South Cotabato, Philippines — In celebration of Reinforced Services Taskforce (RST) Day on September 21, 2024, Governor Reynaldo S. Tamayo Jr. emphasized the importance of involving local residents in governance through RST, an initiative that aims to foster accountability and community participation in the province.
During Gov Meets the Press, Governor Tamayo highlighted the value of recognizing those who contribute to the development and progress of local governance.
“Pahalagahan naton ang ila nga effort nga naging parte sila sa aton nga gobyerno; that is why may ara kita sang ‘Reinforced Services Taskforce’ Day nga pagkahiwaton sa September 21,” Governor Tamayo said.
RST was first launched in December 2010 during Governor Tamayo’s tenure as mayor of Tupi, South Cotabato. The initiative was created to unite grassroots communities, political leaders, and government employees under a common goal: to share responsibilities and build a stronger society.
“Gin create na siya para mahimoan paagi nga may ara gid sang mga responsibilidad kag obligasyon ang every member sang society,” Governor Tamayo explained. It is about creating a system where the public, not just the government, are involved in making the province better.
Governor Tamayo stressed the role of RST in involving the public directly in governance by assigning them specific roles and responsibilities to strengthen the idea of a shared commitment to community development.
“Through this Reinforced Services Taskforce, gin unite ang tao, gin tagaan ta tasking ang tao, kag ginapabalo ta sa ila nga ‘Amo ni ang obligation ninyo kag responsibility ninyo as member sang society,” he said.
RST also aims to address gaps in the province’s public services to ensure that these are improved and made more efficient. The initiative focuses on fostering collaboration between the private sector and government to enhance service delivery.
“Reinforced Services Taskforce ang gin organize naton nga group diri sa South Cotabato to reinforce sa mga kakulangan nga serbisyo sang aton nga probinsya,” Governor Tamayo added.
Governor Tamayo emphasized that RST represents a shift toward participatory governance. He urged South Cotabateños not to merely wait for government actions but to take an active role in the community’s progress.
“Hindi na kita maghulat sang government, i-involve naton ang aton nga kaugalingon,” Governor Tamayo said.
He also expressed optimism about the future of South Cotabato, stating that if everyone participated in the governance process, the province would experience significant development and progress.
“Kung ang bilog nga katawhan ma-involve naton sa governance, lantawon niyo kung ano ka nami nga governance kag ano ka nami nga development and progress ang maangkon sang aton nga probinsya,” he stated.
To mark the RST Day celebration, Governor Tamayo announced that a raffle draw for 100 motorcycles will be held. The raffle is open to all South Cotabateños who register through the event’s attendance. It is expected to draw mass participation from local residents eager to engage with the initiative and take part in the movement.
