Zamboanga Sibugay Activates Provincial Communication System as OPAPRU Chief Galvez Visits Province
IPIL, Zamboanga Sibugay — Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity (OPAPRU) Secretary Carlito G. Galvez Jr. visited Zamboanga Sibugay on Thursday to lead the activation of the Provincial Communication System, underscoring the vital role of reliable communication in disaster response, peacebuilding, and public safety.
The activation highlighted the importance of a stable communication network, particularly during emergencies when cellular phone signals often fluctuate or fail. A roll call of various law enforcement and response agencies across Zamboanga Sibugay was conducted using the newly activated system, led by Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) Chief Rodel Tubigon.
The activity was made possible through the support of the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), headed by Mark Ruelson Gacutan, PTV-Mindanao Head Engineer Emmanuel Sucgang. During the demonstration, Tubigon successfully established radio contact not only within Zamboanga Sibugay but also with neighboring provinces Zamboanga del Sur and Zamboanga del Norte, as well as Zamboanga City and Pagadian City, showcasing the capability of the communication box to connect with handheld radios across jurisdictions.
Secretary Galvez lauded the initiative, describing the system as a reliable and innovative tool that can ensure uninterrupted information flow, especially during calamities and crisis situations.
Alongside the system activation, communication gadgets were distributed to the Local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Offices (LDRRMOs) of the 16 municipalities of Zamboanga Sibugay. Governor Ann K. Hofer said the equipment distribution was fully funded by the Provincial Local Government Unit (PLGU), reaffirming the province’s commitment to disaster preparedness and response.
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The visit also featured the ceremonial signing of the Local Memorandum of Agreement (LMOA) for the Localizing Normalization Implementation (LNI) Program, as well as the presentation of turned-over loose firearms, marking another milestone in the province’s peace and security efforts.
Among those present during the program were Undersecretary David B. Diciano, Presidential Assistant for Bangsamoro Transformation; Lt. Gen. Donald Guimaran, PA, Commander of the Western Mindanao Command; PBGen Edwin A. Quilates, Regional Director of Police Regional Office 9; MGen Yegor Rey P. Barroquillo Jr., PA, Commander of the 1st Infantry Division; PCOL Barnard Daniel V. Dasugo, Provincial Director of the Zamboanga Sibugay Police Provincial Office; LTC Ezrael M. Oloan, Commanding Officer of the 106th Infantry Battalion; FCSUPT Jerry D. Candido, Regional Director of the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP); FSUPT Jacqueline S. Ortega, Provincial Fire Marshal of Zamboanga Sibugay; Riduan P. Hadjimuddin, CESO III, Regional Director of DSWD-OCD Region IX; Efren C. Andujar, President of the MDGH-1 MDRRMO ZS LDRRMOs Inc.; Vice Governor Richard Olegario, members of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan, and mayors of the different municipalities.
In his message, MGen Barroquillo reflected on the province’s progress, recalling his time as Battalion Commander of the 44th Infantry Battalion, when Zamboanga Sibugay experienced frequent security incidents. He noted the significant improvement in peace and order conditions compared to the present.
Governor Hofer expressed gratitude to Secretary Galvez for his long-awaited visit, recalling that she first invited him two years ago during a chance meeting on a flight. She said the province continues to pursue sustainable peace through strong governance and collaboration, and invited the OPAPRU chief to return for the launching of the Zamboanga Sibugay Command Center, scheduled between April and May.
Secretary Galvez, for his part, invited the governor and municipal mayors to visit his office in Manila and encouraged them to prepare and submit development and peace-building proposals for 2027, signaling continued national government support for the province’s initiatives.
