Leyte guv supports ordinance to oversee conduct of countryside outreach programs, research missions, other activities

By Provincial Media Relations Center
June 10, 2011

TACLOBAN CITY  –  Leyte Governor Carlos Jericho Petilla expressed full support to the recently passed ordinance by Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Leyte that provides guidelines in the conduct of outreach activities in the countryside of the province, especially those in remote barangays.

Gov. Petilla said this is to ensure the safety of individuals, groups or organizations who may wish to conduct any kind of community outreach activities and so that proper authorities may be informed of their presence and personalities to avoid mistaken identification.

Incident such as the alleged encounter between the members of the Philippine Army and famous botanist Dr. Leonardo Co and his team last year in the mountains of Kananga, Leyte placed a dent in the province’s efforts in packaging Leyte as an economic hub and prime tourism destination.

This was among the reason cited in the discussion by the board members in passing and approving Ordinance No. 2011-02 to avoid a similar incident in the future.

The ordinance provides that “any individual, agency or organization or sponsor planning to conduct outreach activities through community services, research, economic development program, leisure activities and fact-finding missions within the territorial jurisdiction of the Province of Leyte, shall inform in writing the Office of the Mayor of the forthcoming activity at least 15 days before the effectivity thereof.”

The ordinance likewise provides for the submission of mandatory information that include among others, the sponsoring agency or organization, the names and number of participants with their addresses and contact numbers, the specific location or venue of the activity, the rationale of the activity, and the duration of the mission or outreach activity.