Motivated by the desire to achieve lasting peace, regional and provincial counterparts of the government agencies and LGUs in MIMAROPA strategized plans to build sustainable peace and attain inclusive, just, and equitable development in the Region.

The inter-agency consultation was in response to the President Duterte’s call to end local communist armed conflict through whole of nation approach as mandated under Executive Order No. 70 series of 2018.

Generally, MIMAROPA is among the Regions in the country that are considered peaceful however, Palawan and Mindoro Provinces remain threatened due to insurgency brought by peace challengers.

Secretary Jose Maria Nicomedes Hernandez, RTF-ELCAC MIMAROPA Chairperson, pledged to support the activities of the team and enjoined all members to encourage the leftists to return to the folds of law.

“Yakapin natin ang ating mga kapatid pabalik sa pamahalaan”, said Sec. Hernandez.

In the provincial planning workshop, each province laid down the high and low priority issues that are considered contributory to the emerging threats of leftist ideologies.

Asec. Florida Dijan, DPA, CESO III, reiterated that the Local Government Units are in the best position to create counter narratives that the government is doing something because for peace challengers, the government’s efforts will never be enough. “We must embrace government service as a personal advocacy” she added.

From the presentation of Major Antony Ruby, he cited that in order to achieve good governance, it is important that justice is ensured, basic services are effectively delivered and people are well-oriented, empowered and espoused with accountability.

“We are on the right track. Nagsisilbing inspirasyon namin kayo dahil hindi na kami nagiisa. Kasama na namin ang buong sambayanan Pilipino sa labang ito. This workshop gives us the better picture of the problems as well as issues we have to confront” said LtGen Gilbert Gapay.

Through the guidance and expertise of the resource persons, the five provinces were able to come up with an action plan to be implemented in their areas of responsibility.

Lastly, RD Wilhelm M. Suyko, CESO IV addressed the participants saying, “I want to call it whole-of- nation credit, walang iwanan. That’s why we call it inclusivity. lahat tayo ay dapat mag-cooperate. Our main mission is to address insurgency.”

By: Whalee Ferrera