TOG2 LAUNCHES 95th EPISODE OF UP UP CAGAYAN
CAUAYAN CITY, Isabela– The Tactical Operations Group 2 (TOG2) of the Philippine Air Force (PAF) headed by the Group Commander, Col. Glenn Piquero in collaboration with the National Economic Development Authority-Region 2 (NEDA-R02) successfully launched its 95th episode of the regular conduct of press conference dubbed “UP UP (Usapang Pangkapayapaan, Usapang Pangkaunlaran) Cayagan” on May 3, 2024 at the Mess Hall here.
It was participated by several local media representatives from print and radio broadcasts.
Maj. Abraham Tadiar, the deputy group commander of TOG2 said they facilitated the transport of logistical requirements for the BALIKATAN Exercises from Clark, Pampanga to Basco, Batanes utilizing the PAF C-130 on May 1. On the same date, TOG2 also performed flight operations monitoring and aerodrome, and ground support services for the S-70i Black Hawk here and at Cagayan North International Airport in Cagayan during the conduct of air-assault in Calayan Island, Cagayan in connection with BALIKATAN Exercises.
On May 2, it provided ground support services and facilitated air operations for the transport of Mission-Essential personnel from the Joint Task Force TALA of the 5th Infantry Division, Philippine Army (5ID, PA), utilizing the HUEY II from the headquarters of 5ID in Gamu, Isabela to Brgy. Bangag, Lallo, and Tuguegarao Airport, Cagayan.
Recently, it also facilitated the 3-day entrance examinations of aspiring PAF Officer Candidate Course Class 2025 and Special Enlistment CY-2024 at Cauayan City Stand-Alone Senior High School in the said city. At least 500 aspirants took the examinations.
On the other hand, NEDA-R02 represented by Mr. Mark S Pagulayan discussed the overview of the agency’s roles and responsibilities. With him were Ely Cancejo and Eric Cabutaje who presented the programs and projects with regard to the regional development plan.
Cancejo discussed the three main interregional connectivity projects, the Dalton Pass East Alignment Road Project; Cagayan Valley Eastern Seaborg Highway; and Cagayan Valley Railway System. He said that these projects are included in the Regional Investment Program.
He said the Dalton pass is an alignment road project, an alternative route in Aritao and Sta. Fe towns of Nueva Vizcaya. The project was included in the list of infrastructure flagship projects under the Build Better More Program and was approved by NEDA Board on Mar. 6, 2024. The detailed engineering of the project is ongoing but the actual physical implementation is yet to be determined whether it will commence in 2025 or 2026.
“The Cagayan Valley Eastern Seaboard highway will guide the future growth and development of the hostile areas in the region. It is being studied and formulated by the Dept. of Public Works and Highways-Central Office,” he added.
He also mentioned some details regarding the rail transport system but there is no clear view about its implementation.
Moreover, Eric Cabutaje discussed the 2023 Support to Barangay Development Projects that allocates funding for farm-to-market roads, school buildings, water and sanitation systems, health stations, and rural electrification. The total project cost PhP112,316,996.72. In Isabela Province, the allotted cost of rural electrification and farm-to-market roads is 42M.
The activity ended through an open forum wherein the NEDA-R02 representatives actively answered the queries of the media.# Mae Barangan
