BANGUED, Abra (PIA) — Nine provincial councils of Abra were reconstituted during a joint meeting on January 30, 2025 at the Provincial Capitol.
The meeting presided by Acting Governor Atty. Russell Bragas reorganized the Provincial Peace and Order Council (PPOC), Provincial Anti-Drug Abuse Council (PADAC), Provincial Task Force in Ending Local Communist Armed Conflict (PTF-ELCAC), Provincial Development Council (PDC), Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC), Provincial Health Board (PHB), Provincial School Board (PSB), Provincial Solid Waste Management Board (PSWMB), and the Provincial Council for the Protection of Children (PCPC).
“I am very happy now that at least we can start the ball rolling by reconstituting all these local policy-making bodies,” Bragas remarked.
Each council reported its accomplishments, issues and concerns, and plans and targets for 2025. Council heads also presented their committees and the members.
Among the highlights of the discussions are the peace and order situation particularly public safety, anti-illegal drugs programs such as the implementation of the drug-free workplace, and the disaster risk reduction and management fund investment plan.
The Provincial Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict also tackled projects under the Support to Barangay Development Program and Retooled Community Support Program.
Health updates and reminders on the immunization program, community-based deworming, monitoring of health and other health-related cases, and the blood donation program were also presented.
Provincial Health Officer Dr. Maria Cristina Cabrera added that the province has passed most of the health indicators of the Department of Health (DOH).
Provincial DOH head Dr. Lilibeth Martin also urged the officials to support the implementation of the Universal Healthcare Law. As of January 28, 2025, Abra is still at 66.7 percent maturity level under the organizational level and 45 percent in terms of functionality.
Meanwhile, the body also looked into the solid waste management of the province, the accreditation of the Provincial Anti-Drug Action Plan, and the different programs and services for children particularly preparations for the upcoming Cordillera Administrative Region Athletic Association Meet in Benguet on February 23-28, 2025.
The second quarter meeting of different Provincial Councils is set in April this year. (JJMT, PIA-CAR, Abra)