The Province of Cebu has been awarded the prestigious “Bansiwag Award for Excellence in Peace and Order and Public Safety” at a ceremony organized by the Department of Interior and Local Government Central Visayas (DILG region 7).
The award was presented to Governor Gwen Garcia at Marco Polo Plaza Cebu, recognizing her leadership and the province’s outstanding efforts to ensure peace and public safety.
Governor Garcia expressed her gratitude for the recognition and credited the success to the collaborative efforts of local officials, law enforcement agencies, and the people of Cebu.
“Ang mga nagbansiwag sa ilang nakab-ot sa peace and order, tagaan gayud sa ilang pagtagad ug pahinungod,” she said, emphasizing the importance of acknowledging those who have contributed to the province’s peace and order achievements.
She also highlighted her firm stance in addressing insurgency, recalling her call for an all-out war against communist groups, which ultimately led Cebu to becoming the first province in the country to be declared insurgency-free.
Under Governor Garcia’s leadership, Cebu has seen significant improvements in maintaining peace and public safety, which have been essential in fostering an environment conducive to development and economic growth.
This recognition solidifies Cebu’s position as a model for other LGUs in the region, demonstrating that effective governance, community engagement, and strategic law enforcement can create a safe and thriving environment for all.
The Bansiwag Awards, an annual event that highlights the best-performing Local Government Units (LGUs) in the region, was founded by DILG 7 Director Leocadio Trovela. The awards aim to acknowledge LGUs that “stick out prominently” in implementing successful programs, projects, and activities in peace and order and public safety.
In his address, Director Trovela emphasized the crucial connection between development and peace, further noting that the “Bansiwag”— a term derived from the Cebuano word “ibansiwag”, meaning “to stick out prominentl” — symbolizes the exemplary performance of LGUs in contributing to the betterment of their communities.
The Bansiwag Award ceremony also served as a platform to celebrate the hard work and dedication of local government units across Central Visayas in promoting peace, security, and public welfare.
Governor Garcia’s leadership and Cebu’s success in these areas continue to serve as a beacon of inspiration for other provinces striving to achieve sustainable peace and progress. | JMT