Written By: Sendy B. Herbosa-Leyson | Photos By: Dianne Saldivar

Zamboanga Peninsula, Philippines – The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) IX successfully conducted an orientation on the Early Warning, Prevention, and Response (EWPR) Toolkit for target barangays in Zamboanga City and Isabela City on October 21, 2025. A subsequent session was held for barangays in Sindangan and Salug, Zamboanga del Norte, from October 23–24, 2025.

The activity aimed to equip local officials and stakeholders with the EWPR Toolkit as a mechanism for identifying early signs of violent extremism, developing preventive interventions, and strengthening coordination to mitigate potential threats. Through this orientation, participants gained a deeper understanding of community-based approaches to peacebuilding, enhancing their preparedness and responsiveness to security concerns.