In a poignant moment of reconciliation, former Guerilla Front 55 Secretary of the New People's Army Arian Jane Ramos, also known as Marikit, embraced Datu Tungig Mansumuy-at, former spokesperson of Pasakaday Salugpongan Kalimodan (Pasaka)-Southern Mindanao Region and ex-party member of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP). This heartfelt interaction occurred during the first anniversary celebration of an insurgency-free Davao Region in Davao City on October 28, 2023, symbolizing the city's journey toward unity and healing.
A Historic Milestone in Peace and Progress
DAVAO City is poised to celebrate a significant achievement: four years of being declared insurgency-free. This milestone, set for March 24, 2026, underscores the city's unwavering commitment to fostering lasting peace and driving sustainable development, particularly in geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas (GIDAs). The declaration on March 24, 2022, marked a historic turning point, culminating from years of dedicated collaboration among the Armed Forces of the Philippines, the Philippine National Police, local government leaders, Indigenous Peoples (IP) communities, and all Dabawenyos.
Transforming Conflict Zones into Communities of Hope
Prior to this declaration, the Paquibato District, one of the city's GIDAs, served as a stronghold for Communist Terrorist Groups (CTGs), leading to restricted opportunities and disrupted delivery of essential services. Atty. Jonah Margaret Presto, Head of Peace 911, emphasized the transformative impact in an interview with the City Information Office. "The declaration of Davao City as insurgency-free brought better opportunities for students and professionals to pursue their education and career with confidence, for farmers to cultivate their lands with renewed hope, and for families to experience improved access to services, infrastructure, and livelihood opportunities," she stated.
Key Initiatives Driving Change
Over the past four years, numerous programs and projects have been introduced in areas once plagued by insurgency, catalyzing positive change and community empowerment. Notable achievements include:
- Educational Advancements: Establishment of the University of Southeastern Philippines-Malabog Extension Campus (USeP-MEC) and the Bahayahay Learning and Workshop Center for IP Women, providing accessible education and skill development.
- Capacity Building: Conduct of multiple training sessions for community members on livelihood skills, financial literacy, and governance, enhancing self-sufficiency and leadership.
- Livelihood Support: Distribution of assistance materials such as Abaca plantlets and seedlings, fostering agricultural productivity and economic resilience.
Peace 911 has played a pivotal role in facilitating the amnesty applications of former rebels, resolving land-related concerns in Paquibato, and protecting ancestral domains, further solidifying the foundations of peace.
Sustaining a Culture of Security and Cooperation
As Davao City celebrates this four-year anniversary, Dabawenyos are encouraged to reinforce a culture of security, peace, and development within every community. Presto urged, "Ipadayon nato ang pag-practice sa atoang culture of security ug ang atoang cooperation with the city government and security cluster in maintaining the peace and order of our city (Let us continue to practice the culture of security and continue to work with the city government and our security cluster in maintaining the peace and order of our city)."
The City Government of Davao, through Peace 911, remains steadfast in providing ongoing programs, services, and projects in GIDAs, ensuring that sustainable peace, growth, and development continue to flourish across the city. This commitment highlights a forward-looking approach to building a resilient and prosperous future for all residents.
