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Peace and Development Center: A symbol of peace in Aurora

By: Victor Baldemor Ruiz

BALER, AURORA — This day marked a major milestone for this province, as it launched its first Peace and Development Center here in Baler. Quezon.

The Peace and Development Center’s launching was led by the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity (OPAPRU) Sec. Carlito G. Galvez, Jr., Lone District of Aurora Congressman Rommel T. Angara, Aurora Governor Reynante A. Tolentino, Aurora Vice Governor, Jennifer A. Araña, OPAPRU Presidential Assistant Wilben M. Mayor, OPAPRU Executive Director Cesar De Mesa, Northern Luzon Command (NOLCOM) Lieutenant General Fernyl G. Buca, 7th ID Commander, Major General Andrew Costelo and 703rd BDE Brigadier General Joseph Norwin Pasamonte.

“Ang Peace and Development Center na ito ang magiging pangunahing simbolo ng kapayapaan dito sa lalawigan ng Aurora. Ito din ay isang pagkilala sa napakahalagang papel ng probinsya upang makamit ang tunay at pangmatagalang kapayapaan para sa lahat ng Pilipino at sa bansa,” Galvez said.


He also noted that the facility is more than a symbol of peace, as it shall serve as a hub to facilitate the planning, coordination, and implementation of peacebuilding programs and projects in Aurora in the coming years.

“Kaya naman po, lagi nating tandaan na ang pagkamit ng kapayapaan ay hindi lamang responsibilidad ng isang tao o ahensya lamang,” Galvez told the participants at the event, which included 95 members of various Peoples Organizations with 18 FRs members.

“The path to peace is a course that needs to be pursued together by all stakeholders. As President Ferdinand Marcos Jr has said, no one should be left behind in the peacebuilding and development process,” he said, urging the people to support the Marcos Administration’s Peace, Reconciliation and Unity Agenda.

In his remarks, Tolentino expressed his gratitude to the unceasing efforts of OPAPRU and other stakeholders that made the establishment of the Peace and Development Center possible.


“Sa paglulunsad ng Peace and Development Center, ako ay puno ng pag-asa na marami pang mga kapatid natin ang magbabalik-loob sa pamahalaan at makikiisa natin sa kampanya tungo sa mapayapang Aurora,” added Tolentino.

During the launch of the Peace and Development Center, Danilo German, a former rebel, shared his journey of transformation from being a regular member of CPP-NPA to becoming a peaceful and productive member of the province of Aurora.

“Ang mga former rebel, hindi ginamit para sa accomplishments ng AFP (Armed Forces of the Philippines) at PNP (Philippine National Police), ngunit naging mga instrumento upang tugunan ang mga pangangailangan na makamit natin ang tunay na kapayapaan,” German said.

Congressman Rommel Angara, for his part, encouraged rebels to reintegrate to mainstream society and reap the benefits of government programs and initiatives intended for them.


Galvez also expressed his sympathies to those who were affected by the recent armed encounters between the AFP and members of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA), which led to the forced evacuation of hundreds of families in Dipaculao, Aurora.

“This is not the kind of community we want to raise our children in. As peacebuilders and peace advocates, let us work hand in hand so we can finally put an end to this cycle of violence. Kinakailangang matapos at hindi na maulit muli ang ganitong mga insidente,” the peace adviser said.

Tags: Jr., Sec. Carlito G. Galvez

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