MAIGO, LANAO DEL NORTE, Mar. 21 — In its continuous effort to sustain peace and development, bring government services to communities, and cultivate the culture of citizen participation in local governance, the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) in Lanao del Norte, together with the Municipality of Maigo, spearheaded the conduct of a joint flag raising.

With the desire to bring the key officials, stakeholders, and people together, Provincial Director Bruce Augusto Colao has intensified the cause, bringing the flag diplomacy not only to the interior municipalities of the province but also to coastal municipalities.

Bridging the efforts from one municipality to another

PD Colao explained that the joint flag-raising was first brought to the interior municipalities of the province with Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) communities to influence peace and solidarity. Moreover, he highlighted that the initiative is a manifestation that the Department involves neighboring localities and communities of the province.

“The main goal of having the joint flag raising is not only to show respect to our national flag but also to bring people together, for unity to always resonate regardless of our differences in our beliefs and principles,” said PD Colao.

The successful conduct of the joint flag raising was graced by Provincial Governor Imelda Quibranza Dimaporo and Vice Governor Allan J. Lim. The presence of provincial key officials signifies strong support of the provincial government as the supervising authority to the municipalities.

Maigo Mayor Rafael Rizalda, together with the Sangguniang Bayan, local government unit functionaries and employees, all Punong Barangays and the officials of Mindanao State University (MSU) – Maigo School of Arts and Trades (MSAT) also played part during the activity, certain support to the peace and development efforts.

Peace Development and Governance Conversations

Putting peace and development talks on the table, key officials discussed the development issues concerning the municipality, as well as the existing convergence efforts from partner stakeholders which led to the provincial government’s assurance to support Maigo.

“The provincial government is ready to support Maigo especially in counter-parting for the project implementation. I am very happy that this activity joined us together for the continued growth of the entire province,” assured Governor Dimaporo.

She called on the cooperation of everyone to further intensify the pursuit and initiatives in eliminating illegal activities, especially illegal drugs, to sustain the gains that each has put through.