OPAPRU recommends calling former rebels ‘peace advocates’
By Renelle L. Escuadro
BUTUAN CITY (PIA) – Secretary Carlito G. Galvez Jr., presidential adviser for Peace, Reconciliation and Unity called on the public, including media partners and government communicators, to address the former rebels or FRs as peace advocates, during the Community Assembly for Peace and Development in Caraga Region press conference.
Sec. Galvez highlighted the importance of peace and conflict-sensitive language as a significant step to remove stigma and strengthen social healing and peacebuilding among the peace advocates, together with their families and communities, as they continue to transform through the government’s sustainable reintegration program.
“We no longer call them former rebels or FRs. Instead they are peace advocates because of their courage to change and commitment to peace,” he said.
The secretary also commended the unwavering efforts of the provincial governors in the region in supporting the reintegration of the peace advocates, expressing gratitude by saying, “Thank you for not leaving them [peace advocates] behind and for sustaining the government’s peace initiatives despite the challenges.”
He acknowledged the invaluable contributions of various government agencies for their sincere delivery of services to the peace advocates, bringing the government closer to them. “Peace is not a final destination – it is a shared endeavor, anchored on mutual trust, respect and inclusive development.”
PH 1st convergence of peace advocates
Serving as the country’s first convergence of peace advocates spearheaded by the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity (OPAPRU), around 300 peace advocates across the region gathered together in one setting to share the evolving roles of FRs and non-combatant people’s organizations (POs) as they transition from conflict-affected individuals into organized peace stakeholders participating in local governance, development planning and peace advocacy, including their legitimacy and value in sustaining peace gains – reorganizing their firsthand knowledge of conflict dynamics, cultural context and grassroots needs as critical assets to localized peacebuilding.
It also documented the real-life success stories of reintegrated peace advocates in livelihood, education and employment, including how they were able to create and establish a legitimate federation from the region down to the provincial level in the four provinces of Caraga as tangible proof of transformation from armed struggle to empowered citizenship.
The peace advocates are hopeful that federation engagements will also happen at the municipal and barangay levels as demonstration of strong support and effective leadership in the region.
UCPDFI as peace partner
The United Caraganons for Peace and Development Federation, Inc. (UCPDFI) was also launched during the significant activity held on September 8 in Butuan City. Headed by Aljun Intano, as president, the UCPDFI is the Caraga regional federation composed of peace advocates who committed to become active development partners in promoting government programs and contributing to long-term stability and nation-building.
In Caraga, federations at the provincial level were also formed to ensure that peace is sustained through community ownership, legitimacy and capacity-building at the grassroots level, namely, United Agusanon for Peace Agricultural Workers Association for the province of Agusan del Norte; for Agusan del Sur, Hugpong sa Nagkahiusang Agsurnon Alang sa Kalinaw ug Kalambuan was formed; United Surigaonon for Integrated and Development for Farmers Association for Surigao del Norte; and SurPeace United Farmers Association for Surigao del Sur.
Key officers of the federation presented their proposed income generating projects for endorsement to stakeholders and facilitated a participatory dialogue through an open forum for policy alignment and strengthen multi-agency commitments and build consensus on forward-looking peace initiatives such as for the United Agusanon for Peace Agricultural Workers Association, it presented a P29.7 million worth of livelihood projects to the panel composed of the provincial governors and regional heads of the different national government agencies.
Commitment of support
Agusan del Sur Governor Santiago B. Cane Jr. manifested his support to the federations and their respective reintegration endeavors. “Hard work, perseverance and obedience to the law and the government are the ingredients to life’s success,” he said as he shared his transformation journey from a security guard to now a public official of the province to inspire the participants. He committed to support the peace advocates through the province’s livelihood programs and other economic assistance that his administration has made available for them.
“Insurgency is never the answer to the outcry of the Filipinos for a better life. Instead, it moves them farther away from achieving their dreams for themselves and for their families,” he added. “Education is a very powerful instrument to free us from the shackles of poverty. And so, educate yourselves so that you can give a brighter future for your family.”
Serving as a beacon of hope, Attorney Elisa D. Evangelista-Lapiña of OPAPRU announced that the Caraga region has recorded the highest number of issued Safe Conduct Passes for individuals awaiting the President’s approval of their amnesty application. “There are also more than 250 cases for dismissal across the region.”
Attorney Ingrid T. Rullon-Nastor, regional director of the Caraga Public Attorney’s Office (PAO) gave assurance that their office is open to serve the peace advocates.” If you need legal assistance, PAO Caraga is always open even during weekends. Do not be afraid to talk to us because we will assist you.”
Philippine Information Agency (PIA) Caraga Regional Head Venus L. Garcia committed to provide accurate, timely and relevant information to the communities of the peace advocates, including relaying the government’s programs and projects to the peace advocates for them to access such interventions. “Together, let us bridge bridges of trust, break down barriers of division and bring the message of peace to every corner of this nation.”
Meanwhile, the Community Assembly for Peace and Development in Caraga Region formed part of this year’s celebration of the National Peace Consciousness Month through Proclamation No. 675, series of 2004, with the theme, ’Mapayapang Bukas Abot-Kamay sa Bagong Pilipinas.’ (RLE, PIA Dinagat Islands)
