UPLB renewed its partnership with Los Baños local government units (LGUs) and offices on March 18 with the signing of a memorandum of agreement (MOA) at the Executive Conference Room of the BM Gonzalez Hall.
Chancellor Jose V. Camacho, Jr. signed MOAs with the Municipal Police Station (MPS) and the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) of Los Baños, and two barangays critical to UPLB’s security, namely, Batong Malake and Putho-Tuntungin, being the university’s host barangays.
The MOAs provide for a monthly gasoline subsidy to each LGU and office, for them to help in patrolling areas adjacent to UPLB and in responding to campus emergencies.
In his message during the MOA signing, Chancellor Camacho highlighted the importance of maintaining a strong partnership with the Los Baños LGU in ensuring the safety and security of the UPLB community.
“Kung ‘di po tayo nag-uugnayan, sa tingin ko, hindi ganito yung mararating natin bilang mga sangay ng gobyerno. Napakasimpleng suporta, gasolina, pero malaki po ang nararating nito hindi lamang po sa pag-asiste sa aming mga safety and security concerns,” he noted.
(If we do not become partners, I think we will not be able to work well together. Gasoline subsidy is a simple token of support, but it goes a long way in helping us with our safety and security concerns.)
Signing the MOA on behalf of their respective offices and barangays were PLTCOL Louie D. Dionglay, MPS acting chief of police; SINSP Fernando C. Castillo, BFP fire marshall; Barangay Chairman Ian N. Kalaw of Batong Malake; and Barangay Chairman Ronaldo N. Oñate of Putho-Tuntungin.
Each LGU official expressed their gratitude to UPLB and recognized the subsidy as a big help to the community, especially with the economic crisis brought about by the oil price hike amid the pandemic.
Vice Chancellor for Community Affairs (VCCA) Roberto P. Cereno, Assistant to the VCCA Benevieve D. Villanueva, and Atty. Aladdin P. Dominguita, officer-in-charge of the Security and Safety Office witnessed the signing.
The officials also discussed security plans and developments, especially with the proposed reopening of limited face-to-face classes. (Roi Mojado)
This article was originally published on the UPLB website.