Published on: December 25, 2023 | Written by: Beatriz Faye G. Carreon

Zamboanga Peninsula – The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) IX successfully conducted the Rollout on Capacitating Urban Communities for Peace and Development (CUCPD) program with great enthusiasm. This endeavor, conducted in diverse locations within Zamboanga Peninsula, sought to tackle the  fundamental reasons behind insurgency and armed conflicts through a comprehensive and inclusive strategy. 

The CUCPD initiative is in accordance with the government’s dedication to attain peace that is both inclusive and sustainable, as specified in Executive Order (EO) No. 70, proclaimed by President Rodrigo Roa Duterte in 2018. Acknowledging that challenges related to insurgency and armed conflicts extend beyond military considerations, the government has emphasized the integration of basic services and social welfare packages as a priority. This approach reflects an understanding that such issues are indicative of wider social, economic, and historical issues.  

The implementation covered various significant areas on the following dates: 

December 04, 2023: Dumingag, Zamboanga del Sur

December 06, 2023: Molave, Zamboanga del Sur

December 13, 2023: Leon B. Postigo, Zamboanga del Norte

December 14, 2023: Siay, Zamboanga Sibugay

The CUCPD initiative employs a sector-specific methodology to pinpoint the pressing requirements of marginalized segments within society. Concentrating on issues such as underdevelopment, inequality, injustice, and oppression within economic, political, and societal frameworks, the program seeks to tackle the root causes that render specific sectors more prone to the influence of factions that promote armed conflicts.   

Furthermore, the CUCPD initiative promotes the transformation of Local Chief Executives (LCEs) and LGU functionaries into transformative leaders. This involves redefining the local governance framework to better address the specific needs of the community, including considerations of local, social, cultural, institutional, and economic factors. The ultimate aim is to foster the active engagement of diverse sectors in society, contributing to the ongoing efforts to achieve sustainable peace and prosperity. 

DILG IX took a proactive stance in facilitating and backing the implementation of the CUCPD program, emphasizing its dedication to fostering peace and development at the community level. By actively collaborating with and involving local communities, the Department seeks to make a substantial contribution to the broader objective of attaining enduring peace and prosperity in the region.