenneth Lucero. 

“There is an urgent need to minimize the water wastage which is brought about by the overuse and mismanagement of water despite its scarce supply,” it added. 

Resource speaker, Edna Inocando, MCWD’s Public Information Division Manager, shared to participants the ways and alternatives of conserving water including her insights on the water crisis.  

“For us in MCWD, we value water very much considering that it is our mandate to provide safe potable water and protecting the water sewage system in Cebu,” she said. 

The morning activity was part of the back-to-back program in line with the Department’s relaunch of the Disiplina Muna advocacy.