As I wrote the piece on Lugus, Sulu, and the role of roads to peace-building, I remembered Dr. Eddie Dorotan, the multi-awarded mayor of Irosin, Sorsogon. Through his visionary Integrated Area Development Program, Dok Eddie initiated a series of developmental projects that have had a lasting impact on the municipality and its people.
A key feature of this program was the construction of a circumferential road connecting all barangays in Irosin. This infrastructural development was more than just a physical connection; it served as a metaphorical bridge, bringing together communities that were once isolated. This road not only facilitated easier movement and commerce but also played a crucial role in fostering a sense of unity and cooperation among the residents.
Under Dok Eddie’s leadership, the municipality witnessed a significant decrease in poverty. Access to basic services, which had been a long-standing challenge for the residents, was markedly improved. The availability of these services brought about an enhanced quality of life and opened up new opportunities for the Irosanon. From being a Fifth Class Municipality, Irosin climbed the income class ladder and became a Second Class town when he left.
Furthermore, the efforts of Dok Eddie had a profound impact on reducing crime rates and the incidence of skirmishes between the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the New People’s Army. This decrease in conflict contributed to a more peaceful and stable environment, allowing for sustainable development and progress.
But of course, the road construction was not without challenges. Apart from the limited resources, the major challenge was the opening and concreting of the road sections in NPA-infested area. Ever since, members of the New People’s Army are noted to burn construction equipment and materials in areas that they control. Dok Eddie, however, did something that was rare in those times — participatory planning and program implementation. Because they have been engaged and made co-owners of the program, the members of the communities themselves became the primary protectors not only of the construction equipment and materials but also of the road itself.
The Integrated Area Development Program won the 1994 Galing Pook Awards details of which can be accessed here. Irosin, under Dok Eddie also won other Galing Pook Awards including the Irosin Agrarian Reform Program, and the Irosin Inter-Barangay Environmental Development Program, among others.
The achievements of former Mayor Eddie Dorotan of Irosin, Sorsogon, are a testament to the power of dedicated leadership, people’s participation and well-planned development programs in creating lasting peace and prosperity. His work serves as an inspiring example for other local government units striving for peace and development. Siyempre, dahil Bikolano, uragon!
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