In a show of unwavering commitment to maintaining the hard-won peace in Davao Oriental, the Provincial Government, through the Provincial Focal Person on Ending Local Communist Armed Conflict (ELCAC) Rod Jun Pandili, organized a groundbreaking two-day Friends Rescued Leadership Summit on September 6-7, 2023 at the 701st Brigade Headquarters in Mati City. The summit marks a significant milestone in the province’s peace-building efforts as it gears up to celebrate the first anniversary of Davao Oriental’s declaration as insurgency-free on September 19.

The leadership summit brought together members of the Davao Oriental Former Rebels Association (DOFRA), hailing from various towns within the province, and aimed to provide these former rebels with continued leadership and capacity-building support, and livelihood assistance as they fully reintegrate into mainstream society. The summit includes various training sessions and workshops, generously provided by collaborative national government agencies, covering topics such as financial literacy, business proposal development, and basic bookkeeping, among others.

Governor Niño Sotero L. Uy emphasized the vital role that continued support for people’s organizations like DOFRA plays in sustaining peace in Davao Oriental. He voiced his unwavering commitment to capacitating these former rebels until they can independently stand and, in turn, contribute to the development and well-being of their communities.

“Ang akong suporta kaninyo, under my leadership, magpadayon. This is just the start of a more vibrant partnership for us to keep sustaining the gains of peace,” Governor Uy declared, underlining his dedication to nurturing the peace and prosperity that has prevailed in Davao Oriental.

Governor Uy also took a moment to express his gratitude to the previous administrations for their commitment and painstaking work in achieving and upholding the arduous peace achievements that Davao Oriental now enjoys. By Francis Jay Butulan | Photos By JB Rain