By Benjamin Cuaresma
MANILA — The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) is seeking a major restructuring of the current Region 4B setup, saying a broader regional arrangement could improve government coordination and speed up public services across island provinces.
DILG Secretary Jonvic Remulla presented the proposal Thursday during a Senate Finance Subcommittee J hearing after Sen. Erwin Tulfo raised concerns over the difficulties faced by government officials assigned to oversee Mimaropa.
Tulfo specifically asked whether the Philippine National Police could provide sea transport for its Mimaropa regional director, who is responsible for Mindoro, Marinduque, Romblon and Palawan.
Remulla said the transportation problem reflects a larger issue with the existing regional structure.
He told senators that many national government agencies serving Region 4B do not have their regional offices in Calapan City, the designated regional center. The DILG’s Region 4B office, for instance, is based in Quezon City, while other agencies maintain offices outside Calapan.
“As of now, sir, it’s almost impossible to be regional director of any agency to be in 4B. And no one is in Calapan except for the PNP,” Remulla said.
Instead of simply adding vehicles or watercraft, Remulla proposed returning the provinces to a unified Region 4 framework while establishing separate command centers to handle geographically distinct areas.
Under the proposed arrangement, Cavite and Palawan would comprise one subregion; Batangas and Mindoro another; Laguna and Rizal a third; and Quezon, Marinduque and Romblon a fourth.
Remulla said the restructuring would allow government agencies to operate according to the realities of geography, travel requirements and service delivery.
“What we propose is that we bring it back to Region 4, into one region, but divide it into different command centers,” he said.
Tulfo had earlier pointed to the logistical burden on the Mimaropa police leadership, noting that travel between Mindoro and Palawan can require passing through Manila.
PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said the possible acquisition of vehicles and watercraft, as well as their maintenance, is being considered under the police procurement program.
Remulla said, however, that the underlying problem calls for an administrative solution rather than relying solely on additional transportation assets.
The DILG chief said the proposed reorganization would be submitted to the Senate within the year for consideration.
“We will propose it to the Senate this coming year, sir. And hopefully it will be supported,” Remulla said.
ia/xf
