Stakeholders vow to sustain peace and development in Davao Oriental

DAVAO ORIENTAL, October 5, 2015 –Marking the 12th Anniversary of the National Peace Consciousness Month, the Provincial Government, together with all stakeholders for peace and development here, have vowed to continue efforts in promoting the culture of peace and pushing for development in the province.

During its culmination program last September 30, Provincial Government officials, department heads, national line agencies, and Capitol employees have signified their support in peace building, minding their responsibility as citizens in upholding equality, respect and understanding as strong foundations of peace.

Governor Corazon N. Malanyaon said that the celebration of the Peace Month sends the message that each has a stake and responsibility in making peace regardless of geographic, religious, and cultural differences. “Despite our diversity we should all stand in unity to bring peace to this country,” she said.

Meanwhile, the governor cited the province’s significant gains in terms of peace and development owing to the implementation of government programs, specifically province-initiated programs, that puts premium on socio-economic, social services, and rural infrastructures, which are felt even in the far-flung areas. 

She also highlighted the Peace and Development Outreach Program jointly implemented by the Philippine Army, local government units, national agencies with private organizations and the communities, which made the province earn the status as a development-ready area.

Citing these milestones, guest Oliver Binancilan from the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace Process (OPAPP) pledged P1.5 million for livelihood project in conflict-affected areas, funded under the Pamana (Payapa at Masaganang Pamayanan) Program.

While the government is doing its part in pursuing programs for development and safeguarding the communities against conflict and violence, Governor Malanyaon underscored the need for more people to get involved in the campaign for peace. “Peace to me is a very essential state as development.  I have always  expressed  my twin  goals  of  peace and development for Davao Oriental  because I strongly believe that there can never be sustainable development  if there is no peace  and we cannot attain true peace without development.  But this challenge of balancing peace with development should be faced with pragmatism – I cannot do this on my own.  This cannot be done alone by a few LGUs, or by some departments, or by selected agencies of government.   Peace should be everyone’s concern,” the governor said.

Meanwhile, backing the governor’s call for collaboration towards the attainment of peace, the 701st Brigade of the Philippine Army and the Davao Oriental Provincial Police Office (DOPPO) vowed to support the provincial government’s bid for just and lasting peace.

701st Brigade Deputy Commander Col. Victor Tan, who represented Brigade Commander Col. Bienvenido R. Datuin, Jr., assured that they will to do their part as active vanguards for peace and development. “Our very important task is our shared responsibility of safeguarding and preserving the peace that we have together achieved. Along this line, our continuous collaboration and partnership remain imperative and indispensable,” he said.

For his part, PSSUPT. Joseph B. Sepulchre, Provincial Director of the DOPPO, stressed his commitment to help make Davao Oriental a more peaceful and progressive province.

The National Peace Consciousness Month is celebrated every month of September following its declaration by virtue ofProclamation No. 675 on July 10, 2004. Bannered with this year’s theme “Pagkakaisa Tungo sa Patuloy na Kapayapaan” (Unity towards continuous peace), the commemoration enjoins and encourages all government agencies and instrumentalities to initiate and participate in relevant and meaningful activities to instill greater public consciousness of the peace culture. (By Karen Lou Deloso)