Local officials in the provinces of Aklan, Antique and Capiz were told to help in the government's efforts to stop illegal recruitment and human trafficking by promoting vigilance among their constituents.

Vice President Jejomar Binay, during his visit in the three provinces last week, said the familiarity of local officials with their constituents and their monitoring of suspicious activities can help prevent criminals from victimizing others.

Binay is the chairman emeritus of the Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking and chairman of the Presidential Task Force Against Illegal Recruitment.

Meanwhile, the Vice President also led the simultaneous medical and dental missions of his office in Banga, Numancia and Nabas, Aklan.

The Office of the Vice President also conducted missions in Dao, Dumarao and Mambusao in Capiz on June 6, and in Valderrama, Bugasong and Hamtic in Antique on June 8.

Binay allotted P12 million of the first tranche of his 2012 Priority Development Assistance Fund for health services, which include the provision of medical equipment for, and holding of medical and dental missions in select towns.

While in Banga, Binay met with the local government officials, non-governmental organizations and senior citizens of the municipality and bowed to help finish the construction of the town's gym.

During his stay in Aklan, Binay also visited New Washington where he awarded a Special Allotment Release Order for the repair of the town's senior citizens building. He also went to Nabas to meet the residents of the municipality.

'WELCOME IN CAPIZ'

Meanwhile, despite the resistance of Roxas City Mayor Angel Alan Celino to accord the vice-president due courtesies, about 3,000 students, senior citizens, non-government organizations and some barangay officials joined Binay in his routine morning walk in the city.

Some employees of the Office of the Mayor also joined him when he passed by the City Hall.

"Alam niyo po, madalas akong mag-jogging ngunit ngayon lang ako nainitan ng ganito sa dami niyong sumama sa akin," he told the cheering crowd.

Some of those who joined Binay were carrying "Capiz for Binay" signs. Binay was also joined by some employees of the Office of the Mayor when he passed by the City Hall.

The Office of the Vice President previously chided Celino for reportedly harassing vendors and stall owners and refusing to allow the posting of customary welcome streamers for the Vice President.

The Vice President vowed to return to Capiz, after visiting Panit-an, Mambusao, Dao and Dumarao towns and holding dialogs local government officials, senior citizens and non-government organizations.

"Am I prohibited to come over? I have that responsibility. I was elected to serve the people, I have the support of the administration. Especially para magkaroon tayo ng mabuting pamamahala," he said.

He said he had some shelter projects lined up for the province, adding that because of his experience as Mayor of Makati for more than 20 years, he has actively involved local government units (LGUs) in the national government's in the housing projects.

"Among others, iyong aking project na matulungan ang mga senior citizens to have their own senior citizens' center. Idinistribute ko iyan, mayroon kasi akong appropriation (sa pondo) na ibinigay sa akin para sa (ganitong) projects," he added.

Binay allocated P150 million of his 2011 PDAF for the construction and repair of 300 senior citizens centers nationwide.*