On December 6, 2023, the Peace 911 conducted the Panag-ambit in Marilog District – focusing its consultation with the newly elected Barangay Officials, Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) Chairman, Indigenous Peoples’ Mandatory Representation (IPMR) of all barangays in Marilog District, Davao City.  Approximately 120 participants have attended the said activity in Brgy. Marilog Proper Gym, Marilog District, Davao City. The Panag-ambit is a community consultation which aims to let the community decide for themselves on what they want, what assistances they need, and let them determine what are those needs that should be prioritized.

The Assistant Chief of Staff of the City Mayor and Peace 911 Focal Person, Atty. Jonah Margarette F. Presto, gave an overview about Peace 911 and expressed her gratitude to all the participants who attended the Panag-ambit activity. She provided an explanation of the significance of ‘panag-ambit’ and encouraged them to make the most of the opportunity. By actively engaging in the activity, the City Government of Davao will be able to know what is needed in the barangay, in order to better tailor its services to the needs of their barangay.

P/LtCol Angel B. Sumagaysay (Ret), Officer-in-Charge of the Public Safety and Security Office gave an orientation to the participants and emphasized the importance of peace and order in Davao City.

The Municipal Agriculturist Officer of the City Agriculturist Office, Mr. Januario Bentajiri also conducted an information campaign about abaca industry in Davao City.

After a series of orientation, the participants grouped per barangay, were tasked with identifying the current issues and concerns within their community that require attention. Moreover, the participants were then grouped by cluster to prioritize the issues and concerns in their areas that need immediate resolution.

Following the group activity, representatives from each cluster presented their output. The participants outlined their ongoing issues and concerns, along with the prioritization of problems that need to be addressed.

Finally, Mr. Julius Nulla of the New Breakthrough Consultancy oriented the participants about leadership. He shared the relevance, qualities, roles and types of being a leader that will help the participants in their work as a public servant. He also gave tips about how to manage stress in a positive manner and how to balance personal and professional lives.

Marilog Proper Punong Barangay Jeannette Suam expressed her gratitude to all the participants for their active participation in the activity and hoped that the City Government of Davao will help them to address the challenges in Marilog District.

The City Mayor’s Office – Peace 911 in coordination with the Integrated Gender and Development Division (IGDD) conducted a Gender Sensitivity Training on November 23, 2023 at Inayangan Gymnasium, Barangay Inayangan, Calinan District. There were 40 youth participants who joined this training from the barangays of Inayangan, Saloy, Megkawayan and Dominga.

The Gender Sensitivity Training sought to empower and educate young individuals on matters of gender equality, diversity, and inclusion. This training aimed to equip the youth with the knowledge and skills necessary to encourage empathy, challenge stereotypes, promote respect, and create a more gender-sensitive society.

On the first session, Introduction to Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity, Gender Expression, and Sexual Characteristics (SOGIESC) was discussed by Ms. Phoebe Kieth Singco from IGDD. It emphasizes that Gender Orientation involves recognizing the diversity of gender identities and expressions beyond the traditional binary.

Furthermore, different laws were also part of the discussion such as:
1. Republic Act 7877 – Anti Sexual Harassment Law of 199
2. Republic Act 8353 – Anti Rape Law
3. Republic Act 9262 – Anti Violence against women and their children act of 2024
4. Republic Act 11313 – Safe Space Act
5. Republic Act 11596 – An Act Prohibiting the Practice of Child Marriage
6. Republic Act 9710 – An Act providing for the Magna Carta of Women

The objective of discussing these laws is to create a society that is informed, supportive, and committed to preventing and addressing these offenses. This also includes promoting awareness, ensuring justice, and fostering a safe and respectful society.

The IGDD designed this training to be age-appropriate, encouraging open dialogue to the youth and critical thinking.

In conclusion, Gender Orientation and discussing the above-mentioned laws work synergistically to create a more peaceful community that uplifts the well-being of all individuals.

The City Government of Davao through the City Mayor’s Office – Peace 911 conducted an Interfaith Prayer Rally for Peace in relation to the ongoing conflict in the affected areas in Middle East as well as in Europe. The prayer rally will serve as a platform for the citizens of Davao City to express their solidarity and support for peace in these troubled areas of the world. It also aims to raise awareness about the importance of peaceful resolutions and promote a culture of understanding and harmony among different nations.

All Dabawenyos, regardless of gender, religion, and culture, were invited to pray as one people for peace, without bias, discrimination, and inclination. The City Government of Davao believes that through this prayer rally, they may show the importance of interfaith solidarity, promote peace especially in times of violence, and provide prayers of protection for the people who are greatly affected by conflict.

Throughout the event, various prayer leaders, including Archbishop Romulo G. Valles representing the Archdiocese of Davao for the Catholic community, Allem Mohammad Y. Pasigan representing the Darul Ifta Wadda Wah Xi for the Muslim Community, Tumanuron Datu Boyson representing the Indigenous Peoples, and Pastor Noel C. Milloren representing Metro Davao Pastors Fellowship for the Christian community, took turns leading prayers for peace around the world.

The activity was participated by an estimate of 1,000 Dabawenyos from various National and Local Government Agencies, Deputy Mayors of the 11 Tribes, Councilors, Security Sectors, Barangay Captains, Schools and different members of the religious churches.

The Interfaith Rally for Peace stands as a powerful symbol of humanity’s ability to rise above religious divides for the greater good. As the world grapples with various challenges, this coming together of diverse faiths reminds us that true strength lies in unity. By fostering understanding, dialogue, and a shared commitment to peace, interfaith rallies inspire hope and lay the foundation for a more harmonious world. It is through events like these that we discover the common ground that unites us all, transcending the boundaries of belief and embracing the shared journey towards a more peaceful and compassionate future.

On October 27, 2023, the Davao Region marked the first anniversary as an Insurgency Free with the theme: “Resilience and Unity: Celebrating a Year of Peace” which was held at Arcadia Event Center, Davao City.
The primary objective of the celebration was to commemorate the successful collective efforts that led to the elimination of insurgency within the Davao Region. The event aimed to recognize the contributions of various stakeholders and reinforce the commitment to maintaining a peaceful and secure environment to all regions.

The activity was participated by approximately 170 guests from various Security Sectors, Legal Sectors, National and Local Government Agencies from Davao Regions, Friends Rescued and Indigenous People Structure.

Messages of encouragement and solidarity were conveyed by notable figures actively engaged in the pursuit of enduring peace in the Davao Region during the aforementioned celebration. The individuals who shared their support included Ms. Arian Jane Ramos- Former Secretary of Guerilla Front 55, SRC 5, SMRC, Mr. Tumanuron Boyson E. Anib, Sr.- Executive Council Member of IPS/ADMO Director, Secretary Leo Tereso Magno- Presidential Assistant for Eastern Mindanao, BGen Consolito P Yecla PA, Deputy Commander of the Eastern Mindanao Command and Hon. Sebastian Z. Duterte, City Mayor of Davao.

The Davao Region stands today as a testament to the power of unity, resilience, and collective effort as it joyously celebrates the first anniversary of being insurgency-free. It commemorates not just the absence of conflict but the triumph of collaboration, commitment, and unwavering determination.

The journey to an insurgency-free Davao Region was no easy feat. It required the coordinated efforts of government agencies, security forces, local leaders, and the resilient communities that call this region home. The eradication of insurgency reflects a shared commitment to fostering an environment where peace can flourish, enabling progress and development to take root.

As this activity is celebrated, it is crucial to remain vigilant and proactive in addressing any potential challenges that may arise. Ongoing collaboration between government agencies, security forces, and the community will be essential to maintaining the insurgency-free status in the Davao Region.

The City Government of Davao through Peace 911 conducted the School Kits Distribution to students in the remote barangays of Paquibato and Calinan Districts on October 17-20 2023 and October 24, 2023.

School kits were given to the students of 65 schools identified as Geographically Isolated and Disadvantaged (GIDA) areas of Paquibato and Calinan. A total of 16,810 school kits were distributed on the duration of the activity. The aim of this initiative is to provide support to students for their studies and encourage them to continue to study so that they can achieve their dreams in life.

School supplies play a crucial role in supporting students’ education in far-flung areas. It provides them accessibility to engage in learning, enhance the quality of learning experiences, helps maintain continuity in education and provide positive psychological impact. This demonstrates that their education is valued and that they have the support they need to succeed academically.

Business developments in Marilog and Paquibato Districts have been arising in the past years. Although these business boost tourism spots and increase financial growth in their respective districts, it cannot be denied that most of the business owners encountered challenges upon processing their business permits.

To address these concerns, the City Mayor’s Office – Peace 911 initiated a Business Forum intended for the business owners of Paquibato and Marilog District. This was held on October 13, 2023 at the University of Southeastern Philippines, Obrero Campus. To answer their questions about business processing, the office invited relevant agencies to spearhead the activity such as the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples, City Assessors Office, City Treasurer’s Office, City Tourism Office, Office of the City Building Official, City Mayor’s Office, Business Bureau, City Planning and Development Office, and Councilor Al Ryan Alejandre.

The activity was attended by different business owners; 11 business owners from Paquibato District, and 38 business owners from Marilog District. To give a background about business processing, selected agencies presented their process flows. The Business Bureau discussed about Business Permit and Licensing System, City Tourism discussed about Tourism Standards and Licensing Unit, Department of Environment and Natural Resources discussed about Ancestral Domain requirements and City Planning and Development Office about Comprehensive Land Use Plans.

In summary, this business forum serves as a multifaceted platform that contributes to the growth and development of business and professionals by facilitating knowledge exchange, networking, problem-solving through collaboration with the government agencies.

The City Government of Davao through Peace 911, in coordination with the City Agriculturist’s Office, spearheaded the abaca propagation program, where the City Government of Davao supported the cultivation of true and native varieties of abaca. This measure will help the abaca farmers gradually eradicate the daratex type of abaca, identified as a fake variety that had infiltrated the abaca industry in Davao City.

This initiative was later on recognized as the Productivity Enhancement for Abaca Commodity Enterprise (PEACE) Program as part of the intervention and long-term solution for the affected abaca farmers. This involves the following:
1) Gradual eradication of Daratex abaca.
2) Procurement, distribution and planting of the recommended abaca varieties such as the Tanggongon to replace Daratex abaca.    
3) Procurement, distribution and planting of Agroforestry seedlings and Fruit Tree seedlings.
4) Enhancement of the Tissue Culture Laboratory.
5) Establishment of on-site abaca nurseries.

As of November 30, 2023, the City Government of Davao already established two (2) on-site abaca nurseries in Barangay Tapak. A total of 10,645 abaca plantlets were distributed to the 106 affected farmers. Additional abaca plantlets will be delivered and distributed in the coming weeks. Moreover, these abaca nurseries will help the affected abaca farmers to obtain true and native abaca plantlets or seedlings that they can cultivate on their own farms. Below are the details of the distribution of abaca activities conducted in Brgy. Tapak, Paquibato District, Davao City.

On September 11, 2023, the Office of the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity (OPAPRU) Eastern Mindanao, in collaboration with Davao City local government through Peace 911 and other provincial governments in Davao Region- Davao Del Norte, Davao Oriental, Davao de Oro and Davao Occidental, inaugurated the Peace Village Exhibit held at the Annex Building, SM Ecoland, Davao City.

Peace Village Exhibit is part of the month-long celebration of the National Peace Consciousness Month with the theme: “Kapayapaan: Responsibilidad sa Bawat Mamamayan”. This event is a dynamic experience that seeks to inspire reflection and action on issues related to peace, conflict resolution, and global cooperation. It was conceptualized as a response to the pressing need for fostering peace in a world grappling with various forms of conflict and tension and to highlight the region’s progress towards achieving peace, ultimately resulting in the declaration of insurgency-free region.

The event commenced with a ribbon-cutting ceremony led by Vice President Sara Z. Duterte- Philippine Vice President, Secretary Leo Tereso Magno- Presidential Assistant for Eastern Mindanao, Atty. Elisa Evangelista-Lapiña- OPAPRU Eastern Mindanao Director, Colonel Marion Angcao- Commander of 1003rd Infantry (Raptor) Brigade, Hon. Edwin Jubahib- Governor of Davao del Norte, Engr. Rodger Velasco- Chief Operating Officer of Davao Light and Power Company, Engr. Jonathan Nick Santos- SM Assistant Vice-President for Operations, Sec. Renato Pedro Villa- Assistant Secretary of Department of Foreign Affairs and Hon. Marissa Abella, Second District Councilor.

Hon. Marrisa Abella, the representative of Hon. Sebastian Z. Duterte read the welcoming message of the Davao City Mayor and the Chair of the Regional Peace and Order Council-Davao Region.

“We have come a long way in our goal of achieving sustainable peace and development in the region. It has been a year since Davao Region has been declared insurgency free and have continued to be so until the present. To the collaborative efforts of our local government, private partners and all agencies of the government involved who have sustained our campaign and today we are proud to showcase those achievements. May this exhibit further encourage all of us to continue working in achieving sustainable and lasting peace and educate people on how they can contribute to fostering safe and peaceful community. Congrats everyone to a job well done”.

Meanwhile, Vice President of the Philippines, Hon. Sara Z. Duterte also gave her message and support to this event.
“To officially open the Peace Village where we showcase the gains of our peacebuilding efforts in the Davao Region, the peace village grand opening is the special moment in Davao’s quest for enduring peace and prosperity. This exhibit celebrates the Insurgency Free status of Davao Region. For Davao City, the successful end of our anti-insurgency campaign through the impact of Peace 911.”
Hon. Duterte in her message called upon everyone to foster a sense of support and collaboration, bringing people together to work towards common goals.
The Vice President of the Philippines personally hopes and prays that the Philippines will soon witness the end of insurgency across the country.

“Mga kababayan, patuloy tayo maging matatag para sa isang bansang makabata at mga batang makabansa. Lahat ng ating ginagawa ay para sa diyos, sa bayan at sa pamilyang Pilipino”.

The exhibitors from the different regions showcased various aspects related to peace that will serve as a medium for expressing awareness, promote understanding and inspire communities to actively engage in peacebuilding initiatives.

In a world still marked by conflicts and divisions, the Peace Exhibit offers a ray of hope and a vision of a more peaceful and harmonious future. The Peace Village Exhibit is scheduled to run from September 11, 2023 to September 13, 2023.

On September 1, 2023, the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity (OPAPRU)- Eastern Mindanao together with the City Government of Davao through Peace 911 formally opened the National Peace Consciousness Month celebration at the Royal Mandaya Hotel, Davao City.

Under the Proclamation No. 675, the month of September has been declared National Peace Consciousness Month. With this year’s theme: Kapayapaan: Responsibilidad ng Bawat Mamayanan serves as a reminder that peace is a shared responsibility, and it encourages individuals, communities, and nations to actively work toward a more peaceful world. It provides platforms for actions and initiatives that promotes harmony and resolution on conflicts through non-violent means.

Atty. Jonah Margarette F. Presto, Peace 911 Focal Person and the Assistant Chief of Staff of the City Mayor’s Office welcomed all the guests from the different regions who attended the event- Davao del Norte, Davao Oriental, Davao de Oro and Davao Occidental, Security Sectors, Private and Peace Partners, National and Local Government Agencies, Punong Barangays and Friends Rescued. An estimated of 150 attendees participated in the celebration.

“In the coming days, may we all have the same high drive, passion and commitment towards maintaining peace in our city, region and our country; kay walay laing maka hatag ug kalainaw saatong nasod kundi kita lang”, Atty. Presto said.

Hon. Sebastian Duterte- City Mayor of Davao, also the Chair of the Regional Peace and Order Council-Davao Region, reiterated his steadfast commitment to the peace initiatives of the national government underscoring the projects designed to preserve peace, with the aim of keeping the Davao City free from insurgencies and a stronghold of stability and progress.

“Today, we gathered in the spirit of unity and shared responsibility to foster peace in our communities in line with this year’s theme: Kapayapaan: Responsibilidad ng Bawat Mamayan, and as we mark the beginning of this month-long celebration, we reinforce our resolve as public servants, and peace champions to sustain peace in our respective localities throughout Davao Region”, Mayor Duterte said on his speech.

This event prompts the importance of peace in our society and encourages individuals and communities to take concrete actions to build a more peaceful world. It can also serve as a catalyst for ongoing peace initiatives and engagement throughout the month and beyond.

Meanwhile, Atty. Elisa D. Evangelista-Lapiña- OPAPRU Eastern Mindanao Director, said in her speech, “Today, as we open the celebration of National Peace Month, let us show the entire Philippines that Davao Region is resilient, strong, and collaborative in its peace efforts in order to sustain a peaceful region and this of course we can do through the culture of good governance.”

The opening of National Peace Consciousness Month 2023 in Davao City occurred simultaneously in Puerto Princesa City, Palawan which was spearheaded by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. which also announces that Palawan Island has been declared free from insurgency.

The opening of Peace Month is a significant event that sets the tone for a month-long celebration focused on promoting peace, unity, and conflict resolution.

The Peace 911 conducted the Panag-ambit for the Community – focusing its consultation with the residents in its 17 focus area barangays.

June 30, 2023 – Barangay Paquibato Proper Barangay Gym
August 4, 2023 – Barangay Colosas Barangay Gym
August 11, 2023 – Barangay Tapak Barangay Gym
September 5, 2023 – Barangay Sumimao, Barangay Malabog and Barangay Fatima Barangay Sumimao Gym
September 12, 2023 – Barangay Pañalum, Barangay Mabuhay, Barangay Paradise Embac, and Barangay Pandaitan Barangay Pañalum Gym
September 19, 2023 – Barangay Mapula, Barangay Salapawan and Barangay Lumiad Barangay Mapula Gym
September 26, 2023 – Barangay Inayangan, Barangay Dominga, Barangay Saloy and Barangay Megkawayan Barangay Inayangan Gym

Panag-ambit is a community consultation which aims to let the community decide for themselves on what they want, what assistances they need, and let them determine what are those needs that should be prioritized.

Atty. Jonah Margarette F. Presto, Peace 911 Focal Person welcomed all the participants. She explained to them what is Panag-ambit and remarked to take advantage of the said activity so that the City Government of Davao will be able to deliver the services that are needed in their barangay. She hoped that through this activity, the residents and the government will be able to work together for the development and sustainability of peace in their community.

The participants, grouped by sector namely: Women, Youth, Farmers, Indigenous People and Faith-based Organizations, Persons with Disabilities (PWDs), Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Intersex, and Asexual + (LGBTQIA+), and Former Rebels (FRs), were assigned the task of identifying and listing issues and concerns that have been addressed by Peace 911. They were then tasked with identifying the current issues and concerns within their community that require attention. Moreover, the participants from each sector collaborated to prioritize the issues and concerns that need immediate resolution.

Following the group activity, representatives from each group presented their output. Participants highlighted that the primary issue successfully addressed by Peace 911 was insurgency. They conveyed their gratitude for the restored peace within their community. The representatives also outlined their ongoing issues and concerns, along with the prioritization of problems that need to be addressed.

Finally, each group representative underwent an interview conducted by Peace 911. This interview aimed to discern the successes and challenges of Peace 911’s peacebuilding activities, as perceived through the experiences and observations of the residents.

Representatives from Barangay Councils thanked the Peace 911 for conducting the Panag-ambit activity in their barangays. They also thanked the residents who attended for actively participating in the said activity. They hoped that the conduct of the Panag-ambit will have a big impact in the peace and order of their community.

CONCLUSION
The conduct of Panag-ambit or community consultations has provided new insights into the issues and concerns within the communities in Paquibato and Calinan Districts. In contrast to the Panag-ambit sessions during the initial operations of Peace 911, where fear and hunger were the prevalent concerns expressed by the community, the recent Panag-ambit revealed a significant shift in relation to the concerns, issues, and priorities on the ground.

Peace 911 analyzed the 434 responses collected from the consultations conducted in its 17 focused barangays. This is relative to the issues and concerns that were successfully addressed by the City Government of Davao. The findings revealed that infrastructure development, insurgency, and provision of assistance were the top three resolved issues and concerns identified by respondents. This indicates a significant impact of the Peace 911 program in addressing critical community needs.

On August 17, 2023, the City Mayor’s Office-Peace 911 in coordination with the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) XI conducted an Economic Development Training: Pickles, Dried Fish, and Banana Chips Making to the identified 70 participants, who are members of the Indigenous Peoples from the barangays of Paquibato Proper, Mapula, Fatima, Malabog, Pañalum, Tapak, Paradise Embac, Colosas, Salapawan, Pandaitan, and to Friends Rescued women who are under the custody of the PS7 Malabog Police Station. The training was conducted at Barangay Pañalum, Paquibato District, Davao City.

The TESDA XI conducted live demonstrations which allowed the 70 participants to observe and ask questions. During the training, participants engaged actively in the step-by-step process of pickles, banana chips and dried fish production. They acquired new skills related to processing, packaging, marketing and increase their sense of entrepreneurship.

The said training aims to provide new technical skills to the community and improve their financial stability to meet their basic needs.

The products must be embraced by local communities as a means of income generation, promoting agricultural practices and fostering community unity. It will also emerge as an example of sustainable developments, leveraging local resources for economic empowerment, most especially to the Indigenous People and to the betterment of the lives of our friends rescued.

With this ongoing support, the community is poised to overcome challenges and continue reaping the benefits of pickles, banana chips and dried fish production which will serve as an inspiration to other communities seeking similar opportunities.