Published on: May 24, 2024 | Written by: Beatriz Faye G. Carreon
Zamboanga City – May 16, 2024 – The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) IX effectively carried out the Roll-Out on Capacitating Urban Communities for Peace and Development (CUCPD) at La Casa Gracia Resort in Curuan, Zamboanga City. The event gathered 100 participants from the seven barangays of Curuan District – namely Quiniput, Lubigan, Buenavista, Latuan, Dita, Curuan, and Calabasa.
CUCPD is a key initiative by DILG designed to tackle the underlying causes of insurgency and armed conflicts using a sectoral-based approach. The program aims to pinpoint the critical and immediate needs of society’s most vulnerable sectors and empower them to foster inclusive peace and development.
The event began with an in-depth presentation by DILG IX LGOO VI Elmer C. Egama, who outlined the rationale and details of Executive Order No. 70, s. 2018, enacted by former President Rodrigo Roa Duterte. LGOO VI Egama highlighted the crucial role of the CUCPD in reshaping and redirecting government policies to attain sustainable peace through the engagement of various sectors as partners in peace and development.
Speaking on behalf of Regional Director Paisal O. Abutazil, CESO III, Ginagene S. Vaño-Uy, City Director of Zamboanga City, emphasized the crucial role of community cooperation in achieving peace and development. CD Vaño-Uy reassured participants that the government is dedicated to meeting their needs, regardless of their location, and ensuring their voices are acknowledged.
Jessie Christopher Lapinid, the Assistant Planning Coordinator of Zamboanga City, offered insights into the programs and mechanisms of Local Government Units (LGUs), highlighting the importance of engaging various sectors for effective governance and development.
Niño Narmel Linejan, Operations Officer of the National Intelligence Coordinating Agency (NICA) IX, led an enlightening session on recognizing the dangers posed by the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP)/New People’s Army (NPA)/National Democratic Front (NDF) and their propaganda strategies. His presentation provided participants with the knowledge to resist exploitation by Communist Terrorist Groups (CTGs) and introduced the Bagong Pilipinas Movement, a leadership initiative by President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr., designed to transform Filipino mindsets, values, and behaviors for the betterment of the nation.
Emma Albarico from the Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) led an afternoon session utilizing the Sectoral Issues and Needs Assessment Tool (SINAT). This tool enabled participants to identify and prioritize community issues, evaluate their satisfaction with existing responses, and propose solutions, thus shaping future interventions and programs.
The activity resulted in participants gaining a better understanding of LGU programs and mechanisms, especially regarding sectoral engagement. It also raised awareness about the threats posed by CPP-NPA-NDF and provided strategies to counteract their propaganda. Additionally, the introduction of the Bagong Pilipinas Movement presented a potential path for community empowerment and development. Furthermore, the identification of community issues and needs established a basis for targeted interventions and programs within the CUCPD framework.
The activity acted as a hub for multi-sectoral engagement and cooperation aimed at peace and development. The event facilitated the sharing of knowledge, raised awareness, and empowered the community, setting the stage for future initiatives focused on addressing local challenges and promoting sustainable development.