TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, Philippines – Governor Carlos Jericho L. Petilla has expressed full support for an ordinance passed by the Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Leyte which provides guidelines to be followed in the conduct of outreach activities in the province’s countryside, particularly in Leyte’s remote villages.

Petilla said this measure is meant to ensure the safety of individuals, groups or organizations that would like to conduct community outreach activities in those areas, with proper authorities duly informed of their presence and avoiding the occurrence of mistaken identities.

The Leyte governor was referring to the tragic incident that happened in the encounter between members of the Philippine Army and New People’s Army members, which figured in the death of renowned Filipino botanist Dr. Leonardo Co and his team who were caught in the crossfire in the mountains of Kananga, Leyte last year. Said alleged unfortunate encounter placed a dent in efforts packaging Leyte as a prime economic hub and tourism destination in the country.

This was among the major issues cited during the discussions by the Provincial Board in passing and approving Ordinance No. 2011-02, which is to precisely avoid similar incidents in the future.

The ordinance provides that “any individual, agency or organization or sponsor planning to conduct outreach activities through community services, research, economic development program, leisure activities and fact-finding missions within the territorial jurisdiction of the Province of Leyte, shall inform in writing the Office of the Mayor of the forthcoming activity at least 15 days before the activity thereof.”

Said measure also asks for the submission of mandatory information that include among others, the sponsoring agency or organization, the names and number of participants with their addresses and contact numbers, the specific location or venue of the activity, the rationale of the activity, and the duration of the mission or outreach activity.

Not only should the local government unit where the party is to hold the activity be provided information but also the Office of the Governor, the Barangay Chairman and the Station Commander where the activity will be conducted.