OPAPRU, OSAP, MinDA, and LGUs lead Serbisyo Peace Caravan
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KABACAN, COTABATO – Hundreds gathered here on Tuesday, September 2, to celebrate the 29th Anniversary of the signing of the 1996 Final Peace Agreement (FPA) between the Government of the Philippines (GPH) and the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF).
The festive mood inside the University of Southern Mindanao (USM) auditorium reflected the significance of the occasion – the forging of the landmark peace deal that put an end to decades of armed conflict and paved the way for future peace accords in the Bangsamoro.
More than 500 MNLF members from communities in Cotabato Province, representatives from 19 national line agencies and regional government offices, members of the security sector, and other peace partners took part in the event, which included a Serbisyo Caravan.
Leading the momentous occasion were the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity (OPAPRU), Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA), Provincial Government of Cotabato, Municipal Officials of Kabakan, and USM, which hosted the event.
The participating agencies included the Department of Agriculture (DA), National Amnesty Commission (NAC), Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), Department of Tourism, National Bureau of Immigration (BI), Department of Labor and Employment, Department of Science and Technology (DOST), Integrated Provincial Health Office (IPHO), Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA), Department of Social Welfare and Development, PhilHealth, World Vision Foundation – Philippines, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), and Philippine National Police (PNP).
In his keynote speech, MinDA Chairperson Secretary Leo Tereso A. Magno emphasized that the gains of peace that are now being enjoyed by the MNLF and all Mindanaoans are a result of a collective effort.
According to Magno, the commemoration of the 1996 FPA signing is a reminder that “peace is not a one-time achievement, but a continuous journey,” as he lauded all peace stakeholders for their invaluable contribution to this milestone.
Building and sustaining dividends of peace
“The landmark peace agreement signed exactly 29 years ago today laid the groundwork for autonomy, reconciliation, and inclusive governance in Mindanao,” Magno said, underscoring the remarkable transformation that is taking place in MNLF communities and across Mindanao.
Cotabato Governor Emmylou “Lala” Taliño-Mendoza reaffirmed her administration’s full support for the various peace building and development initiatives being carried out by the national government in the province
“We are one with you, as well as we are confident of our government that they will continue to support us to continue monitoring all the programs and projects implemented in our locality,” Taliño-Mendoza said.
“To all MNLF officials and families, you are the very reason why we are celebrating this occasion; we are one with you. We are confident that our government will continue to support and monitor all the programs and projects implemented in our locality. Solangon sa mga pagari ko, magpasalamat tayo sa gobyerno at sa pagsisikap ng bawat isa. Alalahanin natin na mas masarap mamuhay kaysa magkaroon ng kaaway,” she said.
Bangsamoro Member of Parliament (MP) Romeo Sema, who represented MNLF Acting Chairman Abdulkarim Misuari, and Uttoh Salem Cutan, chairperson of the MNLF Management Committee, gave messages of support.
“Peace is not given, it is built day by day,” Misuari said, adding, “The people of Cotabato are determined to protect these gains because we know that development can only be sustained in an environment of peace.”
Cutan, for his part, lauded Presidential Peace Adviser Secretary Carlito G. Galvez, Jr., for his steadfast commitment to peace and leading the implementation of programs and projects that have helped improve the conditions of MNLF members and their communities.
“As we commemorate the 29th anniversary of the 1996 Final Peace Agreement signing, we commit to continue working together towards the completion of the remaining commitments, especially on socio-economic concerns,” he said.
In his remarks, Galvez emphasized the importance of the 1996 FPA and the initiatives being implemented by the OPAPRU to push forward, build on, and sustain the dividends of peace in Mindanao.
“Ito ang dahilan kung bakit kami, mula sa OPAPRU, kasama ang iba’t ibang ahensya ng pamahalaan, ay nandirito ngayon upang maghatid ng serbisyo at ipaalam sa inyo ang mga programa ng pamahalaan,” he explained.
The peace adviser also underscored the importance of stronger collaboration between the national government, local government units, and the private sector in bringing greater peace, development, and progress in communities.
Sports for peace with AFP, PNP, MNLF
“[Ito ay upang] patuloy nating maisulong ang mga programang magbibigay daan sa mas mabilis na pag-unlad ng mga komunidad dito sa Mindanao,” Galvez said, who also led the inauguration of a Level II Water System in Kabacan, North Cotabato.
The water system was built through the OPAPRU’s Payapa at Masaganang Pamayanan (PAMANA) Program, the national government’s convergence program that carries out high-impact, community-driven projects in conflict-affected areas across the country.
Special Assistant to the President Secretary Antonio Ernesto Lagdameo also sent his greetings and pledge of support to the MNLF, saying the administration of President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. is determined to fulfill all of the national government’s commitments under the FPA.
The day-long Serbisyo Caravan included medical consultations and dental services, provision of free medicines and social services, and the conduct of an Information, Education and Communication (IEC) campaign for government programs and services.
A “Kids for Peace” activity for 325 MNLF children was also co-organized by the OPAPRU and World Vision Foundation – Philippines. They were given hygiene and school kits and were taught the basic concepts of peace and harmony through storytelling, arts, and games.
A “Sports for Peace” basketball tournament was also held for members of the PNP, the AFP, and MNLF members, which aimed to promote the spirit of sportsmanship, mutual understanding, and solidarity. (/)