DAVAO ORIENTAL – A team from the Provincial Government of South Cotabato led by one of its Sangguniang Panlalawigan Member Antonio Fungan have visited Davao Oriental to benchmark its best practices in the implementation of the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP).
“In South Cotabato where almost all peace and order concerns are focused on tribal issues, we must concentrate on E-CLIP implementation because it is the top effective way in encouraging rebels to return to the folds of the government and help them prepare for mainstream society,” said BM Fungan, South Cotabato’s chairperson on Peace and Order Committee who also acknowledged their Indigenous Peoples Mandatory Representative Edgar Sambog and describe their tribal people as peace-loving people.
He also cited concerns on lack of road networks as a major setback in the delivery of government services.
Board Member Fungan expressed his deepest gratitude to Davao Oriental’s E-CLIP Team for unselfishly sharing all the experiences and information needed in the implementation of the program.
Aside from the E-CLIP, he also commended the Barangay Outreach Caravan of Governor Nelson L. Dayanghirang that primarily aims to contribute to peace and order agenda of the province.
Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office Head Ms. Sarah D. Gudes cited the Ugnayan Center inside the headquarters of 701st Infantry Kagitingan Brigade of the Philippine Army in Sitio Magay, Barangay Don Martin Marundan as one of the very significant phases in the reintegration process because of its ten-day de-radicalization program administered by the Philippine Army.
Colonel Oliver L. Maquiling, Deputy Brigade Commander of 701st Infantry Brigade lauded the support of the Provincial Government of Davao Oriental and Department of the Interior and Local Government to their invaluable support for the installation of Ugnayan Center.
DILG Provincial Director Orle A. Cabaobao shared insights and necessary procedures in the implementation of E-CLIP in Davao Oriental.
On firearms remuneration, Police Lieutenant Colonel Archie Zozobrado of Davao Oriental Provincial Police Office said that each surrendered firearm has to be properly deliberated before referring it to DILG for cash payment.
Meanwhile, Governor Nelson L. Dayanghirang said that the most important lesson in the implementation is that all agencies are united, from national departments to provincial agencies in order to achieve the common goal for peaceful and progressive province.
“As I assume the office of the Governor, I had seen the root cause insurgency and criminalities,” he said stressing that the requisite to become a highly developed community is its sustainable peace and harmonious relationships towards one another.
He told visitors to prioritize sustainable peace and use the government’s programs to boost other aspects of holistic development as he cited the numerous investors coming into Davao Oriental.
The guests from the Province of South Cotabato are composed of their Provincial Social Welfare and Development Officers, Department of the Interior and Local Government Officers, Philippine Army and Police. The team also toured the Happy Home site and 701st Headquarters in Sitio Magay. Photos by Eden Jhan Licayan
