Some 3,634 Pangasinenses from high-risk geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas (GIDAs) are expected to benefit from the community projects of the Pangasinan Police Provincial Office (PPPO).

PPPO acting director Col. Richmond Tadina said Tuesday the Patubig, Pailaw, Pabahay, Pantawag, at Palikuran ni Juana (5Ps) project is in support of Executive Order 70 seeking to institutionalize the whole-of-nation approach to combat the terrorist-communist groups and their influences.

Tadina said seven barangays under GIDAs have already received jetmatic water pumps to address the lack of clean water in these areas.

Eighty-eight units of solar lights and 81 units of mobile phones were also distributed.

“The solar lights were provided to communities without street lights while the mobile phones were given to barangay officials so that they could easily contact the police whenever they have concerns,” he said in a virtual forum hosted by the Philippine Information Agency Pangasinan and the Radyo Pilipinas Dagupan.

Tadina said they also turned over a comfort room to one household.

The Palikuran ni Juana is a new addition to 5Ps as it started only with Patubig and Pailaw projects.

“With the help of other stakeholders, six houses were also turned over to beneficiaries,” he added.

Tadina said the Police Mobile Force Companies led the selection of the beneficiaries for the 5Ps project of the PPPO.

“As they go around the communities, they evaluate and assess the needs of the areas under GIDAs,” he said.

In a phone interview, PPPO information office Lt. Col. Ferdinand de Asis said the project started last year as the initiative of the Ilocos Police Regional Office director Brig. Gen. Emmanuel Peralta was cascaded to the provincial and local levels.

“It was started by Brig. Gen. Peralta and the project was then funded from his own pocket,” he said. (PNA)