The Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity (OPAPRU) and local chief executives of six provinces, three cities, and 39 municipalities across the country inked a Memorandum of Agreement last week in a bid to enhance their collaboration in the implementation of Payapa at Masaganang Pamayanan (PAMANA) projects.
Some 43 governors and mayors gathered at the Philippine International Convention Center to formalize their commitment to support the OPAPRU in the implementation of PAMANA projects for the fiscal year (FY) 2024.
More importantly, the event marked another major milestone in the national government’s efforts to bring greater peace, development and stability in geographically-isolated and disadvantaged areas (GIDAS).
Under the agreement, the local government units will support the implementation of 70 PAMANA-funded infrastructural and development projects nationwide.
These projects include, among others, road concreting and improvements projects; the construction of farm-to-market roads, bridges, farmers training centers, water systems; and the provision of rainwater collectors and water storage tanks.
LGUS, A VITAL COMPONENT OF PEACEBUILDING EFFORTS
In his opening remarks, Secretary Carlito G. Galvez Jr. emphasized the indispensable role that LGUs play in the peacebuilding and development process.
“Napaka-importante po ng role ng ating mga LGUs because it is only through localized normalization and transformation implementation that our programs become sustainable because we all contribute, the LGUs contribute,” said Galvez.
He noted that as local leaders, they are able to view issues and concerns “from a more grounded and realistic perspective” because of their understanding of local dynamics, allowing them to recommend the best solutions in addressing the root causes of conflict.
The peace adviser also expressed his gratitude to Albay 2nd District Representative Joey Sarte Salceda for helping to bring these PAMANA projects into fruition.
“Dahil po kay Cong. Salceda, nabuhay po muli [ang PAMANA],” Galvez stressed.
He also shared President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. guidance to LGUs during the “Panabang Kasanyagan” Peace Offering Celebration in Basilan last March 2, 2024, wherein he emphasized the need to support the transition of former rebels into mainstream society.
“Kailangan baguhin natin ang buhay ng ating mga kapatid na gusto nang mag-bagong buhay…At ito po ay hindi magbabago kung wala ang PAMANA at iba pang mga programang nakaderetso sa kanila [sa ating mga kababayan],” Galvez added.
He called on local chief officials to effectively and efficiently implement PAMANA projects, as these will be crucial in finally putting an end to armed conflict.
Galvez said that this is in recognition of the reality that as the country approaches a post-conflict era and the Armed Forces of the Philippines now focuses its efforts on territorial defense, LGUs would take the lead in the implementation of peacebuilding interventions.
He also thanked the Department of Budget and Management, the Department of Public Works and Development, the Philippine Senate and Congress for allocating and approving OPAPRU’s fund request of Php 5 billion for the implementation of PAMANA projects which are critical in sustaining the gains of peace.
