NICA leads citizen mobilization amid energy crisis
By Renelle L. Escuadro
BUTUAN CITY (PIA) — The National Intelligence Coordinating Agency (NICA) Caraga recently spearheaded the launching of the government’s initiative on ‘Bangon Bayan, Panahon Na!’
The ‘Bangon Bayan, Panahon Na!’ which means rise as one nation, is a national citizen mobilization initiative designed to help the country respond to the energy crisis and economic challenges, and strengthen collaborative mechanisms with vulnerable sectors across the Caraga region.
Held at Camp Romualdo Rubi, Barangay Bancasi in Butuan City on May 26 with the theme, ’Bangon Bayan: Sama-samang Paglilingkod,’ the patriotic convergence was attended by nearly 150 participants coming from the youth, fisherfolk, farmers, indigenous peoples (IP), former rebels, Muslim community, private sector, reservist group composed of retired military officers and Butuan City’s Sanggniang Kabataan presidents.
In line with the mandate of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. for a whole-of-nation movement, the agencies such as the Department of Health, Department of Agriculture, Office of Civil Defense, Department of Social Welfare and Development, Philippine National Police, Philippine Army, and the Philippine Information Agency, all gave their support and called on every Filipino to work together to recover, adapt, and move forward.
According to NICA Caraga Director Bonifacio R. Pulgo, the Bangon Bayan, Panahon Na! initiative aims for a united, resilient, and empowered Filipino nation.
“Because of the economic and energy crisis resulting in rising fuel prices and increase in the cost of living that affect families, workers, and businesses, through this movement, the government wishes to mobilize all sectors of society, especially the youth; help communities cope with economic hardships; promote practical and sustainable practices; and encourage active citizenship and volunteerism.”
“In short, national recovery is faster and more sustainable when citizens actively participate, and not just rely on the government,” he said.
Mark John B. Benolirao, vice chairperson of Propelling Our Inherited Nation Through Our Youth (POINTY), Inc., a youth organization, expressed gratitude for the opportunity to witness the engagement and manifest their commitment to support the government amid the crisis.
He also benefited from the service caravan during the activity from the supporting agencies, including the free Bangon-Bayan shirt from NICA Caraga. “I availed of the services from the caravan, such as the free radio from the OCD, which is helpful for communication, especially during emergencies. I also received free vegetable seedlings from DA.”
For the rest of the participants, Bangon Bayan, Panahon Na! is not just a program – it is a powerful advocacy to inspire Filipinos to act together and turn crisis into an opportunity for unity, resilience, and national progress. (RLE, PIA Dinagat Islands with a report from NICA Caraga)
