Davao City officials, security sector, deputy mayors of the 11 tribes, friends rescued, guests from local and national government offices, and non-government agencies celebrated on Monday the 2nd anniversary of insurgency-free Davao Region at Rizal Park.
The celebration was held with the theme “Kalambuan og Kalinaw, Pagsaulog sa Padayong Kaihusahan ug Kagawasanan sa Rehiyon”. The event highlights the recitation of the “Pledge to Sustain the Peace in Davao Region” by the stakeholders. Also conducted was the banging of gong and releasing of doves, which signified the shared continued commitment toward peace and development.
Sangguniang Panglungsod Peace and Order Committee Chair- Councilor Luna Acosta, in her opening speech, said that the celebration is a reminder of what can be accomplished if the people stand together, “united in our vision for a peaceful and prosperous region.”
She said the path toward being insurgency-free is never without a struggle, especially for men in uniform. Likewise, she recognized the collective effort of the safety and security cluster, to the local government units, non-government organizations, and private citizens who lent their hands on this journey.
“This recognition is marked by a collective resilience, determination, and unwavering commitment to creating a safe and prosperous environment for all, we have witnessed the remarkable transformation as communities have come together to foster unity and harmony. As we reflect on our progress, let us all look forward to the opportunities that await ahead. The bonds of unity that we have forged will continue to be our strength, guiding us to even greater heights of development,” Acosta said.
The keynote speaker during the event, Armed Forces of the Philippines Eastern Mindanao Commander Major General Luis Bergante, in a speech read by Task Force Davao Commander Col. Darren E. Comia, said that this year’s theme is a testament to the fruitful partnership between the government and the private sector in their collective responsibility to sustain peace in the region.
He said that the celebration is a reminder that it is only by working together as one people and as one nation in sharing each other’s convictions we can truly achieve genuine healing and reconciliation.
“It is indeed ironic for throughout history, in order to achieve peace, we must resort to war, and it is always on the front lines our brave and gallant soldiers who always shed blood and lay their lives. But achieving complete victory is not the job of soldiers and law enforcers alone; it is everybody’s concern: the government, non-government organizations, the academe, civil society, business groups, volunteer organizations, people’s organizations, and the public at large, all have a significant role to play to sustain peace. Indeed, the remarkable resilience and collective effort is seen in the tremendous growth in the Davao region over the years,” Bergante said.
He appealed to the stakeholders to make peace sustainable in the communities.
“We will depend on your continued support to defeat the continuing recovery efforts of the enemies as we confront the current reality. May we remember the meaning and symbolism behind this event, the spirit of community that binds us all and serves as key to lasting peace,” Bergante said.
Davao City Mayor Sebastian Baste Duterte, in a message read by Public Safety and Security Office Office Head Angel Sumagaysay, underscored the contribution of peace and order to the development of the communities.
“It is the unwavering support of our shared initiatives that drive us to carry on the call to sustainable peace and prosperity, so let us continue to work together in key programs such as infrastructure development, tourism, trade, and investments which are promising areas that shall take us closer to what we have envisioned for a more progressive Davao region.” the mayor said. CIO
