BARLIG, Mt. Province: Barlig town needs an award of appreciation!
A council of elder in a conversation divulged that as the most peaceful town in the province, the local government should at least be recognized for the peace and order maintained by the people, “and yet no concerned agencies take note.”
Culturally, Barlig folks are happy, peace-loving and industrious whose lifeways are patterned from their ancestor’s way of life who fought against outside forces that disturbed their routinary-enjoyed livelihood.
On February 11, 2015, the Barlig Association of Barangay Captains headed then by David Osborn Fomocod, unanimously passed Resolution No. 01, s. 2015 , addressed to Ka Magno Udyao, spokesperson of Leonardo Pacsi Command of the New Peoples Army stationed at Mountain Province “Denouncing any member of the Communist Party of the Philippines/ National Democratic Front/New Peoples Army (CPP/NDF/NPA) from engaging in transactions with the different barangay residents of the town”
The association affirmed that since time immemorial, the municipality of Barlig enjoyed a harmonious peace since the time it became an independent municipality in 1996.
On November 27, 2017, the Barlig Sangguniang Bayan promulgated Resolution No. 99,s 2017, duly approved by then Mayor Genesis Changilan ‘Condemning the Extreme Act of CPP/NDF/NPA that included the municipality of Barlig”. The Resolution read: “The continuing interference of CPP/NDF/NPA within the territorial jurisdiction of Mountain Province at ‘East Chico Line’ affect our municipality being frequented by armed people creates fear among the populace on their terroristic activities”
On August 27, 2019, Resolution No. 28, s. 2019, under the present leadership of Mayor Clark Ngaya “Declaring the CPP/NDF/NPA including terrorist groups as ‘Persona Non-Grata’ within the municipality of Barlig” was issued.
In compliance with Presidential Executive Order No. 70, Mayor Ngaya organized the Municipal Task Force to end Local Communist Armed Conflict (MTF-ELCAC), to efficiently implement the “Whole-of-Nation approach (WNA)for sustainable peace in all barangays of Barlig.
“Barlig, a fast growing tourist destination which will be a progressive town upon the completion of all-weather national road must not be disturbed by doubtful futuristic principles,” chorused professionals of the town.
A village headman attested, “We live a simple, contended indigenous way of life. Just leave us manage the peace we know in our ancestral domain. However, we pray fervently that they come down to enjoy peace with a loved one, family and friends as we only live but once.”
Then he whispered, “Is this not a merit of good governance on house-keeping?” he meaningfully ended.
By DIONNE CHUNGALAN
