It was a festive day in the province of Davao Oriental on Tuesday, September 19, as close to a thousand individuals came together at the Provincial Capitol to mark and celebrate a significant milestone – the first Davao Oriental insurgency-free anniversary.
The occasion became a joyous reunion of former rebels, now known as ‘friends rescued,’ members of people’s organizations, and present and former military and police commanders who gathered to celebrate the day that represented the triumph of peace and unity over violence and the end of fear and uncertainty caused by the conflict.
Making the celebration more exciting and meaningful, which demonstrated the government’s commitment to development, was the turnover of millions of livelihood cash assistance to People’s Organizations whose members were once affected by violence brought on by the decades-old insurgency.
Thirty-five (35) People’s Organizations received a total of P11.9 million worth of livelihood cash assistance, consisting of P5 million from the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) and P6.9 million from the Department of Social Welfare and Development Office (DSWD). This assistance will provide much-needed support to boost the livelihood of the local communities and inspire them to build a more sustainable future.
The recipients expressed their immense gratitude to the government as they signified their commitment to peace-building.
HONORING THE HEROES OF PEACE
The event was also marked by an awarding ceremony of the past and present military commanders and police chiefs who have served in the province, contributing to the fruition of the province’s peace efforts. It was a symbolic gesture of the provincial government’s gratitude to the military and police for their relentless efforts to ensure peace and stability in the province.
Governor Niño Sotero L. Uy, Jr. personally handed out the plaques to the awardees, consisting mostly of retired military generals and police colonels. “Allow me to thank the efforts and sacrifices of several people who have paved the long and challenging journey to peace. From our brave military personnel who have tirelessly defended our communities to the diligent members of our police force with whom we have worked hand-in-hand and to the various coordinating agencies, LGUs, and peace partners who have supported our efforts, we owe a debt of gratitude to each and every one of you,” said Gov. Uy.
The recognition, which served as their grand reunion, was a rare opportunity for the former commanders to catch up and reminisce about their experiences during their service in Davao Oriental.
Governor Uy also took the time to honor the legacies of two exceptional leaders who played pivotal roles in the journey of peace – the late Governor Corazon N. Malanyaon and former Governor Nelson L. Dayanghirang. “Their unwavering commitment to peace and development in Davao Oriental has paved the way for the peace we now enjoy. I am deeply honored to have had the opportunity to work alongside these remarkable leaders in our shared pursuit of peace,” he humbly said.
Undersecretary Ernesto Torres, Jr., the Executive Director of the National Task Force in Ending Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC), representing National Security Adviser General Eduardo Año, congratulated Davao Oriental “for taking this kind of initiative, the first of its kind to gather and acknowledge officers from the security sector, for recognizing our contribution to attaining peace in this part of our country. We are so honored and privileged to be given this recognition. Maraming salamat sa Davao Oriental,” he said.
He also conveyed a message from General Año, expressing his great appreciation to everyone who has an active involvement in pushing forward a just and lasting peace in the province.
“It is sad that we lost one of our beacons of peace in the province, the late Governor Corazon Malanyaon. But we are glad that we have Governor Niño Uy to continue what was started in the province and start anew with his unwavering dedication and diligent efforts to sustain the peace in Davao Oriental,”
“Davao Oriental has set the bar high, especially in the testament of how effective the whole of government and whole-of-society approach is,” the message reads.
The first-year anniversary of being an insurgency-free province was a resounding success and showcased a significant milestone, serving as a reminder that peace could be achieved through cooperation and hard work. Governor Uy said that it was a reminder that with hard work, dedication, and cooperation, anything is possible.
Also present during the event were City of Mati Mayor Michelle N. Rabat, guests from the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), and Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF), representatives from the national agencies, and local officials. By Karen Lou Deloso | Photos by JB Rain
