TIAONG, Quezon – This town was officially declared insurgency-free on Wednesday, turning a new chapter from its long history of being “ground zero” to clashes between the military and communist rebels.
Town officials made the declaration in ceremonies held at the Villa Escudero Plantation.
In his speech, Mayor Vincent Arjay Mea said his town will finally have a shot at progress even if it still lacks industrial sites to attract investors
"A few years ago, the town of Tiaong was not even worth mentioning, believed to be infested with insurgents, which perhaps contributed to its slow development," said Mea.
He recalled that his first order of business after being elected mayor in the 2022 election was to usher in economic development.
The mayor said he has been enticing entrepreneurs from Metro Manila to invest in his town and its people.
Additionally, the local government is developing potential tourist spots in town, including Ticub Lake in Barangay San Pedro.
In the next few months, a giant industrial factory will be built in town, Mea noted.
To attract more investors, he said his office has beefed up the town’s security by providing four mobile patrol cars and motorcycles to augment the police force's capabilities.
During the ceremonies, Brig. Gen. Carlito Gaces, director of the Police Regional Office 4A (Calabarzon), lauded Mea's efforts to make Tiaong more competitive and prosperous.
"The Tiaong local government is constantly supportive of all the PNP's (Philippine National Police) peace and order campaigns and we are particularly proud to say they truly deserve this certification of being insurgency-free," Gaces said in his speech.
Meanwhile, the occasion was also attended by Southern Tagalog Police Commander, Lt. Gen. Rhoderick Armamento, Quezon Police Director, Col. Ledon Monte, Tiaong Vice Mayor Roderick Umali and the town councilors.
Tiaong Councilor Eugene Lopez represented Gov. Angelina Tan in the activity. (PNA)
