GASAN, Marinduque — All six municipalities of Marinduque have officially achieved Stable Internal Peace and Security (SIPS) status, following a series of declarations and the signing of Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) held earlier this November in the town of Gasan.
The milestone signifies the completion of a provincewide transition toward a safer, more secure, and development-ready environment. With Boac, Santa Cruz, Mogpog, Buenavista, Torrijos, and now Gasan validated as free from internal security threats, Marinduque has reached a unified SIPS classification for the first time.
The SIPS declarations were formalized through MOA signings between the municipal governments, the Provincial Government of Marinduque, the 201st Infantry Brigade of the Philippine Army, the Philippine Coast Guard, the Marinduque Police Provincial Office, the Department of the Interior and Local Government, the Bureau of Fire Protection, civil society groups, and various community stakeholders.
Army Official Highlights Importance of Vigilance and Partnership
Colonel Francis P. Carandang, Deputy Brigade Commander of the 201st Infantry Brigade, underscored the value of maintaining a peaceful and secure environment. He called on residents to remain vigilant and strengthen their partnership with government agencies in sustaining law and order.
Carandang also assured the public of the continued support of the 201st Infantry Brigade and the 85th Infantry Battalion, especially in programs that promote peace, security, and community development.
Local Leaders Celebrate Collective Achievement
In Boac, Mayor Armi DC. Carrion described the SIPS attainment as a triumph shared by the entire community.
“Ang ating pagkamit ng Stable Internal Peace and Security ay hindi lamang tagumpay ng ating pamahalaan, kundi tagumpay ng bawat mamamayan ng Boac. Ito ay bunga ng ating sama-samang pagsisikap at pagkakaisa,” she said, adding that the challenge now is to uphold and strengthen the peace gained through active collaboration from all sectors.
Santa Cruz Mayor Marisa Red-Martinez likewise highlighted the role of unity in sustaining progress, saying “Sa tulong ng pagkakaisa at pagtutulungan, sama-sama po nating isusulong ang isang ligtas, mapayapa at mas maunlad na Santa Cruz.”
Province Eyes Growth and Investment Opportunities
Marinduque Vice Governor Romulo A. Bacorro Jr. emphasized that the successful provincewide completion of the SIPS status marks a significant step toward long-term development.
“Ang deklarasyon ng Stable Internal Peace and Security sa lahat ng anim na bayan ng Marinduque ay patunay ng ating pagkakaisa para sa kapayapaan at kaunlaran. Mas bukas na ngayon ang pintuan para sa mga oportunidad na magdadala ng pag-asa at kabuhayan sa bawat pamilya. Sama-sama nating itaguyod ang isang lalawigang ligtas, maunlad, at mapayapa,” Bacorro said.
Provincial officials noted that Marinduque’s unified SIPS status is expected to boost investor confidence, expand social and livelihood programs, and strengthen community resilience.
They added that the designation enhances the province’s capacity to attract investments, broaden government services, and accelerate development initiatives at the barangay and municipal levels. -- (PIA-Marinduque) Marinduquenews.com
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